progressive 944 shock settings
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Tourer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 383
Likes: 20
From: Great Britain
progressive 944 shock settings
Hi All.
i fitted some 944 shocks about 2 months ago and to be honest I cant tell the difference with the original HD shocks....
I did all the reading and for the cost, they sounded just what i needed.
i am 190lbs and have the standard springs (4002) and have the setting on one groove - still feels harsh.
i did a tour last weekend with the wife and full luggage (she is 200 lb) and no matter what setting i tried, they bottomed out - annoying.
With the hassle of having to take off the saddlebags to adjust them , i,m thinking of fitting the old shocks back on.
Does anyone use these and can give me any setting advice ..
(not to go and buy Ohlins etc
Rowle - UK
i fitted some 944 shocks about 2 months ago and to be honest I cant tell the difference with the original HD shocks....
I did all the reading and for the cost, they sounded just what i needed.
i am 190lbs and have the standard springs (4002) and have the setting on one groove - still feels harsh.
i did a tour last weekend with the wife and full luggage (she is 200 lb) and no matter what setting i tried, they bottomed out - annoying.
With the hassle of having to take off the saddlebags to adjust them , i,m thinking of fitting the old shocks back on.
Does anyone use these and can give me any setting advice ..
(not to go and buy Ohlins etc
Rowle - UK
3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: mi.
Rowle I put a set of 944s on my 04 road king custom also, Im about 220lbs my girl is 130 set my shocks at one full turn. Bike rides much better than the stock air shocks.rode over two hundred miles last sunday can honestly say we never bottom out once. only have about 800 miles on the new shocks so far, love them the old air shocks sucked!
I had the same set up and yes very, very harsh never had an issue with bottoming out. Since upgraded.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 925
Likes: 15
From: So. Fla.
Hubs bought me 944s for Christmas. I'm 150-ish pounds and never ride 2-up. My bike is an '02 Road King, and the original shocks were long worn out.
When I first installed them, I did not like (could not stand) the lower sag so adjusted them almost as high as they will go--about 3 quarters of the way up. Since Christmas I think I've put 3,000 miles on, more or less, and will say that one time I hit some RR tracks that jarred my lower spine. Other than that, I almost feel like I'm riding my old Bandit. (Admittedly, the front end needs work now--I can justify this now b/c my bike is 13 years old-Ha!)
Why do you feel removing the saddlebags is a hassle?
When I first installed them, I did not like (could not stand) the lower sag so adjusted them almost as high as they will go--about 3 quarters of the way up. Since Christmas I think I've put 3,000 miles on, more or less, and will say that one time I hit some RR tracks that jarred my lower spine. Other than that, I almost feel like I'm riding my old Bandit. (Admittedly, the front end needs work now--I can justify this now b/c my bike is 13 years old-Ha!)
Why do you feel removing the saddlebags is a hassle?
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,776
Likes: 2,252
From: wet coast BC
OP, you know I do not give a rats *** what shock you do not want recommended. There are so many shock threads and so far this one has not even alluded to the total weight factor as being a consideration. simply put no shock off the shelf will perform the same when the load is different. SAG is a very important component, the spring should be just right to hold up the combined weight(s) SAG set to allow for compression and rebound next you need a dampening adjustment to suit your preference.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,609
Likes: 1,601
From: Eastern Ohio
OP, you know I do not give a rats *** what shock you do not want recommended. There are so many shock threads and so far this one has not even alluded to the total weight factor as being a consideration. simply put no shock off the shelf will perform the same when the load is different. SAG is a very important component, the spring should be just right to hold up the combined weight(s) SAG set to allow for compression and rebound next you need a dampening adjustment to suit your preference.
To the OP, I installed 944's last year. I bought mine used. I think you need to add a little preload. Maybe showing 2 lines. That will prevent the bottoming out. I do agree these shocks can ride a little harsh, but you need to break them in. Get some more miles on them. When I received mine they had 5 lines showing! It was like a dump truck. I have 2 lines showing now. She's about 140 I'm 220. It rides a ton better than stock and handles better. You also need to look at upgrading the front end. I put Mono tubes in my forks. It's an all-around different bike now. Handles great rides better. I saw last night on the progressive site there is an installation instruction supplement that shows the shocks mounted the other way. I'm gonna call them today to see if we've all been running our 944's upside down. I'll report back.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,776
Likes: 2,252
From: wet coast BC
actually if you understood how to adjust any shock properly then you would see I did provide clear information instead of saying "I think you need to add a little preload. Maybe show two lines"
Properly set SAG to compensate for overall weight is how you set preload! That is assuming the correct spring is installed. By your own math you are 30lbs less yet you are suggesting that he set 'the lines' to where you have found comfort.
Properly set SAG to compensate for overall weight is how you set preload! That is assuming the correct spring is installed. By your own math you are 30lbs less yet you are suggesting that he set 'the lines' to where you have found comfort.