More shock questions... but I've done research
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 140
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From: Toronto, Canada
More shock questions... but I've done research
For my 2007 Nightster.
I've been spending the last few days searching and searching and SEARCHING on more info to help me decide on a set of rear shocks. I've already ordered the front progressive springs, and chances are I'll be ordering a set of progressive rears, BUT WHICH ONES??
I'll break it down. I'm 180lbs and am content with my 11" stock suspension. I don't care if it's rough, it suits my riding style fine. I want to upgrade because I want to be able to ride with a passenger. Probably 90% of the time I'll be riding solo, but on the odd occasion I want to be able to take the "gf" out with me.
I will probably step up the shocks to 11.5" because visually it won't make too much of a difference, but performance wise every 1/4" counts from what I gather. I like the look of the 418's the best, but the 440's have a lifetime warranty and are easier to adjust.
With the 418's I would just set them up for 2-up riding and leave it at that setting for solo (again the stock ride is good enough for me). So do I need the easy twist adjustment of the 440's, probably not.
I'm just stuck between buying a shock with a one year warranty and buying a shock with life-time warranty. How often would I be sending them back to progressive for service? Stupid question but can I get them serviced locally at my coin and would that be expensive?
Please put me out of my misery and just tell me to buy one or the other!!! haha Any input would be amazing.
I've been spending the last few days searching and searching and SEARCHING on more info to help me decide on a set of rear shocks. I've already ordered the front progressive springs, and chances are I'll be ordering a set of progressive rears, BUT WHICH ONES??
I'll break it down. I'm 180lbs and am content with my 11" stock suspension. I don't care if it's rough, it suits my riding style fine. I want to upgrade because I want to be able to ride with a passenger. Probably 90% of the time I'll be riding solo, but on the odd occasion I want to be able to take the "gf" out with me.
I will probably step up the shocks to 11.5" because visually it won't make too much of a difference, but performance wise every 1/4" counts from what I gather. I like the look of the 418's the best, but the 440's have a lifetime warranty and are easier to adjust.
With the 418's I would just set them up for 2-up riding and leave it at that setting for solo (again the stock ride is good enough for me). So do I need the easy twist adjustment of the 440's, probably not.
I'm just stuck between buying a shock with a one year warranty and buying a shock with life-time warranty. How often would I be sending them back to progressive for service? Stupid question but can I get them serviced locally at my coin and would that be expensive?
Please put me out of my misery and just tell me to buy one or the other!!! haha Any input would be amazing.
Last edited by snidermire; Jul 29, 2009 at 01:25 PM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Landrum, SC , elevation 986'
Club Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,095
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From: Ponchatoula Louisiana
Spring for the 440's if you can. Had them on two bikes, and very pleased both times. They beat the bone jarring feel of the stock by a country mile. Makes the back wheel feel glued to the road.
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 803
Likes: 3
From: Collegeville, PA
Before you spend the money on the Progressives, take a look on Ebay for a pair of HD low profile shocks, part number 54575-94. These were made by Fox Performance for HD in the 90's and are fantastic. I have them on my FXR and on my Sporty. Both ride smooth as glass. I found several sets on Ebay right now for around $175. I've seen them in both 11" and 12" under different part numbers. They are far and away the best shocks I've ever had on any of the motorcycles I've owned.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,599
Likes: 11
From: Colonial Beach, Virginia
I went for the Progressive 440 Standards in the 13.5" length. Bumps in curves or going straight are non events. I run Progressive Fork Springs using the spacers at their full length and 7w BelRay Fork Oil.
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Before you spend the money on the Progressives, take a look on Ebay for a pair of HD low profile shocks, part number 54575-94. These were made by Fox Performance for HD in the 90's and are fantastic. I have them on my FXR and on my Sporty. Both ride smooth as glass. I found several sets on Ebay right now for around $175. I've seen them in both 11" and 12" under different part numbers. They are far and away the best shocks I've ever had on any of the motorcycles I've owned.
your the most informative guy on here about these shocks. When I was doing the research before I bought my progressives I was having a horrible time trying to find these on ebay (for cheap) and nobody had part #'s for me. If I had to do it all over again I'd get the touring shocks.....
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,620
Likes: 0
From: Irvine, Orange County, Ca
If you're happy with your stocks, just adjust them for 2up? I adjusted mine to the 3rd setting and we've been happy with them like that for both solo and 2up. Cheaper option too.