412s vs 440s progressive - Harley Davidson Forums: Harley Davidson Motorcycle Forum

scol · 04-01-2009, 05:55 PM

I've looked all over the place can't find the answer to this, how do the 412 shocks compare to the 440 shocks? There is a big difference in price, but is there a big difference in ride? And are the 440s worth the extra money?

**EZE RIDER** · 04-02-2009, 09:51 AM

Bob, I only know this from second hand info but it's the same question alot of vrodders ask. Most all of them say the 440's are worth the extra dough but not to get the Heavy Duty version, too rough.

scol · 04-02-2009, 10:42 AM

Thanks for the response, to bad there isn't a way you could test them out, I'm keeping the sporty and need to soften the ride, but not go overboard. Dave's had good luck with the 412s then I heard about 440s, just weighing my options, Thanks again

Riverdog · 04-02-2009, 04:21 PM

I'll second what EZE said. Again second hand information from vrodders but I know many that started with the 412's soon sold them and upgraded to the 440's.

scol · 04-06-2009, 08:39 AM

I called the facyory on Fri. spoke to a tec, he sugjested I move up from a 11 1/2 to a 12 1/2 or 13 in. 440 heavy duty because I weigh 220 and will be carrying some gear. about how much weight are the people with the 440s carrying? A guess would be fine.

scol · 04-22-2009, 02:11 PM

I just installed new 440 shocks on my sporty 1st empression isn't positive, I went with the standard not heavy duty, I even talked to the factory, we decided standard go up 1' to 12 1/2 should be good. Can't say they are worth the money will ride for awhile give updates. Maybe they need to be broken in, I tried all the adjustments.

**EZE RIDER** · 04-23-2009, 05:28 AM

The lowest preload will give you the smoothest ride. I hope they work out for you. Is it any rougher than stock?

scol · 04-23-2009, 08:59 AM

No it isn't rougher, just not as smooth as i had hoped for. There is a difference, I may have been expecting to much from them, problem with me is my weight at 220 I'm to heavy for the standard duty and not heavy enough for the heavy duty that's why I went to a longer shock as opposed to the shock recommended on the speck sheet. I talked to the factory rep. and we came up with the 12 1/2" I also have a short inseam. I travel a lot of back country farm roads. that haven't been repaved in yrs.

**EZE RIDER** · 04-23-2009, 04:35 PM

Did you do anything with the front springs? That can make a big difference and its fairly cheap to do. If you do it yourself it's about 100 bucks complete.

scol · 04-23-2009, 05:39 PM

I know I need to work with the forks, but these rear shocks just aren't cutting it, I adjusted them to the least amount of tension and it bottoms out, I don't need to keep putting money into this thing and not have it perform. I think my best bet is to ride more then call the factory again. I've been riding off and on all day if my butt could kick me it would.