Anybody replace their stock suspension with Progressive parts??

Re: Anybody replace their stock suspension with Progressive parts??

feeds@yuku.com (tonythecarguy) — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 11:51:57 GMT

Still approximately 12.375" center to center no matter which setting they are on. I'm beginning to think I should have got a 12.5" shock from them and gotten more travel (hope fully closer to stock, I wish I could measure that but with the shock all shrouded I can't hope to). Maybe a 440-4209 or 4233 from the valk & vtx1800 listings. By the...

Re: Anybody replace their stock suspension with Progressive parts??

feeds@yuku.com (tonythecarguy) — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 07:38:36 GMT

i have a 1998, they where set to 2 but i can't see how the preload setting can make any substantial difference in extended length; on bike, under the wieght of the bike length yes, but fully extended no. i'll re-measure tonight on other settings. now i'm resoably sure they are factory original but i'm the second owner so can't be positive.

Re: Anybody replace their stock suspension with Progressive parts??

feeds@yuku.com (Marpesia2) — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 19:51:55 GMT

I spent the morning working the phone and found out that the Honda length spec is just simply not publicly available information: the service manual, the dealer database, the distributor database, even the Honda Customer Service line databases does not have that blasted measurement.

I did learn, however, that (and this surprised the dealer, but I was insistent) the part number for the OEM "T" shocks IS different from all of the other Shadow 1100 part numbers.

...

Re: Anybody replace their stock suspension with Progressive parts??

feeds@yuku.com (tonythecarguy) — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 16:21:46 GMT

Marpesia,

I recently removed my stock shocks and replaced with 440-4232 progressives (12" heavy duty, ment for the VTX1300). Last night i measured my stock takeoffs. they measure ~ 12.375" center to center unloaded, sitting on the bench. my experiance installing the progesives also let me to beleve that at 12" they where a bit shorter than stock despite progressive claims that the stocks are something less than 12".

Re: Anybody replace their stock suspension with Progressive parts??

feeds@yuku.com (Marpesia2) — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 21:59:06 GMT

UR welcome

From what I've gathered (and if they tell you different I'd love to hear it) an "HD" rating is based upon intended bike application, not stricktly on 'heavier' versus 'lighter'. I'd have to study the papers in front of me again, but, for example, I recall that some "HD" shocks had significantly less preload rating than the non-HD shocks for the...

Re: Anybody replace their stock suspension with Progressive parts??

feeds@yuku.com (CleRider) — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 07:53:57 GMT

Marpesia,

Thanks for your evaluation, and no, it was not too much information. As I read the Progressive site, it seemed the 412 (even though a 'value shock' would perform as well as the 418 and 440. The marketing of the 418 seems to go after the custom bike riders and the 440 looks like a great shock with user friendly features, such as the ability to adjust the preload without any tools.

I...

Re: Anybody replace their stock suspension with Progressive parts??

feeds@yuku.com (Marpesia2) — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 02:29:55 GMT

I put the 440 Progressives on my rear. I actually came here tonight to investigate that very issue further. here's the rundown.

I have the 98 Tourer. Before taking off the older shocks, which appeared to both my shop and I to be OEM, we measured them at the curb (full weight) AFTER they had gone bad (probable loss of some height). The measurement that we got was just over 13" (maybe 13.25").

Now, I have a 36" inseam, so I had no interest in lowering my...

Anybody replace their stock suspension with Progressive parts??

feeds@yuku.com (CleRider) — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 21:03:13 GMT

Looking to beef up the suspension on my new ride. The front forks are a no-brainer, mainly because I only have one choice. The rear shocks are a different story. My choices are the 412 series for $185, 418 series for $350 or 440 series for $388. My gut says "get the 412 and save some money". Just wondering if anybody has tried the 418 or 440 series and feel they are worth the extra $$$.

thanks
Andy