Progressive Shocks - opinions
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 198
Likes: 0
From: Westerly, RI
Progressive Shocks - opinions
Now that I have the True Track in house ready to install this weekend, I am thinking about replacing the shocks on my FXDF. Progressive shocks come up a lot in the forum, so I took a look at their website, and I really like the look of the black 430 series. I am thinking about the 11" set; am I right in thinking they are 1" shorter than the stock shocks that are on the bike? Any benefits/detractions in doing this? I was thinking it would look cool to lower the back end a bit.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 643
Likes: 9
From: Georgia
I have a set of 440s on the rear of my Lowrider. I lowered the bike an inch and I haven't had any issues with bottoming out, however the ride is slightly harsher than stock when on a very bumpy road. I have Progressive stock height springs on the front and they made a huge improvement. They are much smoother and the diving was eliminated almost completely. Look for deals on the web and on eBay. I found my 440s for less than $200 new. They are normally over $600 or so.
Novice
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Progressive 430's
I've installed the 430's on my 2007 Low Rider. No issues bottoming out (I have the heavy duty springs), however I find that the ride is only marginally better than with the stock shock. It's to be expected though - with the shorter travel on 11'' shocks. I have to play a bit with the pre-load still - I'm not sure its dialled in optimally.
The bike looks way cool sitting even lower.
The bike looks way cool sitting even lower.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 992
Likes: 1
From: Mechanicsburg, PA
I got the 412's but the lower ride in the rear, if you do not also lower the front, seems to change the rake angle a bit and causes the bike to be "more stable" (for lack of a better term) and I noticed more turning effort is required to lean over and it wants to stand up more by itself. Nothing terrible, just a slight difference. I like the ride better than the stock shocks too but it seems a bit more springy.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,562
Likes: 11
From: Palm Harbor fl.
get works shocks for the same $$. Or try out Ricor's new shocks. Little more expensive for the ricors. The progressive shocks are built horribly cheap. They are grossly oversprung to make up for this. So you get a very firm ride like a dump truck. If your lowering the bike, get works. Way better quality, built for your weight and riding style, and the same money. Why buy an off the shelve shock when you can get one custom made to you for the same price. Ohlins don't have an option for a shock that short, so no go on them. Last Saint had the perfect quote after changing out his progressives for works...."works ride 1000% better".
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 64
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I have progressives 418, 440's and aluminum body rebuildable WORKS shocks. I like works the best for adjustability and quality of ride. I had to really work to get the 418's to dampen properly but over-all they are good shocks. No problems with the 440's they are very good shocks. I recommend the older style WORKS for the ability to put a nitrogen charge of varying PSI to suit your riding style,weight and rise. just my opinion. Hardrider.
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
True, but Howard of sponsor Motorcycle Metal has an Ohlins shock he custom builds which is 11 5/8" long with a stroke of 2 3/4", which is not to be sniffed at.