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Are 944 Progressives too stiff?

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Old 10-09-2015, 02:45 PM
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Default Are 944 Progressives too stiff?

I have done a search on this forum for 944 reviews. What I have noticed is that the responses I found stated that they were very stiff. Of course it's human nature to sometimes only report the negative so I'm wondering if there are any out there that think the 944's do a great job?
I recently got my hands on a demo pair of Legend Revo-A's and I have to say the ride was much smoother than the Pro-Action and Super Shox I previously owned. The only negative was the bike didn't handle like it was on rails.
Before I pull the trigger on the expensive Revo's I would like to know if the less expensive 944's would be an option for me.

I know we have a number of Ohlin (motorcycle metal) lovers on this site but I don't want to go in that direction.
Thanks for your responses.
 
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Old 10-09-2015, 02:55 PM
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Hi streetrunner.
I went through all that before i bought my 944,s.
I inititially hated them and called progressive numerous times for settings help.
After a couple of months i did a ride through europe with the old lady and forgot to put the lighter settings back - then it worked !
I,m an ex sportsbike rider and ride my glide single seated 99% of the time. If i set the sag etc "correctly" the bike does not handle, if i add more preload than "recommended" they are quite good and i now like them.
Not sure if doing 2000 miles on them 2up has helped bed them in ??
Ps i,m 180lb approx and have standard springs ( not heavy duty)

For the money, i like mine (now)

Rowle uk
 
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Old 10-09-2015, 02:55 PM
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I'm 220lbs. I had a set of 944's standard spring. Too stiff so I sold them. I picked up a set of Harley premium touring shocks pretty cheap so I thought I'd try them. Better than stock, smoother than the 944's for sure.
 
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Old 10-09-2015, 03:08 PM
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My 944's were set with the most preload when I bought them used. Road like a dumptruck. I backed it off several turns and i am extremely happy with them now. They soak up most all bad bumps that would bottom the air shocks out. I also have the monotubes. I put both clips in on them. They seemed too stiff at first, but now that the rear is dialed in I'm in heaven. Handles like it's on rails now too. 11 EGC I'm 220lbs ride 2 up a lot. She's about 130-140ish. Standard springs. I don't adjust them for solo riding either. I found the sweet spot and it works for me. I ride more aggressively solo, maybe that's why it works.
 
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Old 10-09-2015, 03:38 PM
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Just to muddy the waters...


I'm 235 and ride my '15 limited Low solo. The standard springs were too soft, bottoming on the big bumps. I had the springs changed to heavy duty, much better. They don't soak up every pebble I run over, but the butt puckering is gone when the big ones come along.
 
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Old 10-09-2015, 05:35 PM
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Love my 944-4002's. Beats the heck out of my stock air shocks. I'm a stocky guy (210 lbs) and I have the preload adjusted just below the first line. Excellent ride and handling. Best $ I have spent.
 
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Old 10-09-2015, 08:14 PM
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Originally Posted by *Road King*
I'm 220lbs. I had a set of 944's standard spring. Too stiff so I sold them. I picked up a set of Harley premium touring shocks pretty cheap so I thought I'd try them. Better than stock, smoother than the 944's for sure.
I totally agree here.....I had the 944's set up with both the heavy duty and then standard spring. Way too harsh.

If you go the HD premium route make sure you get the 13" version.
 
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Old 10-09-2015, 08:32 PM
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Depends on how heavy you are. I put 944's on my 2013 because even though they are standard length they lowered the bike one inch. I played with adjusting them over and over . While they were ok they were never as good as the stock air shocks, and hard bumps were punishing.
 
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Old 10-09-2015, 09:10 PM
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Thanks guys, I think I'm convinced to go with the Legend Reve-A's. They were very smooth when I tried the demo pair. I'll have to find a spot in the adjustments where I don't loose handling.
I'll write a review when I get them and put a few miles on.
 
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