Well I finally had three people here to help me measure the shock sag today.
Here is what I got. I'm asking for the progressive guy on the forum to let me know if I should swap for the standard springs.

2012 FLHTC

All measurements where taken on the shock eye to eye centers. And the pre-load **** set at the softest setting.

I lifted the rear tire off the ground and the eye to eye is 13" no surprise uh.

Bike on side stand 12"

Me sitting on the bike (200 lbs) 11.5"

Two up (400 lbs) came in at 11"

I need the experts to tell me, would the standard spring be better for me?

 

Divide the stroke of the shock by a third. That's the amount of sag your looking for.

IMO the progressive aftermarket shocks are the worst. If you not going JRI or Ohlins I think the HD hand adjustables, 13" are a better option.

 

Here's the link, call Him tomorrow and they will help you.
Progressive makes a great shock, just get it dialed in and you will probably love it.
I would not even think about shocks from dick head Howard at Motorcycle Metal.
If I would have been face to face with Him a while back, He would have put in His place.
Simple fix for you, my man, get ready to ride.
Oh, and a couple of decent youtube videos out there, too.
http://www.progressivesuspension.com/

 

Here's the video for setting sag on your bike.

 

I will be chatting with Progressive. I like the product and I know they will help me get it right. Thanks, Joe

 

I've seen this video a few times. It is confusing to me because it's not the same shock. The 944 have the extra inch built in. You know it's a 13" shock that acts like a 12" shock. How does that video account for the extra inch?

The paper instructions that come with the 944 says they want 2" of sag. I'm not sure how to follow two sets of directions.

 

They will take care of you, Bro.
Keep us posted on how it goes.
Ride safe!

 

Yes, at 200 lbs, you should have the standard rate springs. But you have the exact same problem as me. A heavy passenger (400 lbs two up). So, the HD springs seem like the best idea. That being said, I would rather run the standard rate spring one notch higher to cover the passenger, as recommended, than the heavy springs. Because at 200 lbs solo, even on the lightest setting the HD springs will ride rough.

 

That is what I'm thinking also. My wife isn't with me that much. So easy to crank up the pre-load for her. The minimum pre-load on the HD springs is a bit to stiff. Thanks for your input.

 

great answer !
i have the same problem (180 lbs me and 200lbs the wife) but i ride solo 80% of the time with the tourpak removed off my glide as well.

i am planning on ordering my 944,s in the next week or so.
i have the 12" (short) harley air shocks installed at the moment as i am short legged but they are hopeless. Hope the 944's will be a better idea.

thanks all - appreciated.

Rowle - UK