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Message started by pgolden on 02/11/06 at 16:05:16

Title: Just installed new Progressives
Post by pgolden on 02/11/06 at 16:05:16

I just came in from installing my new 11.5" progressive 412-4200 shocks. This was by far the easiest mod I've done so far. I got my 14 yr old to help, we were finished in about 10 minutes. It is too cold to ride, but I can tell by sitting on the bike and bouncing, it will have a softer ride. It raised my bike almost 2 inches. I bought them from Eastern performance for $163.95 NIB delivered.

Title: Re: Just installed new Progressives
Post by bentwheel on 02/11/06 at 16:41:19

I don't care how cold it is out there. Now get on that sucker and ride. Give us a ride report on them new suspenders.

Title: Re: Just installed new Progressives
Post by bikingb on 02/12/06 at 17:34:53

Me too me too!! I just put on my 412-4232. I got them from mawonline for 199 with shipping. My husband picked up the back of the bike so I could put them on. Yahoo. I went around the block a few time dodging the ice ::) ::)

Title: Re: Just installed new Progressives
Post by 911radioman on 02/12/06 at 17:39:50

I may be showing my ignorance here, so feel free to tell me if I am! :D But, I've read in various places that if you do something to one end of the bike suspension wise, that you should do the same to the other end to counteract any ill handling.

Is this true? When you guys mod your rear suspensions, do you also do accordingly to the front suspension? Or do you notice any difference in the handling characteristics of the bike?

Tom

Title: Re: Just installed new Progressives
Post by pgolden on 02/12/06 at 18:00:26

Just got in from short ride. I drove on a road with lots of rough spots. The stock shocks had hardly any give, the bumps went straight to my seat. The new shocks absorb the bumps. The difference is amazing! I didn't realize how stiff the stock shocks were til now. It's not a mushy ride, but it is soft. I have the adjustment in the third notch. I can't tell any difference in the handling, just the smoother ride. My kickstand seems a little short now.

Title: Re: Just installed new Progressives
Post by Savage_Rob on 02/12/06 at 18:17:45

Yeah, I'm thinking about modifying the sidestand on mine.

Title: Re: Just installed new Progressives
Post by babbalou on 02/12/06 at 19:25:56

I finally got around to modifying my sidestand since going with the longer shocks. I used to have an aluminum nut glued under the pad but it was still too short so I broke it off & cut off a 3" long 1" square aluminum block & drilled a hole in it. Then drilled a hole through the sidestand pad & bolted it on. It swiveled around a bit so I just put a dab of JB Weld glue on it. Doesn't look like it's about to fall over anymore. Got the aluminum square tubing at my favorite Savage parts supplier; Home Depot. ;D I hope the aluminum is strong enough. If it collapses I'll try it again with steel.

Title: Re: Just installed new Progressives
Post by Hammy211 on 02/12/06 at 21:33:11

911radioman wrote:

I would guess what they mean by that is that it changes the geometry of your bike. On the Savage taller shocks tighten the downtubes angle which makes the steering more sensitive to imput, but not enough to be bad. I'm about to find out with mine, but I'm guessing that it will actually be good. If you lower a bike it does the revearse, and if your cruiser is already maxed out in that regard then I guess it could be a bad thing.

Anyone, am I off target on this?

Title: Re: Just installed new Progressives
Post by Reelthing on 02/12/06 at 23:14:33

The 4232 and 4233 are both 11" shocks and the extra lift is less than 1 inch - both have more initial give to them than the stock spring so as soon as you sit on the bike (if you matched the load to the correct model and the preload is corrrect) it's back to very near the stock height. now how the 12 or 13 inch shocks with several inches of lift makes the bike handle I do not know.

Title: Re: Just installed new Progressives
Post by mpescatori on 02/13/06 at 14:18:43

Just as PGolden said, the standard shocks are h3ll to the rear, hence the saying 'monkeya$$'.
I had found a set of 12" shocks on eBay.com but the seller (from Nevada) claims no sell outside of US because of Credit Card fraud. >:(
I understand his point of view, but I've never heard of anybody cheating through AMEX and getting away with it. :P
Anybody got a set of cheap but useable 12" shocks?

Maurizio

Title: Re: Just installed new Progressives
Post by lancer on 02/13/06 at 18:25:40

mpescatori wrote:

That is what Paypal and Bidpay are for, to protect both the buyer and seller.

.....

Title: Re: Just installed new Progressives
Post by Reelthing on 02/13/06 at 19:02:32

bikingb wrote:

Ok, you've had time to ride and ride - time to dial them in - maybe about the 2nd click?

Title: Re: Just installed new Progressives
Post by SirWilhelm on 02/15/06 at 18:32:17

;D

Well that was something!
It took two hours to get all the stuff together to make the stand to prop the bike up and then 15 minutes to take the factory shocks off lower the rear tire and install the Progressive 412-4200C shocks. As someone said it was the easiest mod I have done (building the prop was more work).
I used two 2x6 and a third 2x6 across the side of the two, Then the flange and pipe. Lowes of course didn't have 3/4 pipe and flange so I got a one inch. All the better to grab ahold of. Those three together were perfect distance to lift the rear tire. This gave me about 6 inches rise when I lifted the bike up. Then I wedged the tire with two boards, one under the other like a fulcrum. I took the two shocks off, pulled the the wedge out, and it was exactly the right height for the new shocks. Then put the shims on, then the shocks, tightened them down (there were shims in the package that were just right for the stems where the others came off). And then backed off the prop and out for a ride.
What I found was that they come set at lowest level and that is not enough for me. I saw an improvement but I think I still need to do more.
So tomorrow I'll try at two up and see how it rides. I did find the higher seat was much more comfortable in the 20 minute ride I made (I have already done the seat mod).
Now to add something to the kick stand to raise the angle of tilt when at rest. Wanted a real hocky puck but all the Academy store here had were the plastic hollow ones. I think a puck etched out the shape of the end of the stand and then glued on would be the right height and look just odd enough to be interesting.
Next up is to work on remaking the "Savage" bags so they fit the Savage. And installing the bag stand-offs. But first I was called in to work extra tomorrow. Maybe if it doesn't get nasty this weekend I can figure out the bag stand-offs, and the proper bounce on the shocks.
:D
Bill

In the Wilds of West Texas

Title: Re: Just installed new Progressives
Post by Savage_Rob on 02/16/06 at 05:33:56

Glad to hear it went so easily. Good job. With the higher shocks, installing the saddlebag supports without lifting the bike will be easier. Of course the homemade lift is pretty quick to use too. I discovered that I needed to add to the lift after putting on my 12.5" shocks though.

Title: Re: Just installed new Progressives
Post by bikingb on 02/16/06 at 05:44:21

Reelthing wrote:

Ok, you've had time to ride and ride - time to dial them in - maybe about the 2nd click?

It started out at one and I went two clicks up from that so I think I'm on three. Got to ride yesterday a little before the big snow storm today. Wow, what a difference. I can hardly wait to go on a long ride. Last night I couldn't wipe the smile off my face.

Title: Re: Just installed new Progressives
Post by Reelthing on 02/16/06 at 05:52:06

good job, that 4200c specs look good - how much lift did you end up with? - could you measure it like this....

http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?board=RubberSideDown;action=display;num=1126562337;start=55#55

Title: Re: Just installed new Progressives
Post by Reelthing on 02/16/06 at 05:59:52

bikingb wrote:

Makes a remarkable difference once the rear suspension starts to work bit more doesn't it?

Title: Re: Just installed new Progressives
Post by SirWilhelm on 02/16/06 at 06:13:09

Now, what did you use to move the shock to go up levels?
I tried a non-metal wrench (the Craftsman strap wrench) last night and it didn't move.
On the OEM ones you used a screw driver, but I don't see the same hole to do that. I have large vise grips/channel locks but I don't want to mark the shock.
I didn't measure the stock height, but I had 7 inches of wood (2x 5.5 and 2x 1.5) under the chassis, with 3 inches clearance for the rear tire. And after I took OEM shocks off, the tire was on the ground. And these are 1 1/2 in longer than stock.
I guess I will have to add a 2x6 to the top of the block to get it up for tire changes.
I need to work on the shocks and get settings done today as we are also expecting rain this weekend.
;-)
Bill

Title: Re: Just installed new Progressives
Post by Savage_Rob on 02/16/06 at 06:15:05

SirWilhelm wrote:

Now, what did you use to move the shock to go up levels? I tried a non-metal wrench last night and it didn't move. On the OEM ones you used a screw driver, but I don't see the same hole to do that. And I have large vise grops/channel locks but I don't want to mark th shock.
I didn't measure the stock height, but I had 6 inches of wood under the chassis, with 3 inches clearance for the rear tire. And after I took OEM shocks off, it was on the ground.
and these are 1 1/2 in longer than stock.
Need to work on the shocks and get settings done today as we are also expecting rain this weekend.
;-)
Bill

Hmm, my Progressive shocks came with a spanner wrench for that purpose... similar to the one below.

http://suzukisavage.com/images/uploaded/spanner.jpg

Title: Re: Just installed new Progressives
Post by SirWilhelm on 02/16/06 at 06:24:04

That's what is missing!
???

Oops. It was in the box, under packing cardboard.
Tnx
;D

Title: Re: Just installed new Progressives
Post by SirWilhelm on 02/16/06 at 16:45:06

Out this afternoon in the heat (92F) and riding around for 2 hours to see how the shocks played at the 3rd notch. Much easier that OEM-stock ones, and the height of the saddle was so nice when stopped at lights.
But, I did find a problem. With the increased angle to the ground of the kick stand, when I filled with gas while on the stand and then leveled the bike, guess what oozed out from under the cap?
Ch...... So I learned that we will fill up, with bike upright.
Did find a real hockey puck and will try to find some liquid weld or something to attach it to the kick stand. Depending on the resulting angle I might have to use two, but we'll try one first.
But the ride is noticeably improved!
Still not like in the car, but more like a 74 Ford Pickup.
Steering is so nice now. I am going to get either of the fork braces, as I could see and feel the front wobble at 70 on our fine roads here.
Came around a corner, at 15, and saw the loose gravel, straightened, but still had some rear slide. But stayed up and on the road, although did cross line into oncoming. Luckily it was a neighborhood street and no traffic on it.
Thanks for the help guys. Now to get some more miles and learning under the belt.
Oh, and with the new fender height, the saddle bag brackets were a breeze to put on. Did wish I had the racheted box end set in metric, as it was a bit slow. I added two washers on each bolt and all tightened down nicely without going thru the nut.
Cheers
Bill

Title: Re: Just installed new Progressives
Post by Savage_Rob on 02/17/06 at 05:52:27

Yeah, I've become a real fan of GearWrench Flex Head Wrenches (http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/gearwrench/gearwrench-flex-head.htm).

Title: Re: Just installed new Progressives
Post by SirWilhelm on 02/17/06 at 18:53:51

I have the fixed ones and really want the flex head ones. The fixed head ones I have have a switch to change direction so that they are not stuck going one way. I found the fixed head at Sears at Christmas on sale. Now waiting for next tool sale to get the flex head ones with the direction change flip changer. Sure beats socket wrench and head in a tight space (under the fender, etc.)
Bill
:D

Title: Re: Just installed new Progressives
Post by pgolden on 02/18/06 at 07:32:26

Reelthing wrote:

I got 1 1/4" lift with the 11.5", but the seat is 1 3/4" higher. (Til I sit on the bike)

Title: Re: Just installed new Progressives
Post by SirWilhelm on 02/19/06 at 08:07:09

Regarding photos, I was going to take photos of making the lift, then decided 21F was too cold to mess around outside. There is the link in the Tech section that shows a Harley based one. I used wood on hand which was 2x6 and added one across the ends of the two bolted together. And I didn't drill a hole for the pipe all the way thru, I just mounted the flange with four good screws. If I were doing repais on a regular basis, I would add carpet to the cycle side, and maybe eye hooks for tie downs. And drill the hole for the pipe all the way thru, just to make sure it doesn't pull off in the middle of lifting. As to length they said four foot, but I made mine 3 feet and it was more than wide enough for the Savage. Again, if I was regularly doing mods where I needed to arinse the bike, I'd get more elaborate. But......

Here is the link from the tech section:
http://www.nightrider.com/biketech/bikelift.htm

Darned Texas weather. One day 85F and the next 21F.
I'm ready for spring.
:D

Title: Re: Just installed new Progressives
Post by Bobster on 02/20/06 at 08:52:33

pgolden wrote:

I didnt see the size i need. The 412-4232C. And, they all seem to list for $179 + shipping???

Title: Re: Just installed new Progressives
Post by Reelthing on 02/20/06 at 10:14:18

4232c is for lighter loads the 4233c is for a bit heaver load - yes I had talked to them in the past and they won't discount it much if they don't stock it for some reason or other

Title: Re: Just installed new Progressives
Post by Bobster on 02/20/06 at 14:09:04

Reelthing wrote:

4232c is for lighter loads the 4233c is for a bit heaver load - yes I had talked to them in the past and they won't discount it much if they don't stock it for some reason or other

Yea i know the difference. Thats why i need the 32's cause i weigh 140 lbs. I was just wondering how pgolden got his so cheap.

Title: Re: Just installed new Progressives
Post by SirWilhelm on 02/20/06 at 14:38:41

I got mine from the same dealer, and they had them on eBay and I just watched for him to post the ones I wanted. Versus going to their store site.
Need to go ride, it has warmed here from 25 to 65F
Cheers

Title: Re: Just installed new Progressives
Post by pgolden on 02/21/06 at 07:11:13

I also got mine on E-bay. It was a buy-it-now I can't believe I got the exact shocks I wanted but I did. They were for metric cruisers and the bushings fit perfectly. I would highly recommend the 412-4200 shocks.

Title: Re: Just installed new Progressives
Post by cigaro on 02/21/06 at 11:06:24

412-4200. That exact model?

Title: Re: Just installed new Progressives
Post by pgolden on 02/22/06 at 14:54:21

Yea, they are 11.5" with 90/130 lb springs. I weigh 180 lbs, they have a soft but not mushy ride.

Title: Re: Just installed new Progressives
Post by SirWilhelm on 03/02/06 at 17:39:54

:)
Okay, two weeks out on the 4200's. Now I do weigh a bit more than others, but with the seat mod and these shocks, I am comfortalbe in the saddle, and the streets where I used to hate going down are now just an annoyance. What a difference. I set them to the third level, and they are soft, but stiff enough that I feel much more in control on the rough spots.
I used the home brew floor jack (2x6 and pipe) and the change was easier than getting gas. Only problem is the extra height makes the tank sit a bit more over when filling up. So you have to not fill on the kick stand, or sit on the bike and keep it upright when filling.
Other option is something under the end of kickstand and I am still working on that. The epoxy didn't hold the puck to the stand, so we'll try something else.
And I put the saddle bag standoffs on after I replaced shock.... that was a snap.

Savage Rob started something here. Really did make a difference!

Now we also wait on the fork brace. Don't know about the replacement deflectors. Chrome would be nice but not at $25 each.
Bill in West Texas

8)