Trying to decide on which rear shocks to go with
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 336
Likes: 26
From: Colorado
I have the progressive 444 heavy duty and they are good for the price. The downside is that they are hard to adjust. I keep them set to firm for two up and just deal with that when riding solo. It doesn't seem to effect the stability of the ride or keeping the front tire planted. I don't however ride very aggressive.
Tourer
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 376
Likes: 20
From: Tennessee
Pro-Action shocks here. I've ran just about all brands out there, went back to Pro-Action since that's what I run on my dirt bikes and they are pretty much the best in the business when it comes to dirt bike suspension (My opinion anyway.) I couldn't be more happy with them on my street glide.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 44,807
Likes: 29,747
From: PNW
Went from Ohlin 2.5 adjustables to Progressive 444s. Couldn't be happier.
I think it really comes down to the roads you ride and the ride you want. I ride on rough roads and wanted a smoother ride. For me the Ohlins were too firm despite spending much time adjusting them. When I rode in Arkansas on the smoother roads, the Ohlins were great. If I lived down there I would have been happy with them.
The Progressives were very easy to adjust once installed - beating in the slip-ons to allow clearance for the 13.5 shocks took some finesse. (By finesse I mean all out assault with a hammer) The difference in ride was immediately evident and they are much more plush on our crappy roads. The downside is on the hard hits they will bottom out harder than the Ohlins did. That said, a hard hit sucks no matter what shock you are on.
I weigh 210 and Cheryl is at 120. That maxes out the std springs. I ordered out the HD springs and will see if that works better. But as is, I'm happy.
PS - I spent $483 to my door.
I think it really comes down to the roads you ride and the ride you want. I ride on rough roads and wanted a smoother ride. For me the Ohlins were too firm despite spending much time adjusting them. When I rode in Arkansas on the smoother roads, the Ohlins were great. If I lived down there I would have been happy with them.
The Progressives were very easy to adjust once installed - beating in the slip-ons to allow clearance for the 13.5 shocks took some finesse. (By finesse I mean all out assault with a hammer) The difference in ride was immediately evident and they are much more plush on our crappy roads. The downside is on the hard hits they will bottom out harder than the Ohlins did. That said, a hard hit sucks no matter what shock you are on.
I weigh 210 and Cheryl is at 120. That maxes out the std springs. I ordered out the HD springs and will see if that works better. But as is, I'm happy.
PS - I spent $483 to my door.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,191
Likes: 233
From: North East, MD
Let us know how the HD springs work out for you, both one up and two up. I am considering them myself.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 44,807
Likes: 29,747
From: PNW
Will do. The spring removal tool ($35) just showed up and is sitting on my desk as I type.
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 424
Likes: 36
From: El Paso, TX
I went with Progressive 944 w heavy duty springs. I didn't want to spend the coin the others go for and so far, I am happy with the result.. I went with 944s over 444s because they have the travel of a 13" but are 12", so drop my road king down 1' from stock. Again, I am happy with the performance so far, so the $540 I spent was good enough for me.