Progressive Air Tail Shocks
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,591
Likes: 68
From: Big Bear City, CA
A good friend offered me a new set that he never used, for just $250.00 without the compressor. I read thru several threads on several forms and the general consensus that I came up with is that they're notorious for leaking.
What sucks about that is that when they do leak, your bike will drop all the way down to the stops, and you'll have to ride home ridged and extremely low.
Now if you buy the compressor as well, and it's just a slow leak, you can keep hitting the compressor to raise you back up off the stops. IMO, it's not a good enough system to have bought his shocks, then have to buy the compressor as well, so I just passed.
The Hot Ticket that everybody loves, is the Shotgun Shock. But that system retails for $1500.00. Some have got them for around $1300.00 on sale, but that's still a poo-load IMO.
Basically the Progressive Airtail without a compressor can leave you kinda screwed. If the Shotgun Shock failed in any way, it would raise the bike all the way up. It won't look good, but you would still have a decent ride home.
Just my views ...
What sucks about that is that when they do leak, your bike will drop all the way down to the stops, and you'll have to ride home ridged and extremely low.
Now if you buy the compressor as well, and it's just a slow leak, you can keep hitting the compressor to raise you back up off the stops. IMO, it's not a good enough system to have bought his shocks, then have to buy the compressor as well, so I just passed.
The Hot Ticket that everybody loves, is the Shotgun Shock. But that system retails for $1500.00. Some have got them for around $1300.00 on sale, but that's still a poo-load IMO.
Basically the Progressive Airtail without a compressor can leave you kinda screwed. If the Shotgun Shock failed in any way, it would raise the bike all the way up. It won't look good, but you would still have a decent ride home.
Just my views ...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 15,383
Likes: 19,261
From: Upstate N.Y.-Rochester Area
Progressive
I have an older 1989 FLHS that came with H-D Air shocks.
Just replaced my H-D system with Progressives, 1/2" shorter in the rear, 1" shorter springs in the front, both air valves rebuilt, new lines, etc.
Only 500 miles on them at this point, but much better suspension action.
Very happy that I replaced the factory components. Bought the bike used, don't believe that it was abused, but you don't know. Had about 54k on it and 23 years. I hope that I put another 54k on it, but over a much shorter timespan, I'll let you know
Just replaced my H-D system with Progressives, 1/2" shorter in the rear, 1" shorter springs in the front, both air valves rebuilt, new lines, etc.
Only 500 miles on them at this point, but much better suspension action.
Very happy that I replaced the factory components. Bought the bike used, don't believe that it was abused, but you don't know. Had about 54k on it and 23 years. I hope that I put another 54k on it, but over a much shorter timespan, I'll let you know
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,591
Likes: 68
From: Big Bear City, CA
I have an older 1989 FLHS that came with H-D Air shocks.
Just replaced my H-D system with Progressives, 1/2" shorter in the rear, 1" shorter springs in the front, both air valves rebuilt, new lines, etc.
Only 500 miles on them at this point, but much better suspension action.
Very happy that I replaced the factory components. Bought the bike used, don't believe that it was abused, but you don't know. Had about 54k on it and 23 years. I hope that I put another 54k on it, but over a much shorter timespan, I'll let you know
Just replaced my H-D system with Progressives, 1/2" shorter in the rear, 1" shorter springs in the front, both air valves rebuilt, new lines, etc.
Only 500 miles on them at this point, but much better suspension action.
Very happy that I replaced the factory components. Bought the bike used, don't believe that it was abused, but you don't know. Had about 54k on it and 23 years. I hope that I put another 54k on it, but over a much shorter timespan, I'll let you know
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 15,383
Likes: 19,261
From: Upstate N.Y.-Rochester Area
Progressive Shocks
" Entirely different suspension though, he has a Softail. "
Understood, which is why I was careful to list what mine were used on. I Just wanted to chime in and note that I was satisfied with a similar type of Progressive product, and that the ride quality was immediately and noticeably improved.
Since I am being more clear I'll also emphasize the 23 year old upgrade. YMMV.
Understood, which is why I was careful to list what mine were used on. I Just wanted to chime in and note that I was satisfied with a similar type of Progressive product, and that the ride quality was immediately and noticeably improved.
Since I am being more clear I'll also emphasize the 23 year old upgrade. YMMV.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,039
Likes: 11
From: Northern Ontario
Ya I realized that after I hit post. But speaking for the progressive product they are very good.
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Well thanks for the input yall the bike just broke 38k miles an to me it just doesnt ride like other softails do plus lowering it would make it a totally different bike looks wise
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