Progressive 416 alternatives

[Sadanorakman]

Are there any alternatives to the discontinued progressive 416 13.42" air shocks for the gl1500?

Do any of the Harley air shocks fit the gl1500? I'm a little vertically challenged, so would be happy with a 13" with a similar spring rate.

If I managed to find a pair of gl1500 416's second hand, can you get replacement dust boots for them? What about springs?

Many thanks.

[Sadanorakman]

Has anyone tried Harley road king air shocks? These are 13", and it's also an 800lb motorcycle. No idea what the difference in suspension travel is though, or bolt sizes.

[4given]

Not a good fit. They will definitely lower the bike but they are lighter and even pumped up to full pressure will probably rub. Ask me how I know.

[CrystalPistol]

Are there any alternatives to the discontinued progressive 416 13.42" air shocks for the gl1500?

Do any of the Harley air shocks fit the gl1500? I'm a little vertically challenged, so would be happy with a 13" with a similar spring rate.

If I managed to find a pair of gl1500 416's second hand, can you get replacement dust boots for them? What about springs?

Many thanks.

Boots on rear shock is easily replaceable with a generic Monroe SA1997 universal shock boots. Search for Progressive Suspension # 30-5041 for the seal kit to do two shocks, has instructions. Springs if not broken will likely will be OK. If you need new upper or lower bushings, you may find them at Energy Suspension in polyurethane. The "shock body" is not serviceable. My '97 trike has had same set since it was converted in 1998, no leaks yet.

[thebruce]

I was also thinking H-D air shocks, but if they have been weighed, measured and been found wanting I would consider a set of the conventional shocks that cyclemax sells.

I really have a hate on for the lopsided rear suspension.

I KNOW the engineers that put this system on the bike were far smarter and paid much more for their time than I ever will be.

My bird-brain just can't ignore the uneven forces exerted on the swingarm, frame and bearings. Again, I KNOW there have been untold millions of miles run on this system without fail.

Maybe I just like symmetry...

[FM-USA]

I also am looking for a Progressive replacement.

TheBruce, if you think on it a little both shocks are pushing up reasonably equally unless the air pressure is ZERO or at full pressure. There is some unequal spring action but the swing-arm is rather stout as are the swing-arm bearings.
The umteen millions of miles prove it's a good system.


.

.

[pocketchange]

416s are good enough.
Progressive Suspension #00-1172 is the HD spring kit.
There are lighter service springs available but I'd stick with the 1172 unless someone has another PN.
Along with fresh boots, seals, eyes and some chrome paint, you'll have a good rear shock setup.
As for an alternative, I haven't found anything better (.. I'm open to suggestion.)
Frustration is all you will get, dealing with Progressive Suspension since they discontinued the 416s. pc

[CrystalPistol]

But then …. I've read a lot of tales of the rear swing arm bending or yielding due to time, miles, and rust from folks in places like England where lots of rain or humidity, etc. I know they are built stout, built to take even unequal loading side to side. I have two sitting out on the back stoop to haul off … but rust knows no stopping.

[Sadanorakman]

Thank you for the input everyone. Am I right in thinking that the 416 shocks aren't completely serviceable? Only the lower seal is renewable? Does this mean there are still internal damping valves etc that are subject to wear and not replaceable?

[4given]

One of my 416 shocks leaks air out of the top and the seal kit did not fix that.

[Sadanorakman]

One of my 416 shocks leaks air out of the top and the seal kit did not fix that.

Interesting to know.

Have you determined exactly where it leaks? Does it comes from where the top-mount joins the body, or the air-inlet perhaps?

If I can bring people back to my last question please: Is the 416 shock fully strippable/serviceable, or only the lower part e.g. seal. I'm worried about buying used ones, and finding them worn out with nothing I can do about it.

[4given]

My air leak is coming from where the top mount goes into the shock. I’ve been looking for a solution for a year or so. Progressive has been no help ever since they discontinued the 416s. And as I said the seal kit didn’t fix the problem.

[CrystalPistol]

My air leak is coming from where the top mount goes into the shock. I’ve been looking for a solution for a year or so. Progressive has been no help ever since they discontinued the 416s. And as I said the seal kit didn’t fix the problem.76086A0E-C4EE-4695-AD64-7A2A48E2985F.jpeg

Should have … if installed correctly, surfaces all clean and undamaged, and as long as seal was pliable . Mine don't leak, same seals.

[4given]

[quote=4given post_id=341635 time=<a href="tel:1591889887">1591889887</a> user_id=75171]
My air leak is coming from where the top mount goes into the shock. I’ve been looking for a solution for a year or so. Progressive has been no help ever since they discontinued the 416s. And as I said the seal kit didn’t fix the problem.76086A0E-C4EE-4695-AD64-7A2A48E2985F.jpeg

Should have … if installed correctly, surfaces all clean and undamaged, and as long as seal was pliable . Mine don't leak, same seals.
[/quote]
I’m fairly sure everything went back together correctly but this winter I’ll look at it again and try another seal kit but I’m not getting my hopes up. The shocks work great even without air so It’s not all that urgent.

[pocketchange]

IS/CAN the Progressive 00-1172 HD Springs Kit BE used with the 416 Shock (I have a broken spring?)
I know this kit fits the Stock Honda GL1500 shocks..

[pocketchange]

As for the Air Leak.. Pull the shock apart and investigate the issue.
If there is a chaffed//cut O-Ring, replace it and if the top of the shock is cracked,
clean it up and solder up or JB Weld the crack. pc

[WingAdmin]

I think if I were to source new shocks, I would go to Hagon. They will build custom shocks to your specifications in terms of weight, spring, size, etc. I had them do exactly this for my wife's PC800, and they did an amazing job.