Review on Progressive Suspension 412 4257C Standard Replacement by Matthew Watkins

Installs as a replacement for stock shocks on a 2007 Honda VT750 Aero. The original Honda shock absorber length is 11 inches. Progressive makes a standard length replacement as well as this 4257 which is 11.5 inches at eye level. The 11.5 inch shock has 2.5 inches of travel compared to 2 inches of travel on the standard length model. I haven't had a chance to take the stock Honda shocks apart to check the stroke length on them. Honda claims 3.5 inches of rear-wheel travel. on Aero. The dampers are mounted a few inches in front of the axle, so bumper travel is translated into more axle and wheel travel. I opted for a longer shock with more travel to ensure the bike travel is as full as possible before the shock hits the bottom. Raising the rear of the bike could make the handling a little quicker, but we're only talking 0.5 inches, and with the Aero's long wheelbase it's little to not noticeable. The OEM shocks lost all of their damping and the Progressive solved that problem to the highest degree. No more rear pogo sticks. The Progressive uses a 210/250 pound dual coil spring that feels a little heavier than that at the beginning of the travel Stock Honda spring and much heavier in the back end of the corner. I weigh 225 out of the shower, and the 210/250 is a little rougher on small bumps than the stock spring. But when it comes to big bumps where the stock spring bottoms out the shocks, the Progressives soak up. Much better. I have complete control over the bumps that can throw me out of my seat. Progressive also makes lighter and heavier replacement springs so you can adjust the spring rate to suit your weight. I'm very happy with how it turned out. The Progressive makes a great damper at a very good price. Their aero setup suits my weight really well and really helps my Honda riding.