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Message started by Sax Man on 05/30/10 at 10:04:15

Title: shocks
Post by Sax Man on 05/30/10 at 10:04:15

I have finally had enough of these stiff stock shocks (even set on the softest setting) and am ready for upgrade. I only weigh about 140lb so I'm looking for soft. I've been reading the related posts and have questions. In this thread - http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1262900940/4#4 - BurnPgh lists the Progressive 412-4232c as the soft shock and verslagen1 talks about the 440-4022. Navigating the Progressive site I see under Harley a 412-4005B/C (which I assume from BurnPgh's post is the 412-4232c) and also a 440-4022B/C. I see under Kawasaki VN750 Vulcan the 412-4232c. Can anybody clarify? What's the difference between the 412 and 440 series? Also what's the B/C stand for.

Title: Re: shocks
Post by Serowbot on 05/30/10 at 10:09:06

If you can find a pair of Suzuki Intruder shocks,... they are 2" taller and a direct bolt up... and super cushy for the tushy... ;)...
http://p1.bikepics.com/pics/2007%5C04%5C03%5Cbikepics-852138-full.jpg

Title: Re: shocks
Post by Sax Man on 05/30/10 at 10:10:19

Forgot to mention that the Progressive site listings I mentioned were for 2003 models as my bike is a 2003.

Title: Re: shocks
Post by bill67 on 05/30/10 at 10:12:17

440 are better shocks but cost a lot more the c stands for chrome.I've the 412 4232c they are a big improvement over stock you want 11 inch, 1/2 inch over the stock,If I bought again I would try the 440.

Title: Re: shocks
Post by verslagen1 on 05/30/10 at 10:32:05

If you're a light weight, then I'd suggest the 412-4005's
they're recommended for the sportster so they're easy to find at a reasonable price.

all it takes to fit them up is an adapter, a tube that has a 1/2" OD and a .030 wall which makes the ID same as our shock mount.

They're about 1/2" more travel and sit 1/2" higher.
With my 240# butt I had them on the stiffest setting.
So you and your girl friend can ride with these and not bottom them out.

I've upgraded to the 440's and yeah they're better. And with my experience with the 412's knew what spring rate to get so they're a lot better for me.

Title: Re: shocks
Post by BurnPgh on 05/30/10 at 11:27:35

412-4232 is the metric PN for 412-4005. They're the same thing except for metal bushings that are included. The 4005's have bushings to fit harleys, the 4232's have a bunch of bushings that will pretty much fit any metric bike. 412's are about $200 new, 440's are closer to $400 new but the 412's (especially 412-4005s) are easier to find used on ebay. If you get a used set that doesnt have the right sized bushings they can be ordered directly from progressive for about $20.

Title: Re: shocks
Post by Sax Man on 05/30/10 at 14:40:58

Serowbot those do look cushy but I want to stay as close as possible to stock height. Looks like the 412's will be the ones I will go with - 440's are too much money. Even the 412's are $300 new from Progressive. May have to end up paying that too as I don't want to wait very long. I'll let you know how it works out. Thank you all very much for your help.

Title: Re: shocks
Post by verslagen1 on 05/30/10 at 14:51:45

I got the 412's for about $150 shipped and the 440's for about $170

you got to have patience.

Title: Re: shocks
Post by WD on 05/30/10 at 18:53:49

Go over to IntruderAlert.com, join the site, and see if anybody is looking to lower an 800 Intruder/S-50. I just did this last month to my wife's bike, dropped her Intruder almost 5 inches in the rear and raised my Savage enough for my FLH rear fender to no longer hang up on speed bumps. Going with a shock swap like this is cheap, easy and makes the Savage behave better. As in the front brake will actually stop the bike now instead of being useless weight. It will change the handling slightly as you will put more weight on the front end.

If you have to maintain a near stock ride height due to having a short inseam or impaired range of motion, then by all means go with a set of Progressives. My 1963 Honda has them, probably installed in the mid-70s, and they still work as new. My riding partner Drifter Doug has a set from 1979 on his 78 XS650 Special, same deal. A large upfront cost, spread over 2 or 3 decades (or more) of riding time is a pretty fair investment.

Title: Re: shocks
Post by einheit13 on 05/31/10 at 14:36:34

For you guys swapping shocks around...most of the bushings have the same OD so all you'd have to do to add Sportser shocks is remove the HD bushings and install the ones from the Suzuki. If you need a spacer, a piece of rubber hose works wonders. Just match the closest to your stud OD and experiment with lengths. As you compress it, it will 'doughnut' and become a semi-rigid spacer that will also help with the life span of factory bushings. Side loads kill the over time, and around here gravel roads are smoother than fresh paved roads.