suspension upgrade for Fatbob : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

ozbob · 04-24-2008, 06:03 AM

Hi from Oz.
Wondering if anyone on the forum has upgraded their Fatbobs suspension?The roads in my area are bloody rough! so I am looking to iron out the bumps to save the need for a chiropractor.I will been looking at keeping the same ride hight and proberbly the full chrome look of the rear shocks.I see progressive make a shock 412-4046c that fits the bill,Has any one had any experience with these? Or race tech gold valves ect.for the frontend ?
Cheers Brett

Striker · 05-17-2008, 02:48 AM

Now then Brett,

I was looking at doing the same, the roads around North Yorkshire can also be quite bad. Let me know how you get on. One of my local dealer also recommended the progressive rear shocks and maybe adding 25mm/1" to help with the ground clearance to stop the pipes from grounding.

Cheers,

Andy

lifelong · 05-17-2008, 04:50 PM

hi,

my mate works for OHLINS-they plan front and rear upgrade options for the 08 FXDF-which i have,i find the bike handles well-but could be much better.
will post here as soon as i know more.

JamieWG · 05-18-2008, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ozbob

Hi from Oz.
Wondering if anyone on the forum has upgraded their Fatbobs suspension?The roads in my area are bloody rough! so I am looking to iron out the bumps to save the need for a chiropractor.I will been looking at keeping the same ride hight and proberbly the full chrome look of the rear shocks.I see progressive make a shock 412-4046c that fits the bill,Has any one had any experience with these? Or race tech gold valves ect.for the frontend ?
Cheers Brett

I'm running those Progressives on the rear of my 06 Dyna. They are a lot better than the stock shocks. You will not be disappointed. Two things - I don't think they sell them in the stock length, so you will be lowering the rear a little. Spring preload is critical. Make sure you crank up the preload with the tool provided with the shocks. Speaking of that tool - it sucks balls. It's made of pot metal, bends easy and cuts your hands. But the shocks are worth every penny. Here is a pic of them on my bike .....

detailer57 · 05-19-2008, 02:35 PM

I put Progressive 440's on my 07 Dyna. I ride it hard, corner hard and sometimes two up, (but not hard...pardon the possible pun) But really they are great. I also put a fork brace up front.
You can get stock lenth in the 440's. Just remember, good is not cheap.

Striker · 06-01-2008, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lifelong

hi,

my mate works for OHLINS-they plan front and rear upgrade options for the 08 FXDF-which i have,i find the bike handles well-but could be much better.
will post here as soon as i know more.

Hi,

Any updates yet? sorry to be so impatient.

Cheers,

Andy

lifelong · 07-20-2008, 04:14 PM

hey STRIKER--well he says they have plans afoot to produce progressive fork springs and there own shocks-he is custom building me a set or rears as soon as i return from germany-

as far as release dates go-none the wiser-

i,ve noticed a loud clunking noise from the tank area on mine-[we got rough roads too ] sounds like its from under the tank console-or under/in the tank-if this brand new harley falls to bits i always got my INDIAN CHIEF-

blkfalc4 · 07-20-2008, 04:43 PM

Recommend progressive 440's rear and progressive front spring kit,,, did mine with 1/2" longer and did 3 others. The owners love it,,, like night and day

Shorty9148 · 07-20-2008, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blkfalc4

Recommend progressive 440's rear and progressive front spring kit,,, did mine with 1/2" longer and did 3 others. The owners love it,,, like night and day

I did the same on mine, but went 1/2 inch lower in the rear and 1 inch lower in the front. Hey I am short not my fault ! Progressive is a good shock.

murphdog · 07-20-2008, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lifelong

i,ve noticed a loud clunking noise from the tank area on mine-[we got rough roads too ] sounds like its from under the tank console-or under/in the tank

Lifelong, if you figure out what that noise is, let us know...I've got it as well. Mine is not the fork stem clunk, I know what that sounded like.

Paladin1 · 07-20-2008, 09:04 PM

The trouble with Dyna rear shocks is both the length and the pickup point (midway on the swingarm). If you want a nice ride, consider at least the same length, perhaps longer. Call Progressive, and also Works Performance (both inSouthern Cal). After talking with both, I am inclined towards, Works, although both should be great.

jmho

greg