Progressive 12-1207B Shocks/ 105-150lb Springs

Anybody out there have this combo? I've been kicking around getting some of them. Would replace the stock rears on my 82 1000LTD with these. I have a rack, trunk box, and removable side bags, with a 185lb rider. I found a place on the net where I can get them for $220 free shipping. Z1 is more and out of stock, thinking of giving them a chance to match price though. I've had good service but haven't been down the price match road yet.
Comments? :silly:

I think those springs will be a bit too stiff. I have a KZ-750 (about 550 lbs wet) and I weigh 175. I have the progressive springs about 80-120 and they are just right for me. Firm, but won't break my back.

I used to run 120-160 and they were way too stiff and also raised the rear height about an inch.

These Spring rates are a bit less, and the bike would weigh more stock, plus the gear I've added. Those Vetter rear bags are rated for 20-lbs each, but they weigh several pounds empty. I run with their mounts on all the time, not much maybe 6-lbs, but the rear rack and trunk box empty is at least 15-lbs. I've got my 28 year old stuff set a firm as they will go and there to soft, besides the faded dampening.

I'll be interested in the responses you get. I am looking for a bit better shock and spring combo as well for my '82.

If you want I can send the link with a PM. Like I said I would Go to Z1 and see if they will price match first, but their site say's "currently out of stock".

I have been using the 12 series shocks from Progressive for years and I love them. I have them on every bike on which I have replaced rear shocks on. I also like the little stiffer springs, and I am 190# and have no bags on the bike. The adjustment gives a pretty good range, so you will be OK. Here is a set of them on my GPz1150 with a gs1100 swing arm. I also bought a set for my KZ1300 (1400)

So do you remember the spring rate? And what notch do you have the spring pre-load on? Have you any of the Chrome, if so has it rusted/ flaked?

My shocks are all Black. On the GPz i have them set on the second setting from full stiff. The shocks on this bike are now four years old and there is NO indication of rust anywhere. The bike sits outside ALL year here in the Chicago area. I just have a cover over it when there is snow outside. I don't cover it at all during the riding season. The shocks on this particular bike are designated for the Honda "Lead Wing" because I required the "clevis mount" at the lower end and also wanted a shock that was a bit longer to accommodate the 2" longer GS1100 swing arm. I wanted the back end to sit a bit higher to improve the handling. These shocks are the 12-1205B shocks. About an inch longer than the ones you want. The 12-1207B are about 3/4" longer than stock also.

The LTD has the 13.5" shocks, which should be what those 12-1207B's are.
I gave Z1 the option of a price match, but no go,
So I just ordered a set from another place, see how that works for me. Z1's site still "says out of stock".
So when these show up I'll put up some results of how they compare to the 28 year old stock KYB's, :laugh: .

EDIT 9-22-10, just checked and Z1 now shows back in stock for the shocks, they would no doubt be faster when in stock, same day vrs 1-3 days to ship.

Hope you have a spring compressor. When I ordered mine, the springs came separate from the shocks. Z1 used to mount the springs for free which would have made my life a lot easier.

Got several types, should be a relatively easy thing, but you know how that can turn out.:laugh:

Had 90-140 springs on Progressive shocks on my 750 twin with a 240 lb rider. Entirely to stiff on the lowest setting, but all it took was a laptop strapped to the seat behind me to make them work right.

Currently have Progressive fork springs and Koni shocks, and really happy withy the setup.