Progressive Suspensions 412 Shocks Review on Sportster Iron 883!

Here's the Progressive Suspension 412 Shocks Review for my Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883. Not a full review as I still need to have more time riding with these Progressive 412 Rear Shocks but so far, not too shabby for my Iron 883! This sportster rear shock upgrade is definitely recommended for those looking for more comfort even before getting a new seat! These 412 Series shocks are lightyears better than my stock rear shocks even after adjusting the preload on them.
#progressivesuspension #sportster #harleydavidson
For the how to install the 412 shocks follow this link: • How to Install Progres...
Link to the 412 Series Shocks:
www.progressivesuspension.com...
‪@ProgressiveSuspension1982‬
Motorcycle: 2020 Harley Sportster Iron 883
Instagram: KS_MOTO_CAFE / ks_moto_cafe

[@KSMotoCafe]

Best decision that I should have made a year ago! Thanks to all who suggested this :)

[@jennifercuellar4574]

Thank you for such a great first impression of what new shocks can do. I think youve helped a lot of Sportster riders with this. Can't wait to hear more about the shocks!

[@KSMotoCafe]

you are most welcome Jennifer! Thanks for watching and leaving a comment

[@TheQCollection]

Your very correct about upgrading your suspension first, as we can hear the excitement in your voice 😀 Every bike I've owned, that is the first mod I look into purchasing.

[@KSMotoCafe]

yeah I honestly was shying away from the suspension upgrade because I didn't know if I could do it myself but after doing this, 100% this should be the first mod $$ spent for a sportster if you value your comfort!

[@ahmedalhosani]

I’m glad that you liked them. I have a tailbone issue therefore I still can’t ride my Sporster for more than 45 minutes without stopping… I have installed LePera kick flip seat and the progressive shocks already. Then I decided to get a Pan America which I can take for much longer rides without feeling the urge to stop. Honestly I like the Sporster too but I think that at some point I’ll have to let it go.

[@KSMotoCafe]

Yeah that Pan America has probably the best suspension out of all HD bikes and I felt really comfortable on it when I test rode it a year ago

[@bill392]

I was looking forward to this video since the install and I'm glad that you are happy with the result. I put the 412's on my '09 XLC early this year and it was such a huge improvement that I've been cursing myself since then for not doing it years ago. The shocking thing about it is just how immediately you can feel the difference. I'm 240 lbs and I prefer preload step 3. I had it on step 2 for a few days and ended up going back to 3. I also found tight turning in town got a lot easier with the rear end being a little higher. I installed 12.5" to replace the stock 11.5" to get more shock travel. I'm very happy with how my bike rides and handles now. Everyone who says it is right on point, the seat and shocks are the best first mods. After that, a full stage-1 really uncorks the motor and unleashes the beast.

[@KSMotoCafe]

after this ride, I was playing with the preload and yeah I like the step 3 as well. The harsher bumps are better absorbed at that level. It rides slightly stiffer than when it was step 1 but still better than stock! In hindsight I wish I had gone with 12.5 or 13"! I am still debating on stage 1 or 1200kit because I am still being pulled to different bikes and I don't want to mod too much of a bike that I may end up selling!

[@bill392]

@@KSMotoCafe With my 12.5" 412's and the new Mustang solo seat (thicker than stock), my heals are coming off the ground just a tiny bit whereas before those mods, I was flat-footing 100%. I'm glad that I did not get 13" or I'd be on the balls of my feet all the time and I wouldn't like that at all. Considering your height and inseam 32", I think you made the correct choice for you. The 12.5" does gain a little weeny bit more travel than the 12.0" but not enough to fret about. The 412's already have an inch more travel than stock HD shocks. People riding the older Sportster Low have stock shocks with only 1" travel, can you imagine? Upgrading to 412's having minimum 2.5" travel is huge. The Sportster Low is the exact same bike as the standard 883 or 1200 of the same years, just shipped with shorter shocks for a slammed look. The ride is dreadful even 1-up.

[@bill392]

Dunno if these numbers will help your decision... A stock 883 will be running about 54 HP, after stage-1 close to 60. A stock 1200 runs 73 and after stage-1 it's about 80. You can certainly hear and feel the difference that comes from the stage-1 mod, but if power is the primary goal and money is not a concern, then the 1200/1250 kits are the way to go but even after doing that upgrade, the stage-1 or 2 mod is sure to follow. That said, doing the stage-1 first is safe because it'll likely happen eventually anyway. Considering the relatively low trade-in value of a fully mod'ed Sportster, one might be better off keeping it and buying the so-called better bike in addition to it. Insurance isn't kind to us in the case of owning multiple bikes, charging us the same amount for each bike despite the fact that we can only ride one at a time. Doesn't seem fair to me.

[@bill392]

@@KSMotoCafe I've read a ton of comments from people in forums on and other YT videos where people expressed regret after trading in their Sportsters for a more expensive ride. Comments such as missing the lighter weight and nimble handling of the Sportster, being able to push it out of the garage more easily, stuff like that, not to mention the endless aftermarket for parts.

[@rohanm54]

Thanks for the info this actually helped a lot. IMO the suspension and the seat are the most crucial upgrades. Pipes are easy you can do that anytime.

[@KSMotoCafe]

You are absolutely correct. The exhaust upgrade can wait but it is usually the first thing people do because they want the "Harley" sound as soon as possible lol (like me)

[@BrewTownBiker]

Of the couple Irons I owned, seat, forward controls and shocks were a must, upgraded to a Softtail, then a Bagger👍Roadglides rule

[@KSMotoCafe]

Roadglide is end game bike for sure! Has everything a cruiser rider wants

[@MsSpider75]

Your reaction says it all!

[@KSMotoCafe]

😎🤟

[@noidreculse8906]

Nice video. Suspension is something I never did to my Sporty. I spent tons of bucks on everything else, but for some reason, I just never upgraded shocks. Glad you like them, and looking back, I should have swapped mine out 😎🇺🇸🤘🏻

[@KSMotoCafe]

Well you did the smart thing by just upgrading the bike to something that already had better seat and suspension! I am just stuck making minor improvements so that the next owner of this 883 will benefit from it lol

[@noidreculse8906]

@@KSMotoCafe Actually, I built my Sporty to a 1250 with a Hammer 90 hp kit, 2 tuners, and 2 sets of exhaust plus labor. I should have bought a 2016 1200 Roadster, and just swapped exhaust. Then buy my 2017 Dyna low rider s. Pudgy Bobby was very comfortable with easy to adjust pre-load knob

[@sportsterrider2087]

Another good mod is too upgrade the final drive counter sprocket with two additional teeth. This will give you a lower engine speed about 250 Rpm in fifth gear on freeway

[@KSMotoCafe]

I am not familiar with this mod. Does this work only for chain drives? because my sporty is belt driven.

[@sportsterrider2087]

@@KSMotoCafe I did the modification on my belt drive 883. It took some search but I purchased the gear online for about 50 dollars as I recall. And I did the progressive cartridge kit as well. I also did a big brake kit.

[@TheMotoJawn]

Yo I said the same thing after I got mine. Noticed an immediate difference. I feel like they actually igjt be getting better as te goes on.

[@KSMotoCafe]

it is good to know that the riding improves as it gets more broken in! I actually ended up adjusting the preload to 3 clicks to soften the bigger pot holes

[@briansmith2922]

Im 185 lbs I went with 412 Heavy Duty 13in. Out of the box - no adjustments. Sweet ride. Kickstand gives bike gangster lean but the bike does plant solid . If your concerned, get an extender. Upgrade Result: Improved Angle of Attck = Enhanced Cornering capability 13 in Shock = sitting on top of your ride in command position 13 in Shock = Riding on Teflon compared to OEM and it IS a dramatic improvement. Ride safe👍

[@KSMotoCafe]

yeah I kinda wish I got the taller one

[@cisa1622]

Buying a progressive shock was the advise I got from a dealer when I wanted an IRON 883. There is nothing extra an softail or touring can do if your rides are just short rides and occasional 300 mile ride. The only thing that you might miss is fuel capacity. If you are power hungry- just buy a used or new Suzuki GSX R 1000- it’s got all the power you need at great price. If its occasionally long distances then the Kawasaki Ninja sx1000 offers all that you need again at great cost. You have a twin and in-line 4 best of both word.

[@KSMotoCafe]

I would be in trouble with the speed laws if I was on a litre sport bikes! I already had a taste of speed on a Ducati Monster 1200 and yeah I have too much fun on those...

[@cisa1622]

@@KSMotoCafe Thanks for sharing your thoughts bro. Yep Ducati Monster is a great bike. I also like cruisers for the very same reason( license- don’t want to loose it and space- Harley is the only motorcycle that looks good with two up space and options). Also when it comes to different types of road riding it just few modes on a cruiser that you need. An fully adjustable rear and front shock on any bike is the trick. I have a Harley-Davidson street rod 750. I bought it for just round town rides and sooner realised that for longer rides it was hurting my tailbone bone . Dealers suggested to go for softail model ( that meant selling of my bike at loss and adding mortgage). I saw a lot of disapproval face with my choice of bike. I did my research to understand what made ride more comfortable on motorcycles. The seat - I bought Corbin seat. The bike doesn’t fit my ergo correct so decided to make it fit( bought Rox 4.5 inch pivoting risers + street 500 foot mounts to extend the control by 2 inch forward and 1 inch downward) . The bikes fit me now. Then I wanted wind protection- bought El Paso 15 inch black windshield + mounting .I want more comfort- the next best thing was Ohlins . I have now installed Ohlins piggyback reservoir fully adjustable shock( trust me the adjustable compression make the road soft as pillow). If I had bought a softail I still will have to do all of the above( coz sadly that’s how Harley is).Learning is any road bike can do all the road riding if you love the bike(not taking about sport bikes here). Only thing I miss is fuel capacity and cruise control. My next updates are front fork( Ohlins) and a Heal-Tech quick shifter. Maybe I will also buy a Break Away mechanical cruise control.

[@BearCountry]

Looks you pretty enjoy on your new shocks do you highly recommend on this shocks ? A lot improvement from stock shocks ? I wanna change my 48 shocks too just wanna know more info

[@KSMotoCafe]

it is the best bang for the buck type of mod! highly recommended if you intend on keeping your 48

[@GK-vh9vu]

What pre load setting are you using?

[@gtx332]

Keep in mind any new suspension needs a while to settle in to feel the full effect. Straight up they will be a bit stuff

[@dannychung9468]

Any regrets going 12" as opposed to 12.5-13"? First-timer rider and deal with back issues as well. I'm 5'11" but main concern is that anything beyond 12" will make the bike look funny with the rear sitting high. Thoughts?

[@KSMotoCafe]

no regrets - taller shock requires longer kickstand too so it is best to keep it 12

[@philmunson7773]

I have a 2012 iron. Trying to decide which length progressive shock to get. Why did you go for the 12”? I was going to get the 13” but not sure now.

[@KSMotoCafe]

I thought I didn't want to increase the seat height too much that I would have to tip toe. But after riding around, I could have gone with 12.5 or 13" but it could change the bike's overall look if the tail end is raised too high.

[@teucer4]

@@KSMotoCafe I went with 13”s on a Superlow; gives you an extra couple inches of travel. In Europe you need to pass a license test leaning and using only one foot at a stop. This is generally because BMW (etc,) bikes naturally have a higher center of gravity and taller build in general. It’s good to keep this in mind.

[@taj4174]

Just remember if you want performance you can always get the 1200 or 1275 kit for your 883. It will completely feel like a different bike you probably won’t ever need to downshift to pass someone😂

[@raulvasquezmedel5512]

Hi! Problems with a passenger in your bike ? Because is very short these shocks

[@KSMotoCafe]

I haven't ridden with a passenger and I probably never will on my bike. I can foresee it bottoming out quite often with that much weight. If I got the heavy duty version - different story

[@sendyamulet]

absolutely great, totally useful for my husband as he drives a 883 iron bored out to 1275 cc and we live on an island with potholes every 200 meters and he is seeking rear shocks to lessen his bucking bronco ass flyers

[@teucer4]

Progressive 430s are where it’s at

[@KSMotoCafe]

whats the big difference from 412 to 430?

[@teucer4]

@@KSMotoCafe tool-less adjustment, lifetime warranty

[@KSMotoCafe]

@@teucer4 whoa yeah that's cool

[@soorajsaikumar]

Did you change the front springs?

[@KSMotoCafe]

not yet - I don't think I will need to though

[@riffboogie6529]

If….you were to upgrade…what would you get ??

[@KSMotoCafe]

I would love a Fat Bob 114 but it's outside my budget, so most likely it will be a non-harley..

[@riffboogie6529]

@@KSMotoCafe if you ever get a chance to review the Honda Rebel 1100 would love to hear your thoughts !

[@Loss8131]

whats the difference between this and the 430s ?

[@KSMotoCafe]

430 can be installed upside down and the preload can be adjusted with just your hands without the need of a tool

[@Loss8131]

@@KSMotoCafe thats it ? Other than that they are the same shocks ?

[@KSMotoCafe]

@@Loss8131 430 is supposed to have better dampening design but I don't think it is noticeable between the two

[@curtis1951]

Standard or heavy duty springs?

[@KSMotoCafe]

standard

[@douglasbaker5949]

1250 big bore kit

[@KSMotoCafe]

might happen next season!

[@douglasbaker5949]

@@KSMotoCafe I’ve got 2004 Roadster with S&S super e carb and 2 into 1 exhaust. I’m 62 so I’m not out there trying to prove myself but it’s got a bit of torque to it. Figured the 1250 kit would be cheaper to do then buy another bike especially since you said you loved your 883

[@harris8390]

where did you purchase from

[@KSMotoCafe]

You can get em from FortNine if you live in Canada!

[@harris8390]

@@KSMotoCafe So I just ordered some 412’s from Amazon. They look super high quality and all that. Installed them tonight and noticed that they bottom out very easily from me bouncing up and down on the bike with my body weight. Is that what you noticed as well? These seem like ultra soft shocks.

[@KSMotoCafe]

@@harris8390 have you adjusted the pre-load to your riding weight? if your riding weight is over 240-260 - you should get the Heavy Duty 412s

[@michaell2168]

Watch out for them potholes on the mean streets of Colwood 😆.

[@KSMotoCafe]

colwood municipality needs to get their shit together to fix all them holes!

[@grayghost1423]

12"?

[@KSMotoCafe]

yes