Progressive 444s - NOT impressed

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Oct 25, 2017 | 07:20 AM

#11

Mr-Mike

Road Master

Joined: Dec 2016

Posts: 981

Likes: 182

From: Fairfax County, VA

Definitely better choices than Progressives, but the Progressives are the cheaper option...

Oct 25, 2017 | 07:54 AM

#12

FMB42

Cruiser

Joined: Aug 2017

Posts: 188

Likes: 29

From: Idaho

How old are the tires?

Oct 25, 2017 | 08:09 AM

#13

grbrown

Club Member

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 45,429

Likes: 2,898

From: Bedford UK

New shocks do need a while to bed it, so give them around 500 miles before deciding if you really like them. That'll only take ya a couple of days.....

Oct 25, 2017 | 09:21 AM

#14

Kenny94945

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 3,258

Likes: 523

From: USA

Too many variables.....

Most obvious answer to me is the OP did not adjust the preload/ sag.
Then there is the standard vs HD progressive shock options.
Even a defective product.

My guess is the OP's complaint is generated from bottoming out the rear suspension.

Good luck for with an improved ride.

Oct 25, 2017 | 11:18 AM

#15

tmac00333

Thread Starter

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 5,299

Likes: 2,393

From: Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by FMB42

How old are the tires?

not that old, couple thousand miles

Oct 25, 2017 | 11:42 AM

#16

diacovoni

Novice

Joined: Jan 2014

Posts: 20

Likes: 1

From: Grand Rapids

Did you order regular or Heavy Duty springs. That would make a big difference in the ride. I installed 12" 430 and found a substantial ride difference.

Oct 25, 2017 | 12:18 PM

#17

tmac00333

Thread Starter

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 5,299

Likes: 2,393

From: Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by diacovoni

Did you order regular or Heavy Duty springs. That would make a big difference in the ride. I installed 12" 430 and found a substantial ride difference.

I got the regular. I weigh 175.

Oct 25, 2017 | 12:44 PM

#18

apache snow

Road Warrior

Joined: Sep 2017

Posts: 1,609

Likes: 694

From: over the mountain

I will say it took me a while to get the sag just right and some time to break in. Mine ride so much better than stock but you are going to feel the bigger bumps. And make sure you have them installed correct. The washers go in certain places and the directions aren't that clear. The guys at Progressive helped me out. They told me how to get the sag right as well. Give them a call.

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Oct 25, 2017 | 12:44 PM

#19

FMB42

Cruiser

Joined: Aug 2017

Posts: 188

Likes: 29

From: Idaho

I meant to ask 'what year were the tires made'.

Oct 25, 2017 | 02:50 PM

#20

DK Custom

Platinum Sponsor

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 18,685

Likes: 5,819

From: Hickory Flat, Mississippi

Here is a REPORT LINK on rear suspension that you may find useful.

As you can see in the Comparison Chart in the report, the 444's are middle of the road in performance. There are far better options for similar money.

However, they should provide an improved ride over stock.

Part of the report, linked above, talks about how shocks work, and how to set them up for the best performance.

Below is the Sportster chart excerpt from the report.