Need to know about progressive suspension; Reliable? Will they last ten to 15k a few years on a bagger? am putting a set (Possibly 920's or 440's) ON THE ELECTRA BEFORE THE WEATHER BREAKS....suggestions?

 

Weather broke over here a few weeks ago! So darned cold out in the garage I got a garage heater for Xmas, so I can carry on my winter project - haven't plucked up courage to try it out yet!

As for shocks, I haven't tried Progressives I must admit. Shocks are rather like oils on HDF - every brand has their champion and it is almost impossible to single one out as having a worthwhile advantage.

I spent longer than I care to admit researching shocks and reckon that most popular brands meet some owners expectations, but not all. I had already tried another brand, which were a slight improvement over stock, but were still not good enough. I wanted to be as sure as possible that I only bought one more set of shocks, not yet another, then another!

The only brand (a year or so ago) that stood out for me was Ohlins. I bought mine custom-built by HDF sponsor Motorcycle Metal. They ain't cheap, but for the first time ever I have a set of shocks that so far have NOT bottomed out at some time (riding 2-up). That has been well worth the expense IMHO.

 

Yes - thier shocks and fork springs both will last for many years and miles. I've run their shocks and springs on multiple dirtbikes, an FXR for 8 yrs and the 'Glide since 05 with zero problems.

I have the 440's on the Glide currently along with thier fork springs. Reccomend you go to thier site and take a look at thier spring recomendations, in my expeience, for the 440's the spring rates are very accurate for the weights listed. Very happy with thier stuff.

 

Don't know about longevity, but I replaced my original stock air shocks with Progressive 440's last year. I also replaced my original stock fork springs with Progressive springs. Took a little while to get them dialed in, but I think they are an improvement over stock. The ride isn't quite as cushy as it was, but handling is much improved.

 

Both the 940 Series and 440 Series are guaranteed for life. Save your receipt. If you can hurt them, send em back and we'll repair or replace.

http://www.progressivesuspension.com/940/index.html

http://www.progressivesuspension.com...ies/index.html

 

I will swear by this being true. I had an issue with my 440's and they stood by them 100%.

 

Hey Slim how much of a chore was it installing the fork springs? I'm considering upgrading mine.

I installed the 416's , not sure whats referred to as a nice ride but I run them with about 5lb's air and don't bottom out.

 

I saw it as a big chore and paid my local indy to do it.

There's no bottoming out; the ride is definitely firmer which makes for better handling.

 

I've had their fork springs in my Softail for 16 years and 150,000 miles with no issues. I'm on my second set of 413 rear shocks and they are still holding up fine at 60,000 miles.

 

I am hopeful for the shocks to be a bit more cushy...the stock shocks make the bike ride like a lumber wagon! It was great the first season or so...then downhill from there! I even replaced the rear shocks with new stock rears-in a short amount of time,same thing! Just had back surgery this last summer and really look forward to riding again this next year. I will probably try the progressives.