412s on - don't knock 'em at half the 440 price

[DCRocket]

First I'd like to thank jfcroni for his help and heated garage!

Rode down 355 (one of the worst highways in Chicago) to Jim's place on the stock shocks with the new 412s in my roll bag - this road is twenty minutes of constant bumps and not particularly fun on the stockers, to say the least

After the 412s were installed we took a ride on probably the worst road in Chicagoland (two-lane blacktop near Jim's) and the Progressives performed admirably. The road was so bad I bottomed out my front forks one time, but was able to sit thru every bump without spine-tingling stress

I went with a half-inch drop (12") and standard 412s set on the softest setting. Returning on 355 was still bumpy but no stress to the lower back (never bottomed out) and the rear tire just hugged the road thru curves at 85mph. The cost, including shipping, $198 - and worth every single buck

A consideration for others: I'm 5'10" and 170lbs. They do offer the 412s Heavy Duty too - so if you're on a budget, I highly recommend these shocks

Here's a not-so-good garage pic:

 

[R34ME]

Hard to tell from the picture, but are they the right way up? normally shock body to the top, it's hard to see just make sure as you will buggar them up real quick, good to hear tho I went for the dearer 440's :?

 

[THE PUNISHER]

Hard to tell from the picture, but are they the right way up?

No I dont think so.the adjustment is meant to be at the top

 

[biker1059]

On the 412s the adjustment is at the bottom. I also have the 412s but went a half inch shorter than DC Rocket (11 1/2), also love the ride of these shocks. Bought them from hondadirect $198. and free shipping.

 

[DCRocket]

To allay your fears, gentleman, here are pics of both the 440s and the 412s respectively - it appears your 440s are the reverse of my 412s: mine adjust at the bottom

Thanks for your concern

EDIT: I see biker1059 beat me to the punch!

 

[kremmen]

Looks good.

I have just done a quick search on Google and find that in the UK they retail at about double the US price.

I will have to search further.

Anyone seen any good deals in the UK?

Paul

ps..I have just been quoted £171 for supply and fit rear tyre in Guildford.

 

[TurboFan]

Great post DC, lots of us will benfit from these. I didn't change my shocks until I heard all the dialog on here. I thought the problems I was having were intrinsic to the 800 pound load on a 240 tire. What a surprise the shocks were.

 

[DCRocket]

Yeah, Doc - big difference

Also nice to get 70 miles on the road in the middle of winter - the first 30 were considerably less comfortable than the 40 or so test riding and then home

 

[Rockt3]

Okay, now lets hear from some body who has ridden Rockets equipped with each so we can have a comparison. Bang for buck thing. New shocks are one the list this year. I wouldn't mind saving a few Benjamin's.

 

[DCRocket]

When the weather breaks I'm sure Jim would be happy to do a swap comparison with me. I rode his bike a few months ago, but just for a few blocks - no real difference to my recollection, but that was hardly a test ride. Will post again whenever the experiment is completed