Ride is Harsh with Progressive 412

dale55 · 01-11-2014, 08:23 PM

Have the 11 inch progressive shocks on my 2004 nomad. Handling is great but ride is a bit harsh unless I am riding 2 up. Suggestions?

dale

Monkeyman · 01-11-2014, 08:41 PM

Is there a preload adjusting wheel on the shock? If there is, try adjusting it a notch or 2.

Sin City Stan · 01-11-2014, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dale55

Have the 11 inch progressive shocks on my 2004 nomad. Handling is great but ride is a bit harsh unless I am riding 2 up. Suggestions?

dale

You have 3 or 4 preload settings on that shock. A wrench should have come with them.

id-man · 01-11-2014, 10:15 PM

I don't have progressive shocks on my '04 Nomad, but found solo riding was always jolting with anything higher than 1 on my preload (regardless of how much air I used).

Bud2rat · 01-12-2014, 07:44 AM

http://www.ebay.com/itm/KAWASAKI-VN1...8016bf&vxp=mtr

I buy these shocks as replacements for my 2001 1500 Nomad and I am very pleased with the outcome. They were cheaper than the OEM shocks. Just saying.

Chili · 01-12-2014, 08:00 AM

Make sure it's not binding up? http://www.gadgetjq.com/shock_unbind.htm

Vulcan Bill · 01-12-2014, 08:19 AM

...and don't over tighten the stud nuts.

Bdog · 01-12-2014, 01:57 PM

I've got the 412's on my 07. They work better than the stock air shocks imo. but yes they are stiffer but handle better. I need to replace them this year as the gas has probably discharged by now and they are harsh. They don't have any dampening settings but do have 5 spring settings.

talon · 01-17-2014, 09:43 AM

So, which Progressives should I go with? I am getting ready to order some to replace the OEM shocks on my 05 Nomad. I think the originals are 13". I am going to get some that are 1" shorter. Any suggestions? 412, 430, etc. Haven't had them so don't know. Please help.

Peg · 01-17-2014, 05:06 PM

There are two variations on most Progressive shocks... so the 412 is a little softer feeling than the 412HD (heavy duty). The 412 is easily the most popular of the selection available, probably mostly because it's a lot cheaper than the other models, and the difference between them (at least by the buttometer) is apparently minimal.

I was always told if you do much 2-up riding, especially with luggage, that the HD model is better. It sounds like the OP has the HD model, but might better have gotten the straight 412?

Maybe you could make him an offer?

mooserd · 01-17-2014, 06:57 PM

thanks for the information on these shocks. have to replace OEM on my 07 nomad. They are leaking air. So, looks like I know what I am getting

talon · 01-23-2014, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peg

There are two variations on most Progressive shocks... so the 412 is a little softer feeling than the 412HD (heavy duty). The 412 is easily the most popular of the selection available, probably mostly because it's a lot cheaper than the other models, and the difference between them (at least by the buttometer) is apparently minimal.

I was always told if you do much 2-up riding, especially with luggage, that the HD model is better. It sounds like the OP has the HD model, but might better have gotten the straight 412?

Maybe you could make him an offer?

Thanks for the info Peg.
T

dshelly · 01-23-2014, 11:02 AM

So are you guys changing shocks because the old ones leak? or to get better handling/performance? Is there really a dramatic increase in handling with the progressive 412 shocks?

**MAS Tequila** · 01-24-2014, 10:26 AM

YES, the handling feels that much better.

Plus you NEVER have to worry about the air pressure again.

Calculate your weight, one or two up + luggage, before deciding on HD or standard.

I have the 13" 412 HD's and love them, but then again, I'm no lightweight.

MT

Quote:

Originally Posted by dshelly

So are you guys changing shocks because the old ones leak? or to get better handling/performance? Is there really a dramatic increase in handling with the progressive 412 shocks?

Bdog · 01-24-2014, 12:39 PM

Before the Nomad, all I rode was café racers and sport bikes. Hence I'm used to a stiffer, better handling bike then the Nomad. I hated the mushy feeling stock so I went with the progressive 412's standard and the springs up front. Way better to ride and I only ride solo but I still ride the sport bike style when in the twisties. My 412's are now 5yrs old and have seen there day so I'm about to order up some new 412's but with the hd springs.

01-11-2014, 08:23 PM	#1
dale55 Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Dallas Texas Posts: 353	Ride is Harsh with Progressive 412 Have the 11 inch progressive shocks on my 2004 nomad. Handling is great but ride is a bit harsh unless I am riding 2 up. Suggestions? dale Login or Register to Remove Ads
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01-11-2014, 08:41 PM	#2
Monkeyman Top Contributor Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: North Wilkesboro, NC Posts: 6,289	Is there a preload adjusting wheel on the shock? If there is, try adjusting it a notch or 2. __________________ Christopher "Monkeyman" Gray ---------------------------- Widows Sons "Overseers" Patriot Guard Rider USArmy 1987-1990 2021 Can Am Spyder RT 2018 Can Am Spyder RT Limited - SOLD 2014 Nomad - SOLD 2012 Victory Vision - SOLD 2007 Black Nomad - SOLD VMC #9367 VBA #1860
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01-11-2014, 10:15 PM	#4
id-man Advanced Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Cape Cod Massachusetts Posts: 822	I don't have progressive shocks on my '04 Nomad, but found solo riding was always jolting with anything higher than 1 on my preload (regardless of how much air I used). __________________ 2004 Nomad 1500FI - weeeeeeeeee!
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01-12-2014, 07:44 AM	#5
Bud2rat Sr. Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: St. Pauls, NC Posts: 2,089	http://www.ebay.com/itm/KAWASAKI-VN1...8016bf&vxp=mtr I buy these shocks as replacements for my 2001 1500 Nomad and I am very pleased with the outcome. They were cheaper than the OEM shocks. Just saying. __________________ Robert Torrey VBA# 02077 Vroc# 27672 1996 800A Customized (SOLD) 2001 1500 Nomad (The Mistress) 2013 Voyager 2014 SE Rally - Elkins, WV 2016 SE Rally - Helen, Ga Login or Register to Remove Ads
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01-12-2014, 08:00 AM	#6
Chili Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba Posts: 409	Make sure it's not binding up? http://www.gadgetjq.com/shock_unbind.htm __________________ Doug Engstrom 2012 Victory Cross Country Tour 2001 Vulcan Nomad 1500FI, (Sold at 83,000 km)
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01-12-2014, 08:19 AM	#7
Vulcan Bill Sr. Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Mesa Az Posts: 1,400	...and don't over tighten the stud nuts. __________________ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- '05 1600CL. Originator 18" Harley wheel mod, Dobeck TFI, True Duals, Mutazu hardbags, Flanders handlebars n' a bunch more. *Sometimes I miss the good ol' days but most times I'm just glad I survived them*
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01-12-2014, 01:57 PM	#8
Bdog Sr. Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Ft. Mcmurray Ab. Posts: 1,447	I've got the 412's on my 07. They work better than the stock air shocks imo. but yes they are stiffer but handle better. I need to replace them this year as the gas has probably discharged by now and they are harsh. They don't have any dampening settings but do have 5 spring settings. __________________
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01-17-2014, 09:43 AM	#9
talon Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Van Buren, AR Posts: 462	So, which Progressives should I go with? I am getting ready to order some to replace the OEM shocks on my 05 Nomad. I think the originals are 13". I am going to get some that are 1" shorter. Any suggestions? 412, 430, etc. Haven't had them so don't know. Please help. __________________ Heath Cady aka "Talon" VBA #01416 2012 Vaquero SE Candy-Lime Green/Black aka "T'Kehla" 2005 Nomad 1600 Black/Silver aka "Mystique" (SOLD) 2006 Vulcan Classic aka "Lil'Wolf" (SOLD) "Life isn't a race; no one gets out alive. May as well slow down and enjoy the ride."
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01-17-2014, 05:06 PM	#10
Peg Sr. Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: West Coast, North Island, New Zealand Posts: 1,375	There are two variations on most Progressive shocks... so the 412 is a little softer feeling than the 412HD (heavy duty). The 412 is easily the most popular of the selection available, probably mostly because it's a lot cheaper than the other models, and the difference between them (at least by the buttometer) is apparently minimal. I was always told if you do much 2-up riding, especially with luggage, that the HD model is better. It sounds like the OP has the HD model, but might better have gotten the straight 412? Maybe you could make him an offer? __________________ Nothing screams poor workmanship like wrinkles in the duct tape '02 1500 blonde Nomad (Sold) '97 800 burgundy Classic (Sold)
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01-17-2014, 06:57 PM	#11
mooserd Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: New Holland, Ohio Posts: 92	thanks for the information on these shocks. have to replace OEM on my 07 nomad. They are leaking air. So, looks like I know what I am getting __________________ Vic "Nomad" Linsten Columbus Ohio Vulcan Riders Chpt 1-32 EMT, CPR, 1ST Aid instructor 2015 Vulcan Voyager 1700 New Holland, Oh VROC Member # 35721 http://www.columbusvulcanriders.com / https://www.facebook.com/groups/273462896002700/
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01-23-2014, 11:02 AM	#13
dshelly Sr. Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Belgrade, MT Posts: 2,824	So are you guys changing shocks because the old ones leak? or to get better handling/performance? Is there really a dramatic increase in handling with the progressive 412 shocks? __________________ Dave "(dshelly)" Shellenberger 2014 Harley Ultra Classic 2007 1600 Nomad (Black) Shellenberger Machine Belgrade, MT Various Bagger Member (Harley Chapter) VBA # 2395
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01-24-2014, 12:39 PM	#15
Bdog Sr. Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Ft. Mcmurray Ab. Posts: 1,447	Before the Nomad, all I rode was café racers and sport bikes. Hence I'm used to a stiffer, better handling bike then the Nomad. I hated the mushy feeling stock so I went with the progressive 412's standard and the springs up front. Way better to ride and I only ride solo but I still ride the sport bike style when in the twisties. My 412's are now 5yrs old and have seen there day so I'm about to order up some new 412's but with the hd springs. __________________
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