Eddy, when I installed the 412HD's on my 07SM bagger I initially had them on preload setting # 1; that seemed to have excess sag, so I went right to #3 before riding the bike. That setting gave great cornering clearance but was borderline harsh over bumps.
I'm about 170lbs w/o the gear, however my bike is carrying extra weight from various accessories. I tried preload # 2 on the 412HD's today, & wow, what an improvement in the ride quality. The spring rate & damping are in harmony, ground clearance is still great, and the thing now rides
plush .
I prefer my shocks to have minimum preload & max clearance, so for me the 412HD's were the right choice. In short, I'm very happy with the 412HD's...
