Being old and creaky, I really suffer riding my 1100 over sharp edged bumps – especially at the back end of the bike. So I set out to find a decent, affordable set of shock absorbers that would fit my bike and solve my problem. Searching on eBay, I stumbled on Progressive Suspension shocks for 2015-2020 Harley Davidson XG500/XG750, Street models. I found both Progressive series 412 and 430 shocks called "new, open box" at substantial discounts (up to 70% from some sellers on the 430’s). The discounted ones are probably new old stock (NOS) and are being cleared out by several eBay sellers (The Harley Street has been discontinued.) Other sellers have the shocks listed at what I assume is full MSRP. In the past, I have used Progressive Suspension 412 shocks on a Yamaha SR500 and they made a huge difference, so I investigated further.
The obvious first question is, how will they fit on a Rebel 1100? And, second how do they work? The short answer is; they fit perfectly and they work perfectly.
The long answer is the 1100 Rebel and 500/750 Street bikes match up very closely on the important suspension related specs:
Weight Shock Angle Shock length Wheel travel
Honda 509 lbs. 35* 12 ½” 3.7”
Harley 489 lbs. ~33* 12-13" ? 3.5”
I had to estimate shock angle using a protractor for the Street using photos of one and I couldn’t find the OEM shock length of a Street but since we’re talking aftermarket shocks with different lengths, it doesn’t matter. There are other minor differences (shock bolts on the Honda are larger (14mm) than on the Harley (12.5mm) but none are really deal breakers IMO. And, there is one possibly important remark posted with the listing for both 412 and 430 shocks: “Notes: Heavy Duty Applications are recommended for bikes operating at or near the manufacturers maximum load rating over 50% of the time.” I don’t know the maximum load rating for the HD Street, so I ignored that statement. But it does suggest these shocks will work well when carrying passengers and for heavier riders.
Back to my “short” answer. It is based on having selected 13” (eye to eye) Series 430 shocks which, even though they are ½ “ longer than factory Rebel shocks, they did not change seat height on my bike. The went on easily (I will need to fit a bushing on the mounts later) and did not touch or block any part of the bike. The length of Progressive shocks for HD Street models offered on eBay (right now) ranges from 12” to 13 ½”, so depending on your choice and your objective (from slamming your bike to increasing ground clearance ) your results could be different than mine.
As for how they work; once I had the Progressive shocks installed on my 1100, I took it out for a half hour tour on the paved road with the most and worst square edged cracks in my development, then into adjacent Federal (BLM) range lands and up, then down 2 miles of the gnarliest dirt road I could navigate on a street bike – aiming at every (and there were plenty) hole, bump, rock, ridge and any other miserable riding surface I could find. I’m not saying I didn’t feel those obstacles, but instead of a jarring hit, there was a noticeable but smooth bump sensation. When I got back to pavement, my hands were aching from fighting the bars over bad road (still are) but my butt was unaffected.
I have no idea how long these NOS shocks will be available or where else they can be be found. And, I am not an eBay seller and have no relationship with anyone who is selling them (except I did buy a pair from one eBay seller).
Posted below are photos taken tonight of the shocks on my 1100. The blue tape is just there to align the pre-load adjuster with the shock body so I can keep track of the number of revolutions adjusters on each side is turned. I'll take the tape off when I'm satisfied with the set up. Incidentally, Progressive claims the adjusters can be turned by hand. So far, that is not the case for me. I had to use strap wrenches to turn them, which at least is easy and doesn't damage the chrome.
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The obvious first question is, how will they fit on a Rebel 1100? And, second how do they work? The short answer is; they fit perfectly and they work perfectly.
The long answer is the 1100 Rebel and 500/750 Street bikes match up very closely on the important suspension related specs:
Weight Shock Angle Shock length Wheel travel
Honda 509 lbs. 35* 12 ½” 3.7”
Harley 489 lbs. ~33* 12-13" ? 3.5”
I had to estimate shock angle using a protractor for the Street using photos of one and I couldn’t find the OEM shock length of a Street but since we’re talking aftermarket shocks with different lengths, it doesn’t matter. There are other minor differences (shock bolts on the Honda are larger (14mm) than on the Harley (12.5mm) but none are really deal breakers IMO. And, there is one possibly important remark posted with the listing for both 412 and 430 shocks: “Notes: Heavy Duty Applications are recommended for bikes operating at or near the manufacturers maximum load rating over 50% of the time.” I don’t know the maximum load rating for the HD Street, so I ignored that statement. But it does suggest these shocks will work well when carrying passengers and for heavier riders.
Back to my “short” answer. It is based on having selected 13” (eye to eye) Series 430 shocks which, even though they are ½ “ longer than factory Rebel shocks, they did not change seat height on my bike. The went on easily (I will need to fit a bushing on the mounts later) and did not touch or block any part of the bike. The length of Progressive shocks for HD Street models offered on eBay (right now) ranges from 12” to 13 ½”, so depending on your choice and your objective (from slamming your bike to increasing ground clearance ) your results could be different than mine.
As for how they work; once I had the Progressive shocks installed on my 1100, I took it out for a half hour tour on the paved road with the most and worst square edged cracks in my development, then into adjacent Federal (BLM) range lands and up, then down 2 miles of the gnarliest dirt road I could navigate on a street bike – aiming at every (and there were plenty) hole, bump, rock, ridge and any other miserable riding surface I could find. I’m not saying I didn’t feel those obstacles, but instead of a jarring hit, there was a noticeable but smooth bump sensation. When I got back to pavement, my hands were aching from fighting the bars over bad road (still are) but my butt was unaffected.
I have no idea how long these NOS shocks will be available or where else they can be be found. And, I am not an eBay seller and have no relationship with anyone who is selling them (except I did buy a pair from one eBay seller).
Posted below are photos taken tonight of the shocks on my 1100. The blue tape is just there to align the pre-load adjuster with the shock body so I can keep track of the number of revolutions adjusters on each side is turned. I'll take the tape off when I'm satisfied with the set up. Incidentally, Progressive claims the adjusters can be turned by hand. So far, that is not the case for me. I had to use strap wrenches to turn them, which at least is easy and doesn't damage the chrome.
