Triumphrat

Irishguy · 11-04-2009, 07:00 AM

I'm tired of hitting little bumps in the road with the stock rear shocks on my 2001 Bonneville and it almost giving me a spinal chord injury. So I have read through the "shocks" thread and to be honest it is a little long and a little vague so I thought I would start this thread about a specific shock.

In the shock thread I found one person who had the Progressive 412 shocks and was happy with them. They seem like an inexpensive upgrade. I know lots of people will want to chime in about the latest and greatest shocks that cost much more, but I am just curious if the Progressive 412's are a worthwhile inexpensive upgrade from the stock shocks.

I have found a brand new set of 14.25" [Thruxton length] Progressive 412's for a Harley Sportster for only $165 and it seems to be a nice cheap upgrade. [Once I do these I will look for an inexpensive upgrade for the forks, although the forks are not bothering me as much as the rear shocks.]

Should I pull the trigger?

propforward · 11-04-2009, 07:54 AM

Fixing the suspension is an excellent upgrade, and once done you'll wish you had done it sooner.

nausetlight · 11-04-2009, 08:23 AM

I am in the same boat with my 2010 Scrambler, I'm a good sized guy (240lbs) and would like to upgrade the suspension on the cheap (relatively cheap anyway)......what are the best things to do without going broke?
Progressives, Ikons, what about fork springs dual or progressive, is a brace worth it, what about fork valves (intimator and such)?

atlantaallen · 11-04-2009, 08:52 AM

I've used P 412's on 2 bikes so far and both times I've been pleased.

On my T100 I mounted 1" shorter P 412's
and dropped a set of Intiminators in the forks.

That combo gives you a firm , but very plush ride.
No brake dive and no sharp cracks to the spine.

All is very well controlled and very comfortable.

Make sure your 412's are new because you need the right bushings for your Bonnie. They come new with numerous sets to fit many different bikes. Also, shocks are easy to install, but some owners report the stock Bonnie bushing frozen to the mount. Aggravating, but not a deal killer. Happened to me.

I weigh 250#.

Good luck.

mightydaj · 11-04-2009, 10:27 AM

I have those shocks on my bonnie and they worked nicely. Like you say there are lots of more expensive shocks that probably are better, but the 412's were a great improvement.

I do have one caution for you to consider though. You may not want to get longer (thrux) shocks. I recently mounted a larger diameter tire which raised the rear end around the same amount. This moved enough weight forward that the shock is now a little too stiff. It used to be just right, and it is on the lowest preload so I can't do anything about it. When I go camping and load it down it comes close to feeling like it did before. I weigh 175 lb.

Irishguy · 11-04-2009, 10:37 AM

Well... I just hit the "Buy it Now" button after talking with the guys on the phone. It is a black shock body with a chrome spring and end caps. $180 including shipping was not bad. There is one set left if anyone wants a set if the 14.25" shocks. He said they are all new in the box with all the bushings. I hope it doesn't goof up the handling with the added length. I weigh 200# so they should be just right.

Here is a link the last set in the auction:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...=STRK:MEWAX:IT

The same folks also have some of the same shocks in 12.5" length if anyone wants to lower their bike.

ivar · 11-04-2009, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Irishguy

I'm tired of hitting little bumps in the road with the stock rear shocks on my 2001 Bonneville and it almost giving me a spinal chord injury.

Had the same experience with my 02. I went for Ikons.

Haven't seen much, if any direct comparisons between those affordable shocks, but IMO, almost any other shock would be an improvement over my stockers. So I'd think you'll be happy with the 412's. Let us know how they work out for you

old bill · 11-04-2009, 12:25 PM

no.1 a sportster is about 120 lb. to 150 lb. heaver then a bonny.

no.2 the mounts on a sportster are about 1 in. wide.

as i see you bought them you may need longer bolts.

the spring may be to hard for a lighter bike check there website for spring rate.

let us know how they work out good luck.

p.s. i have a sportster {05 custom} and have look at progressive before.

rodburner · 11-04-2009, 09:01 PM

I have 2 sets of Progressive/Sportster shocks right now.13" on the bike and 14.25 in the box.They will fit on your Bonnie,no problem. None of the bushings that come with,will fit the Bonnie,since we are metric and HD is not.I use some very thin nylon insulators from work,to shim each eye with a half circle of the nylon.You can use a thin strip of beer or pop can also.You will really like the ride of the 412s.The weight of the Sportster isn`t going to be a factor either.It just means that with the "regular" duty 75/120lb springs,you can use them full soft most of the time and go 1 click up for really rough or aggressive riding.

hawkster · 11-04-2009, 09:24 PM

Put 412s on my Scrambler and they have been a nice improvement over the stock choppy shocks. I am 190# and use preload setting number 2 out of 5 or 6. It's not a performance bike so I just wanted a nice controlled ride without sharp hits. Got mine at JC Motors for a little over $200. Bushings were in the box that fit my bike.