Progressive Shocks & Fork springs

[chuckster131]

I would like to get some input on Progressive shocks as I'm really thinking of buying some to get a better ride from my Nomad. Sometimes I think the originals are getting wore out, and also is it possible to replace the front fork springs? I thought I read once that it can't be done with the cartridge style.

[strobe]

Not sure on the cartridge style shocks, but they have a front spring kit for the '01 (11-1145 (http://www.progressivesuspension.com/prodSearchResults.aspx?yearID=2001&makeID=41&modelID=463)). Most of the changes I have seen it is as simple as lifting the weight off the front end and taking the top cap off the shock and fishing out the old spring....simplistic view, but overall not too bad. Are there some 1500's with different style of shocks than others?

As for the progressive rear shocks, I put them on my wife's bike and it made a huge difference, ride improvement was incredible and that was with the 412 series. The 440 are even better, so they are on the list for mine at some point.

There was a thread a while ago where there was some great info on the 440's and why they are so much more expensive than the 412:

"The reason the 440's get better reviews and are more expensive than the 412's are because the 440's dampen on both compression and rebound. The 412 have rebound only dampening. The 412's would be a good replacement for the factory shocks if the OEM's were faulty as the Progressive units are much cheaper. But if your looking to make an improvement over stock I'd look to the 440's. "

http://kawanow.proboards77.com/index.cgi?board=nomad&action=display&thread=9585

[ringadingh]

I thought I heard that the progressive shocks were discontinued for the Nomads due to poor sales. I think it was mentioned here a few months ago.

[strobe]

They are still listed on their web site, so not too sure. The only ones I have seen discontinued are the black ones. I have never actually seen any for the 1600 Nomad, everyone uses the ones for the 1600 Classic. The 1500 Nomad are listed though.

[Kawhead]

I got mine from these folk's and they have the best price that I found. http://www.onestopmoto.com/

[chuckster131]

I think I'm going to get the 412's but don't know if I should get the HD or standard? I do one up riding unless my son rides with me, but that's not often.

[coot]

Chuckster131:
I' been riding on the 412 standards for over a year now. Chose the standards because I felt the HD"s might be to stiff.
At 220 pounds myself , and 120 pound wife, I set the adjustment on the third stage and could probably set them down to the second. If I were to replace the rear shocks again, I would chose the 412 standards.

[chuckster131]

Ok pulled the trigger, and purchased the 412 standard shocks. Will post once I get them here and installed how the ride improvment is.
Thanks to all who posted their thoughts.

[borto1990]

you da man joe.. give me the feedback when you get it in...

[strobe]

Interested to hear what your real world thoughts are after you get them. Some have said that the 412's are a great replacement for the stock, but not a big improvement over them. Regardless they are a great value compared to the cost of OEM shocks if you need a replacement.