Works performance shocks vs Progressive 422's - worth the extra $$$??
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 726
Likes: 3
From: Pacific Northwest
I should mention one more thing in the defense of the Progressives. I put Progressives on my Sportster and had the same feeling. Other than lowering the bike a half inch, I didn't think they worked any better than the stock shocks. But before I sold this bike, I put the stock shocks back on and rode for about a month. That's when I did notice how much better the bike rode with the Progressives. Might be the same with my Deluxe. Buth they are such a PITA to put on, I doubt I'll be switching back to the stock shocks anytime soon.
Last edited by gforrest2; Nov 26, 2010 at 04:21 PM.
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 856
Likes: 3
I don't get the "slammed" look. I don't think the bikes look better lowered plus there's the problem of scraping your exhaust or floorboards. But I am short with extremely short legs. So having a lowered bike is more of a necessity. So when I got my 422's, I extended them all the way out for maximum lowering, which on a Deluxe, lowered the bike another inch. It was like riding a hardtail, or what I imagine riding a hard tail is like, since I've never ridden one. Manhole covers were brutal, hitting small potholes was painful, a real jolt. Plus I scraped up my new pipes and floorboards. So I adjusted them to the stock Deluxe height. Then adjusted the preload to the point where they are somewhat comfortable. If I had longer legs, I would consider raising the bike slightly, maybe a half inch or so. Anyway, riding season is over here. I'll play a bit more with the preload come spring.
I should mention one more thing in the defense of the Progressives. I put Progressives on my Sportster and had the same feeling. Other than lowering the bike a half inch, I didn't think they worked any better than the stock shocks. But before I sold this bike, I put the stock shocks back on and rode for about a month. That's when I did notice how much better the bike rode with the Progressives. Might be the same with my Deluxe. Buth they are such a PITA to put on, I doubt I'll be switching back to the stock shocks anytime soon.
I should mention one more thing in the defense of the Progressives. I put Progressives on my Sportster and had the same feeling. Other than lowering the bike a half inch, I didn't think they worked any better than the stock shocks. But before I sold this bike, I put the stock shocks back on and rode for about a month. That's when I did notice how much better the bike rode with the Progressives. Might be the same with my Deluxe. Buth they are such a PITA to put on, I doubt I'll be switching back to the stock shocks anytime soon.
Still hoping someone with the Works performance shocks will chime in?
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,178
Likes: 6
From: N.C.
I say if you only weigh 155 and ride solo, take the stock shocks and set the preload too firm. And if you want lowered buy the bolts on ebay for $20. If you ride 2 up or weigh over 180 to 200 lbs get the 422's. I run 422's on my bike.
As far as the works performance shocks go, I have seen them on show bikes at some of the bike shows and at ez rider events, however I never heard anyone say they are superior or better than 422's, however they look good with a mirror under the bike to show them off.
X
As far as the works performance shocks go, I have seen them on show bikes at some of the bike shows and at ez rider events, however I never heard anyone say they are superior or better than 422's, however they look good with a mirror under the bike to show them off.
X
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,796
Likes: 36
From: Toronto, Ontario
To be honest,
I think one of the cool thing about the bike is that it runs like crab, so in the corner, you muscle it sometimes, it gets uneven, rear while wander, front tuck, slides on pumps, in a way it has a personality. my last sport bike was a yamaha R1 (2002) this thing would take ramps as if it reads your mind, it was so easy to the point it was.. dare I say "BORING" !.
to each his own, but if you are comfortable for the long ride and fight a bit in the twisties, I say save the money for a safety mod like HID/LED headlights, louder horns, or Better brake calibers.
I say that assuming you are someone who wants the bike to perform better and not just look pretty , which it is already I am sure
.
Last edited by klf33; Nov 26, 2010 at 04:12 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 7,385
Likes: 3,353
From: usa
If you stick with your stock shocks and alway ride solo and weigh less then 200lbs. You should try running the rear tire at 30 psi. I have found this to work very well for me with both my bikes. And I,m 240 lbs
Last edited by Iron lHorse; Nov 26, 2010 at 05:00 PM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,156
Likes: 41
From: So Cal
They aren't. The HD Lowering bolts dont give you any adjustment they just drop the bike 1" so when they are installed they dont look any different than the stock shocks except they are longer
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,156
Likes: 41
From: So Cal
Your rear travel is limited by the bump stops on your softail. If you lower it you will have less travel. Stock they have about 4" and the deluxe a little less since it is lowered rom HD
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 856
Likes: 3
Thanks for the tip.... I'll try that.