Rough Ride w/Progressive 490 shocks
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4th Gear
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
From: SW Florida
Rough Ride w/Progressive 490 shocks
I have 2019 CVO Ultra Classic Limited. I am 5'9 and 175#; with the wife the bike is a "little" top heavy. I discussed this with my dealer and said I wanted to lower the bike a bit. The dealer suggested and I purchased Progressive 490s. I have found the 490s to be extremely stiff/rough. Now in doing some research I am thinking the dealer/parts dept. was dyslexic. I think maybe I should have had 944s instead of the 490 (which are considered "A true sport performance shock at heart "). Can you share any experience on this?? Im considering going back to the OEM which had a good ride. Please advise.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,624
Likes: 4,079
From: Virginia
I have 2019 CVO Ultra Classic Limited. I am 5'9 and 175#; with the wife the bike is a "little" top heavy. I discussed this with my dealer and said I wanted to lower the bike a bit. The dealer suggested and I purchased Progressive 490s. I have found the 490s to be extremely stiff/rough. Now in doing some research I am thinking the dealer/parts dept. was dyslexic. I think maybe I should have had 944s instead of the 490 (which are considered "A true sport performance shock at heart "). Can you share any experience on this?? Im considering going back to the OEM which had a good ride. Please advise.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,932
Likes: 882
From: SOON TO BE A SAFE AMERICA
No offense, but Progressive rear shocks pretty much all suck, but a small step better then oem shocks!
I highly recommend going to a top tier aftermarket touring shock. Many to choose from, I have Ohlin's shocks.
Night & Day difference.
YB
I highly recommend going to a top tier aftermarket touring shock. Many to choose from, I have Ohlin's shocks.
Night & Day difference.
YB
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 934
Likes: 1,050
From: So Calif
The problem is they (and some others) don't give you spring options for your weight. Just standard 250#, and heavy over 250#, so they are over sprung for your weight. A good shock is sprung for your weight, and valves adjusted for the spring and riding style.
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4th Gear
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
From: SW Florida
After a better understanding of the pros and cons of loosing travel distance going to a 12" shock to lower (regardless of brand) I had decided to go back to the stock Harley shocks. However, I found a pair of lowered OEM shocks for a Street Glide that both lower the bike but yet still have comfortable ride. I found what I needed.
Stage II
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2
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From: Pittsburgh
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4th Gear
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 8
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From: SW Florida
I found a pair of new OEM shocks for a lowered Street Glide (12") that both lower the bike but yet still have comfortable ride. I found what I needed for 1 and 2up ride. Back on the road.
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4th Gear
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
From: SW Florida
Yes I had standard 490. But after reading pretty sure I don't want the 944 either.
I found a new pair of OEM shocks for a Lowered Street Glide that both lower the bike but yet still have comfortable ride. I found what I needed.
I found a new pair of OEM shocks for a Lowered Street Glide that both lower the bike but yet still have comfortable ride. I found what I needed.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,624
Likes: 4,079
From: Virginia
good to hear. All aftermarket shocks come in so many flavors, it’s easy to get a mismatch or they are tuned incorrectly. I’m a big fan of RW RS-1 shocks on my street glide but I don’t have 12” shocks either.
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