Why not progressive?
Why Not Progressive
Like others have said there may well be a couple brands out there that 'might' be better than Progressive. I guess it boils down to how much you want to pay for potentially a better ride. On my FXDC I changed from stock shocks to 12" 440's and my wife and I are perfectly happy with the ride and handling improvement. Oh and I installed Progressive Drop in front Springs too. Along with the Sputhe front and rear Stabilizer system my FXDC handles absolutely superbly.
JUST RIDE
GARY
JUST RIDE
GARY
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 268
Likes: 2
From: sonoma county
mainly that progressives are not built to your specific weight and riding style. they are still a universal shock which is fine and is still in most cases better than stock but they will never be better than a comparable shock that is valved and sprung for your specific weight and riding style
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,514
Likes: 88
From: USA
When I first purchased my Fat Bob I rode with the stock shocks for a few weeks, they were good.
I put on a set of 412s, and they were noticeably better.
I replaced the 412s with 444s and they a huge improvement over the 412s and an extreme improvement over stock.
If I had the money the works or Ohlins shocks would be great but IMO it's overkill for a Harley. I'm sure they are better but no enough to justify the huge price difference.
So far I've been really happy with the 444s and wasn't expecting such a huge difference with them.
I put on a set of 412s, and they were noticeably better.
I replaced the 412s with 444s and they a huge improvement over the 412s and an extreme improvement over stock.
If I had the money the works or Ohlins shocks would be great but IMO it's overkill for a Harley. I'm sure they are better but no enough to justify the huge price difference.
So far I've been really happy with the 444s and wasn't expecting such a huge difference with them.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9,281
Likes: 1,139
From: southeast PA
The pricing for premium shocks is not as bad as you think. A set of Ohlins lists for $708. This is not much more than a Progressive 444, and as a HDF member you can get a discount from Howard at Motorcycle Metals. Plus you have advantage of speaking to someone who knows bikes and suspensions and will be glad to give you as much time on the phone as you need.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,514
Likes: 88
From: USA
The pricing for premium shocks is not as bad as you think. A set of Ohlins lists for $708. This is not much more than a Progressive 444, and as a HDF member you can get a discount from Howard at Motorcycle Metals. Plus you have advantage of speaking to someone who knows bikes and suspensions and will be glad to give you as much time on the phone as you need.
Thread Starter
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Advanced
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 78
Likes: 42
From: Italy
I understand everybody want the best for his own bike, I'm the same but is this the case of overshooting expectation over fair performance needed?
But away, I placed an order for a 970 set, 444 were cheaper but, as said a few words ago, overshooted a little to satisfy my ego.......
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,553
Likes: 17
There is nothing wrong with Progressive shocks. They are good for what they are, which is off the shelf better than stock shocks. Custom tuned suspension is another category entirely, hence the price and additional benefits.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,642
Likes: 48
From: Ogden, UT
One point I do not see discussed....
I often ride 2up, perhaps 50/50, so paying a premium price for me does not make sense for a shock set up for a particular weight or style of ride.
I have the 440 HD's and am pleased with them, although I would like to try non HD 440's, the ride is a bit stiffer than I really like when solo, but perfect when 2up.
Adding 120 lbs makes a world of difference..
I often ride 2up, perhaps 50/50, so paying a premium price for me does not make sense for a shock set up for a particular weight or style of ride.
I have the 440 HD's and am pleased with them, although I would like to try non HD 440's, the ride is a bit stiffer than I really like when solo, but perfect when 2up.
Adding 120 lbs makes a world of difference..
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,938
Likes: 4
From: NC
This is my point too, everybody says the other brands are far better and suggest them even if they are far more espensive, only a few people consider progressive performance for the money.
I understand everybody want the best for his own bike, I'm the same but is this the case of overshooting expectation over fair performance needed?
But away, I placed an order for a 970 set, 444 were cheaper but, as said a few words ago, overshooted a little to satisfy my ego.......
I understand everybody want the best for his own bike, I'm the same but is this the case of overshooting expectation over fair performance needed?
But away, I placed an order for a 970 set, 444 were cheaper but, as said a few words ago, overshooted a little to satisfy my ego.......
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