Why not progressive?
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 78
Likes: 42
From: Italy
Why not progressive?
I spent a quite few days searching all the review on progressive shocks, particularly on 970s and 444s.
Despite the cost everybody seems to suggest other brands as better choice, even if more espensive.
Considering the fact that we are not talking about sportbikes I was wondering if eventually ohlins and ricor are a little overshooting in cost and performance or if progressive worth the money they ask.
Knowing that usually true is in the middle can anybody, who own a set of 970 or 444, tell me if the money they spent gave what they were looking for or not?
I'm asking because I'm at the point of buying one of the 2 and everybody's no-no is giving me a lot of concern....
Despite the cost everybody seems to suggest other brands as better choice, even if more espensive.
Considering the fact that we are not talking about sportbikes I was wondering if eventually ohlins and ricor are a little overshooting in cost and performance or if progressive worth the money they ask.
Knowing that usually true is in the middle can anybody, who own a set of 970 or 444, tell me if the money they spent gave what they were looking for or not?
I'm asking because I'm at the point of buying one of the 2 and everybody's no-no is giving me a lot of concern....
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,252
Likes: 7
From: SLC, UT
Well, you get what you pay for. I have progressives and I have enjoyed them. Ricors and Ohlins are more expensive but people say its a night and day difference. A bit too much money for me to justify it. My shocks give me a good ride, are adjustable, feel great for two up and solo. I'm happy with them. I have the 444 series.
I think it's all about perception. Progressive offers budget shocks and a lot of people go that route to save money (like the 412's on my bike.) As a result, the name Progressive gets associated with the large volume of budget shock users who don't have the best suspension available.
My 412's are better than the stock shocks, but the ride isn't great. I'm happy with them for now, but I wouldn't go with the low cost units when I cut an inch out of the height.
If you are going with the mid-level or high-end Progressives, you will get what you paid for.
My 412's are better than the stock shocks, but the ride isn't great. I'm happy with them for now, but I wouldn't go with the low cost units when I cut an inch out of the height.
If you are going with the mid-level or high-end Progressives, you will get what you paid for.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 4,416
Likes: 88
From: San Quirino, Italy
What height are your 440s? Wanna sell them?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9,281
Likes: 1,139
From: southeast PA
It's really all about what you are looking for. If you want something better than stock shocks, the Progressives should work for you. I had a set of 440's on the bike for a while and they were a noticeable improvement, but there were areas of handling and comfort that I had hoped for and wasn't getting. So I went for the Ohlins (3-3's) and after 15,000 miles I can't imagine needing anything else. Besides the quality, there's nothing like having them built for your size and riding requirements.
Novice
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Tolland CT
My .02 One thing to think about is the rear suspension travel. I immediately changed out the stock shocks on my 2011 FXDC to Progressive 412's but got longer shocks to increase the rear suspension travel to 4 in. from the stock 3 in. For the money it was a nice improvement. Gaining 33% more rear travel sure helped. Gained 1 in. in seat height which was OK for me. The older Superglides had 4 in. rear travel and when they eliminated the Low Rider, they put shorter shocks on the FXDC. 3 in. of rear suspension travel really limits comfort.
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 770
Likes: 3
From: Wabash
Love mine so fa but only rode once since I changed them over to progressives from stock.
Ill let you know. Everyone I talk to lives the progressives but I hear great hings about the other brands too. How much are you willing to spend I guess.
Ill let you know. Everyone I talk to lives the progressives but I hear great hings about the other brands too. How much are you willing to spend I guess.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,736
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From: Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand
...because their customer service leaves a lot to be desired....Hagon are light years ahead in this regard.
I would never deal with Progressive again after my dealings with them.
I would never deal with Progressive again after my dealings with them.