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I'm sure this is probably gonna be one of those back and forth discussions but I'm itching to upgrade the suspension on my 2014 FLD Switchback. I'm waffling between the Progressive 444 or the Ohlin (816?). I have Ohlins on my sprint car and can attest to how kickass they are for racing.
What I'm ultimately after is a smoother ride that can adjust to both the smaller potholes as well as the big *** ruts that show up every now again on the highways in the foothills and mountains of California.
I ride 1-up 85% of the time and usually with empty bags. Sometimes me and the 'ol lady will go for a weekend "touring" trip through the mountains. I weight 200lbs and she weighs 140.
So my question is this: I KNOW that Ohlins kick-***, but for my riding style, would they be an overkill and not worth the $$$? Or would the 444s suit me just fine and give me the better ride quality that I'm looking for while saving some Benjamins for other stuff? (exhaust and cams in my future)
Good to know! I've read some good reviews on the 444s here on the forums but overwhelming the answer of all answers is to work with Howard at Motorcycle Metal and go with custom built Ohlins. It made sense to spend the $$ for my race car, but given my "moderate" riding style, not sure I need such a high end shock... Maybe I do... just gotta save my pennies!
Put 444's on the wifes Low Rider years ago; major improvement. Can't see the point of having only one top notch component in the suspension equation for your bike; if you're gonna do Ohlins, then should do forks, and tires, and rotors...fork brace maybe...
My last HD was a built up FXDXT; something to work with there.
I'm on an FLD as well. I'm running 13" Hagon Nitro shocks. Of the choices you mentioned, ...... on the Switchback forum, lots of people use the Progressive 444's and are happy. Having said that, I'd get the Ohlins. Also consider doing up your fork. I went with Racetech single rate springs and Gold Valve Emulators. Another popular option is Traxxion single rate springs and Ricor Intimators. Upscale from that is the Andreani cartridge kit specific to the FLD.
I keep hearing good things about Hagon, Legends and Works.
If you are going for cheap, Hardcore Cycle Inc sells some sort of off-bran nitrogen shock for $270. The blacks go out of stock instantly almost but they normally have a few chromes laying around. Guys like them but they only support 315lbs total.
Ohlins is not over kill. There's a misconception that great shocks are only for high performance riding.
This is not the case. A good suspension can make daily city riding on crappy roads much more enjoyable. 80% of my riding now is in cities, it's much better with all the potholes and road inconsistencies to lend to a much smoother ride where the shocks absorb these bumps effortlessly.
ohlins also is serviceable. Progressive is not.
seen so many threads of people toggling through different setups. The cost of this is more than a set of ohlins. Do it right the first time and you won't regret it.
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Yes yes... another post about suspension
