Sag Settings on Progressive 944's.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,863
Likes: 55
From: Sedalia,Missouri
Sag Settings on Progressive 944's.
I finally had a chance to have my wife check the sag settings on my new 944 Ultra Touring standard springs. My ultra is stripped down and I weigh 183 lbs.On my first test ride I was guessing at 1 turn from minimum. The ride felt stiff so I turned them back to 1/4 from minimum. I haven't tested them yet but I was able to have my wife check the sag. It turns out I have just 1/2 inch sag. Progressive advises not setting the shocks at less than 1/4 turn from minimum. I'm planning on riding tomorrow so I will see how they feel. Several of you have mentioned they need some miles on them to break in. I'm wondering if I will see any change in the sag setting after I get some miles on them.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 396
Likes: 20
From: Maple Ridge BC & Chiangmai
What you are doing is setting the spring compression so that it is operating in its range.
IE that you still have some spring range when the spring fully compresses, but when the bike is unloaded as in going over a bump, the spring does not top out.
Hence the setting when loaded with you on the bike at 25% of the total travel range
A spring should not need broken in
You cannot feel if you have this set right, it is simply a spring preload setting so that you have the spring in the proper working range - spring preload has nothing to do with rebound or compression damping
IE that you still have some spring range when the spring fully compresses, but when the bike is unloaded as in going over a bump, the spring does not top out.
Hence the setting when loaded with you on the bike at 25% of the total travel range
A spring should not need broken in
You cannot feel if you have this set right, it is simply a spring preload setting so that you have the spring in the proper working range - spring preload has nothing to do with rebound or compression damping
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,616
Likes: 1,614
From: Eastern Ohio
Progressive tech told me when I called, to set the preload so the shock measures 11.5" eye to eye when loaded. 3/4" of sag. Don't forget, the 944 is considered a 13" shock, but rides at the height of a 12" shock. It allows additional up travel to help keep the tire planted on the road.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,863
Likes: 55
From: Sedalia,Missouri
I never thought a spring should have break in time but others have said the Progressive 944's get better with some miles on them. I have also read multiple times that these shocks are stiff, even the standards. The thing of it is I have 1/2 inch sag with just 1/4 turn from minimum. I may turn them back another 1/8 turn but I can't imagine that making much difference. I rode over various road conditions yesterday and they didn't feel bad.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 396
Likes: 20
From: Maple Ridge BC & Chiangmai
Is that .5" of sag with you sitting balanced on the bike?
Have you checked the spring rate in relation to your weight? It sounds like you have too stiff a spring if you cannot compress it at all in the normal riding condition. I would ask Progressive the rate on your springs and what other rates are available.
This opens the arguement of progressive VS linear rate springs. While I never have been a fan of progressive rate springs, others would disagree as it is a reasonable approach to a bike that is normally ridden solo, but occasionally is loaded with wife, tour pack, and stuffed bags.
The problem is the shock manufacturer(s) take it as a one size fits all approach. That approach is clearly impossible as how can the same spring suit a solo 110 lb rider or two 250 lb riders with all their crap + a hair dryer?
One therefore needs to choose the most appropriate spring rate for the application.
If Progressive will not meet your needs, I have had very good experience in having custom rate springs made by Cannon Racecraft in OK. They can make it any linear; or progressive rate over the range you wish and powdercoated to suit. Price is reasonable and the service is great
Both my HD's have Ohlins shocks and I ditched the progressive springs for a linear rate specific to my application. Another bike has a progressive rate over the last 50mm of travel and linear in the lower range. Yet another bike is a linear rate.
Horses for courses
Have you checked the spring rate in relation to your weight? It sounds like you have too stiff a spring if you cannot compress it at all in the normal riding condition. I would ask Progressive the rate on your springs and what other rates are available.
This opens the arguement of progressive VS linear rate springs. While I never have been a fan of progressive rate springs, others would disagree as it is a reasonable approach to a bike that is normally ridden solo, but occasionally is loaded with wife, tour pack, and stuffed bags.
The problem is the shock manufacturer(s) take it as a one size fits all approach. That approach is clearly impossible as how can the same spring suit a solo 110 lb rider or two 250 lb riders with all their crap + a hair dryer?
One therefore needs to choose the most appropriate spring rate for the application.
If Progressive will not meet your needs, I have had very good experience in having custom rate springs made by Cannon Racecraft in OK. They can make it any linear; or progressive rate over the range you wish and powdercoated to suit. Price is reasonable and the service is great
Both my HD's have Ohlins shocks and I ditched the progressive springs for a linear rate specific to my application. Another bike has a progressive rate over the last 50mm of travel and linear in the lower range. Yet another bike is a linear rate.
Horses for courses
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