Softail Rear Shocks
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,400
Likes: 284
From: Fort Worth, TX
Last edited by dfwhockey17; Nov 11, 2014 at 10:45 PM.
Supporter
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
From: Mountain View, CA
Replaced the stock shocks on my FatBoy at the 1000 mile service with Progressive Suspension 422's. Replaced the 422's at 32k miles with Works Performance, the damping had gone away on the 422's and the ride had become very choppy and harsh.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,781
Likes: 50
From: Louisville, KY
http://www.worksperformance.com/html/faq.html
- Q: How often should Works Performance shocks be rebuilt?
- A: The body, valves and springs are good for the life of the shock. Service, which includes a seal replacement, oil change and nitrogen charge, have the following recommendations 30-40,000 miles service for street, every 6-12 months for off-road and recreational service, every six months for racers, national level racers every 4-6 races.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 375
Likes: 2
From: New Jersey
Been riding 2 up with the wife and have 40k miles. Shocks still seem good although this could be the kiss of death for my shocks !
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
Hmm, just got my new Progressives for the 95 FXSTS. Changed the originals out after about 45k and replaced them with lowered versions which are now misbehaving after another 35k. Hope to get at least 40k out of the Progressives. You know how the bike feels brand new when you put on new tires? I'm hoping the same thing happens with these new shocks. If there is any interest, I'll post and update in a week.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
Update on Progressive 422
Installation was as simple as could be.
Progressive has the shocks sett on the softest setting which for my lightweight springer is still quite stiff even though I weight 250. While lots of things factor in to ride comfort such as seat, tire, tire pressure, I had a chance to ride my bike with the new Progressives, and then turn around seconds later and ride my friends much newer FXST. On my springer I felt every crack in the road, much like I had before I changed the shocks. On his I glided over every bump with out noticing. His bike had a soft ride like I get from my much heavier Ultra.
Conclusion: While my old shocks were shot and had to be replaced, the much more expensive Progressive 422's did not provide the dream ride some on this forum have boasted about.
Progressive has the shocks sett on the softest setting which for my lightweight springer is still quite stiff even though I weight 250. While lots of things factor in to ride comfort such as seat, tire, tire pressure, I had a chance to ride my bike with the new Progressives, and then turn around seconds later and ride my friends much newer FXST. On my springer I felt every crack in the road, much like I had before I changed the shocks. On his I glided over every bump with out noticing. His bike had a soft ride like I get from my much heavier Ultra.
Conclusion: While my old shocks were shot and had to be replaced, the much more expensive Progressive 422's did not provide the dream ride some on this forum have boasted about.