I have a 2017 FLHXSE(Street Glide CVO)
The suspension is so harsh.. Does anyone have experience with Progressive 944's? DO they make a great deal of difference?

Opinions?

Thanks

 

Invest in some Ohlins

 

My progressive shocks are a huge improvement over the stock shocks but I ride a 2006 FLHTCUSE so it was night and day difference. Rear are 444 and front is the 2" drop.

 

Is that what you ride on?

 

I had the 944 with HD springs. Spring rate is what you look at for comfort.
Mine had tour pack two up riding and just never liked them much. Switched to
Legends made in Sturgis SD.And the ride was night and day better.Just my opinion it's very hard to get performance or comfort with a 12" shock.

 

The harsh ride is not because of the brand of shock. Street Glide rear shocks are shorter (less travel) than other touring models, such as a Road King. If you change to any 13 inch shock, your ride will be greatly improved. I have Progressive 912's on my Street Glide which are very inexpensive and work fine.

 

It is and I love them. Call Howard at motorcycle metal (he’s a sponsor here) and he will get you what you need. He’s a bit brash but has a great product

 

Is it true you also get an additional inch of travel with the Ohlins like I have heard?

I have the 2017 Limited Low and damn that rear end is harsh, and add my fat *** and it feels like an inch of travel. Someone on another thread was saying the Ohlin design has an additional inch the way they are designed.

I am not opposed to spending good money on a great suspension, especially since I plan on riding this bike into the ground.

 

AFSOC_Commando; Your assumption is not correct. Shocks come in many lengths and stroke. The outside of the shock is just the skeleton with a given length and stroke. The stroke generally can not be lengthened but the shock can be made longer L.O.A. Today I built a Sportster shock for a members wife for her Dyna that is 13 5/16 LOA with a 98mm stroke. Many members have the same shock on their "Baggers" and all of them sit approximately at 12" eye to eye. Of course all shocks should be re-Valved and stroke set so hard parts do not hit when switching shock models not intended for use on that bike it was made for. Since all model bikes are not alike neither is the riders. One size does not fit all.

 

Progressives are junk. Worst suspension on the market. Not just my opinion but many others here as well.