Progressive 422 Series Adjustable Shocks with RAP

I agree with you, in that, the OEM shocks aren't that great. The 422 shocks, with or without a remote preload adjuster, are going to be a LOT nicer than stock. Whether or not you need the RAP depends on how often you think you're going to need to make any preload adjustments, or rather more likely, how picky you are with suspension setup. If you're riding alone OR with a passenger most of the time, and rarely do ride in the opposite manner, the standard 422 without RAP are just fine. It's really only when you get picky about rear end setup that you need to delve into the RAP shocks, albeit, having those remote adjusters on the bike does look kind'a cool. No matter what you choose, however, you'll want to order heavy-duty shocks as those would be best matched to your riding weight. And then, of course, you'll get to enjoy quality suspension on your bike. These things are way, WAY better than stock!

For these shocks you would use the remote adjuster that is included in order to change the preload setting.

With being right on the edge of deciding point of heavy duty or standard, I would suggest the heavy duty as you can always back down the preload if they are too stiff when riding solo.

Choosing the right spring rate will make a big difference in how your bike responds to a Progressive suspension upgrade. Heavy-duty springs are best suited for solo riders over 220lbs. If you ride two-up and/or with a full load of luggage at least 50% of the time, heavy-duty shocks are also recommended. Otherwise, standard-rate springs will do the trick.

If the shocks on your machine are stock, and you're riding an 1989-1999 Softail, the shocks measure 12.23" long at full extension. If you're riding a 2000-2017 Softail, the shocks measure 10.65" long. You'll be able to take two inches out of that should you want to lower the rear end of the bike.

The side on which the preload adjust varies based on the model year machine on which you're fitting the shocks. In the case of 2000+ models, the preload adjust is to be fitted on the left side of the bike. On old machines, Progressive instructs you to install the adjuster on the right side of the bike. As for the spring rate recommendation, if you ride solo at least 50% of the time, go with the standard rate springs. If you ride two-up and/or with a full load of luggage at least 50% of the time, heavy-duty shocks are what's recommended for your situation.

Heavy Duty spring rate would be the best option to suit your weight in the 422 series Shocks to fit a Harley Davidson Softail model. Heavy Duty spring rate is recommended for anyone that rides 2-up more than 50% of the time or has a combined rider weight with gear that is over 250 lbs. I would also suggest looking at a set of heavy duty fork springs for the front forks as well. This will give you the best ride quality matching both front and rear suspension together.

The Remote Adjustable Preload (RAP) function is there to fine-tune ride height once you've got your baseline ride height properly set. With careful tuning, you can get the shocks set up so that, depending on whether or not you're riding with a passenger - you can simply turn the RAP's knob a few times to get the proper ride height. You can do this since the shock that doesn't have the remote adjuster attached can also be adjust for preload using the included preload adjustment tool. In the instance you're unable to get proper ride height with the RAP alone during initial setup, then you will need to use the preload wrench to get it in range. For reference, it's actually not unusual to find modern suspension components with a preload adjustment on one side only. For those bikes, you often need to change out the springs in order to get the proper ride height. This goes for forks as well. While it's not as common on cruisers, over the last four or five years, it's become increasingly common on sportbikes and offroad bikes, both - MX and enduro machines. What's nice about the Progressive 422 shocks is that, since the non-remote adjustable side can also be adjusted for preload, you don't need to change out springs in order to get the right ride height.

Progressive's 422 series shocks are only available with a chrome finish.