Progressive 444 shocks

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Apr 18, 2015 | 01:39 AM

#21

1Canuck

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2010

Posts: 7,776

Likes: 2,252

From: wet coast BC

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dynamick

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.

did I say they do not recommend in a way you thought they said do not use? sorry. they said the 944 is recommended for touring, they did not say that or anything else as to what the 444 was designed for. clear enough?

Apr 18, 2015 | 07:01 AM

#22

dsw1519

Tourer

Joined: Oct 2008

Posts: 315

Likes: 2

From: Bucks County PA

I pulled the trigger on a set of 444 HD shocks. The stockers are so bad it had to be done. I have run the 412s on my old bike with decent results so I'm expecting the 444s to be a big improvement. I will post again after install and some seat time.

May 2, 2015 | 07:39 PM

#23

dsw1519

Tourer

Joined: Oct 2008

Posts: 315

Likes: 2

From: Bucks County PA

I was out for a nice long ride today and really got a chance to see how the 444's ride. I purchased the 13" HD 444's.

I am 250 lbs and 6'2", so the 444's were my choice over the 944's because I didn't want the lower stance the 944's give. With 13" 444's I am perfectly flat footed. I was running 40 psi in the stock air shocks and they still bottomed out and rode like ****. I have the 444's set up with the spring pre load set with 3 lines showing at the top of the shocks. With this set up I don't feel as though the rear is too stiff or harsh.

As to the ride, there is a huge improvement over the crappy stock air shocks. The bike no longer bottoms out, and it handles bumps and makes the front end feel more stable and planted. It also seems like the bike doesn't squat as much in the rear, which should also improve how the bike turns.

I'm really very pleased with the outcome, and feel the money was well spent. I would buy the 444's again in a heart beat.

Last edited by dsw1519; May 7, 2015 at 08:00 PM.

May 2, 2015 | 08:54 PM

#24

nervous

Tourer

Joined: Nov 2013

Posts: 263

Likes: 13

From: Beautiful CNY

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsw1519

I was out for a nice long ride today and really got a chance to see how the 444's ride. I purchased the 13" HD 444's. I am 250 lbs and 6'2", so the 444's were my choice over the 944's because I didn't want the lower stance the 944's give. With 13" 444's I am perfectly flat footed. I was running 40 psi in the stock air shocks and they still bottomed out and rode like ****. I have the 444's set up with the spring pre load set with 3 rings showing at the top of the shocks. With this set up I don't feel as though the rear is too stiff or harsh. As to the ride, there is a huge improvement over the crappy stock air shocks. The bike no longer bottoms out, and it handles bumps and makes the front end feel more stable and planted. It also seems like the bike doesn't squat as much in the rear, which should also improve how the bike turns. I'm really very pleased with the outcome, and feel the money was well spent. I would buy the 444's again in a heart beat.

Being in the same weight range with the same shocks I am curious where you set your preload? I am at one line showing and still find the ride very stiff. I was hopi g for a little more supple. Still the harshest bike I have ever owned and I guess I expected a more dramatic change from stock to the 444.

May 3, 2015 | 09:55 AM

#25

dsw1519

Tourer

Joined: Oct 2008

Posts: 315

Likes: 2

From: Bucks County PA

Quote:

Originally Posted by nervous

I have mine set up with 3 lines showing. I like my suspension to be firm.

May 3, 2015 | 10:16 AM

#26

cass

Road Warrior

Joined: Apr 2010

Posts: 1,833

Likes: 35

From: Southern Maryland

certainly an interesting thread....i want to replace the stock air shocks and have looked at the 944s and hadn't considered the 444. good comments by all.

May 3, 2015 | 10:39 AM

#27

boro

Tourer

Joined: Jan 2011

Posts: 481

Likes: 51

12" 444 or 13 "

Remember, the 12" 444 has only 1.9" of travel.

May 3, 2015 | 11:17 AM

#28

redneckharley

Cruiser

Joined: Jan 2010

Posts: 207

Likes: 1

From: LILLINGTON, NORTH "BY GOD" CAROLINA

Shock help

I know from the beginning call the makers of the products for any questions, but who knows products better than the actual bikers that use those products. I have an '09 Ultra ride 2up 80% of the time, Im 5'10" 260lbs wife is 150lbs. Im lookin for a shock that I can increase when she rides and decrease when its just me and get my feet flat on the ground and off my toes. Would the Airdragger shocks be what I need? Thanks for any assistance