Progressive 444 shocks
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,776
Likes: 2,252
From: wet coast BC
Trying to decide on a model # for the 444 that is best for me on my FLHTK .
I see these come in various lengths and a standard or heavy duty spring rate . I am 250 , wife is 120 . Was leaning towards a 13.5 in heavy spring . But I don't want to stiff , I ride 60-70 % alone . Question for everyone is there a general rule or a table to look for a appropriate shock ? Looked on the Progressive website but I didn't see any help on it .
I see these come in various lengths and a standard or heavy duty spring rate . I am 250 , wife is 120 . Was leaning towards a 13.5 in heavy spring . But I don't want to stiff , I ride 60-70 % alone . Question for everyone is there a general rule or a table to look for a appropriate shock ? Looked on the Progressive website but I didn't see any help on it .
not my choice of shock but I want to share ... a few years ago the 440 series was discussed and then came the 940 series and it was thought the heavier touring bikes were better suited to the 940 series. If you look at progressive site while they have the 444 under Harley, the 944 is promoted for touring.
not sure why there are so many threads on the 444 lately
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 28
Likes: 3
From: Wisconsin
Canuck , not sure ....but My interest in the 444 is in the price And popularity. It is affordable to me right now and with so many people putting them on their rides it can't be to bad ..the air cans on the bike now are so bad that even a little improvement is worth it to me .
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,275
Likes: 149
From: High in the Colorado Rockies
I have the Progressive 944 shocks (Ultra Touring 12"). A definite improvement over stock. If you ride solo, it's a bit stiff even on the lightest settings. When 2 up, the wife gives the shocks a thumbs up as the harshness of the stock shocks is gone. SJ Ron 
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,776
Likes: 2,252
From: wet coast BC
Canuck , not sure ....but My interest in the 444 is in the price And popularity. It is affordable to me right now and with so many people putting them on their rides it can't be to bad ..the air cans on the bike now are so bad that even a little improvement is worth it to me .
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,776
Likes: 2,252
From: wet coast BC
curious, did you have a choice of spring rate?
maybe you should upgrade and let the OP buy the 944 at 444 price
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Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 28
Likes: 3
From: Wisconsin
Thanks to everyone with the input ! I did send a message to the info line asking for a recommendation, got a reply back pointing me towards the 13 inch with heavy spring . Going to order a pair . After a hundred mile ride with my wife on back today , I am convinced the air cans have to go !
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,598
Likes: 421
From: Lansing mi
I have looked at lots of threads on shocks for the last month. The 944 guys seem to like them but to often they will say 'rides a little stiff solo' I ride solo only at 180 lbs on a 14 King. When they talk about the 444 they don't seem to have so much problems with them feeling stiff riding solo. So as of right now I'm leaning to the 444.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 28
Likes: 3
From: Wisconsin
I have looked at lots of threads on shocks for the last month. The 944 guys seem to like them but to often they will say 'rides a little stiff solo' I ride solo only at 180 lbs on a 14 King. When they talk about the 444 they don't seem to have so much problems with them feeling stiff riding solo. So as of right now I'm leaning to the 444.
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Club Member
Joined: Feb 2013
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From: Edmonton, Alberta
I was afraid that is how you are deciding. I can understand of course. Like you said many are getting the 444, therefore soon there will be many on CL. and yes anything is better than stock, so many will be satisfied. I was just hinting that even the company does not suggest 444 for touring.
Show me on Progressive's website where it says they don't recommend the 444 for touring bikes.
The 944 series is designed to lower the bike by 1" or more - what if you don't want that? With my long legs a lower bike is the last thing I need. Hence the 444's for me.
