progressive shocks
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2015
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From: pennslyvania
progressive shocks
Hello to all
I have a general question in regards to progrestive shocks, im looking at getting the 444-4044B
444 (BLK) HLY 12" series but here's the stupid question of mine stock show 12" what's the difference if I go with the 12.5" or 13" instead what would the up and down sides be if I would like to go bigger. I'm 6'2" 270 fat man meals don't seem to get a way from me often lol,
I have a general question in regards to progrestive shocks, im looking at getting the 444-4044B
444 (BLK) HLY 12" series but here's the stupid question of mine stock show 12" what's the difference if I go with the 12.5" or 13" instead what would the up and down sides be if I would like to go bigger. I'm 6'2" 270 fat man meals don't seem to get a way from me often lol,
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 7,388
Likes: 3,357
From: usa
Progressive shocks with softer springs
Hello to all
I have a general question in regards to progrestive shocks, im looking at getting the 444-4044B
444 (BLK) HLY 12" series but here's the stupid question of mine stock show 12" what's the difference if I go with the 12.5" or 13" instead what would the up and down sides be if I would like to go bigger. I'm 6'2" 270 fat man meals don't seem to get a way from me often lol,
I have a general question in regards to progrestive shocks, im looking at getting the 444-4044B
444 (BLK) HLY 12" series but here's the stupid question of mine stock show 12" what's the difference if I go with the 12.5" or 13" instead what would the up and down sides be if I would like to go bigger. I'm 6'2" 270 fat man meals don't seem to get a way from me often lol,
Did you go to there site and find the page with ALL the Specifications & Technical Information yet. Don't go heavy on the spring rate or you will be sending them back for a exchange . I made that mistake and it cost me extra shipping .
OEM shocks haven't had the proper travel in over 40 YEARS ! with a few exceptions.
Last edited by Iron lHorse; Feb 23, 2017 at 07:39 PM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 4,384
Likes: 8,742
From: Texas
Hello to all
I have a general question in regards to progrestive shocks, im looking at getting the 444-4044B
444 (BLK) HLY 12" series but here's the stupid question of mine stock show 12" what's the difference if I go with the 12.5" or 13" instead what would the up and down sides be if I would like to go bigger. I'm 6'2" 270 fat man meals don't seem to get a way from me often lol,
I have a general question in regards to progrestive shocks, im looking at getting the 444-4044B
444 (BLK) HLY 12" series but here's the stupid question of mine stock show 12" what's the difference if I go with the 12.5" or 13" instead what would the up and down sides be if I would like to go bigger. I'm 6'2" 270 fat man meals don't seem to get a way from me often lol,
Shock length is not what you're after - spring rate is (Std vs. HD springs)
Here's a post I made a while back:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/dyna-...ns-needed.html
Heavy vs. standard springs
If the total weight of rider(s) & gear is at / near the max load carrying capacity of the bike > 50% of the time.... Go with heavy
Otherwise stick with standard rate springs - if you wish maximum benefit / operation from the suspension
Work with preload (spacer length) to get proper spring stiffness for controling brake dive / bottoming out
Oil weight has more to do with compression / rebound (the ability to keep the tire on the pavement) - than it does with whether the springs bottom out
Free up the suspension - allow it to work - it'll amaze you how nimble / smooth these bikes are
If the total weight of rider(s) & gear is at / near the max load carrying capacity of the bike > 50% of the time.... Go with heavy
Otherwise stick with standard rate springs - if you wish maximum benefit / operation from the suspension
Work with preload (spacer length) to get proper spring stiffness for controling brake dive / bottoming out
Oil weight has more to do with compression / rebound (the ability to keep the tire on the pavement) - than it does with whether the springs bottom out
Free up the suspension - allow it to work - it'll amaze you how nimble / smooth these bikes are
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 44,902
Likes: 29,882
From: PNW
I have 13.5 444HDs on my 2014 SGS. I weigh 210. I initially bought the non HDs and even with just me on the bike I had to crank the preload almost all the way to get proper sag. It rode pretty well, but there was some bottoming. I bought some HD springs and the preload was closer to the top for sag and the bike felt much smoother. I believe that on a progressive spring it's important to as closely match your weight to a spring with the most minimal preload possible to make the best use of he progressive aspect of that spring. Trust me on this - you want the HDs.
On shock length - sounds like you have Harley shocks which don't really have sag. A Progressive shock will have sag - about an inch. So if you buy a 13 inch shock, it will have about the same ride height as a 12 inch Harley shock. But parked, it will sit a little higher.
On shock length - sounds like you have Harley shocks which don't really have sag. A Progressive shock will have sag - about an inch. So if you buy a 13 inch shock, it will have about the same ride height as a 12 inch Harley shock. But parked, it will sit a little higher.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 124
Likes: 1
From: pennslyvania
I have 13.5 444HDs on my 2014 SGS. I weigh 210. I initially bought the non HDs and even with just me on the bike I had to crank the preload almost all the way to get proper sag. It rode pretty well, but there was some bottoming. I bought some HD springs and the preload was closer to the top for sag and the bike felt much smoother. I believe that on a progressive spring it's important to as closely match your weight to a spring with the most minimal preload possible to make the best use of he progressive aspect of that spring. Trust me on this - you want the HDs.
On shock length - sounds like you have Harley shocks which don't really have sag. A Progressive shock will have sag - about an inch. So if you buy a 13 inch shock, it will have about the same ride height as a 12 inch Harley shock. But parked, it will sit a little higher.
On shock length - sounds like you have Harley shocks which don't really have sag. A Progressive shock will have sag - about an inch. So if you buy a 13 inch shock, it will have about the same ride height as a 12 inch Harley shock. But parked, it will sit a little higher.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 44,902
Likes: 29,882
From: PNW
Tip - buy the Progressive spring removal tool. You'll need it to clean the Shocks. Before you install them on the bike take them apart (super easy with the tool) and take a rag moistened with WD40 or any lube and polish the threads dry. You don't want to leave residue that will attract dirt. The reason for this is sometimes the preload adjuster can bind up out of the box. They should turn very easily even when cranking preload.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 124
Likes: 1
From: pennslyvania
shocks
Good choice. Cheryl and I two up are 330# I dialed in 5 turns of preload and it works very well for us.
Tip - buy the Progressive spring removal tool. You'll need it to clean the Shocks. Before you install them on the bike take them apart (super easy with the tool) and take a rag moistened with WD40 or any lube and polish the threads dry. You don't want to leave residue that will attract dirt. The reason for this is sometimes the preload adjuster can bind up out of the box. They should turn very easily even when cranking preload.
Tip - buy the Progressive spring removal tool. You'll need it to clean the Shocks. Before you install them on the bike take them apart (super easy with the tool) and take a rag moistened with WD40 or any lube and polish the threads dry. You don't want to leave residue that will attract dirt. The reason for this is sometimes the preload adjuster can bind up out of the box. They should turn very easily even when cranking preload.
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