So I purchased a set of Progressive 444-4002B Rear Shocks for my '03 RK and after installing them, the bike was real squirrely in the *** end. I called Progressive and talked with on of their tech guys and he said, "Sometimes, putting a good set of shocks on an old bike will bring other suspension/ride issues to light that you weren't aware of before". I kinda figured this was the standard blow off response and was going to put the stock air shocks back on to see if it rode any better. Well, before I did that, I had to change out the rear tire and while I had the wheel off, I gave the swing arm a good yank and determined that the pivot shaft bearings and bushings needed to be replaced. I did that along with the front motor mount as well while I was down. Result...... much better handling! (Called tech guy and gave props where props are due.) However.......... (dramatic pause), What I have found out is that at a scrapping weight of $1.50, these shocks are still just a bit too harsh for my scrawny ***. While talking to the tech guy, he said that yeah. I was a bit too light for those shocks and those are the lightest spring they have. So, my question is, do any of you lightweights out there run a good shock other than the stock air shock? I have been looking at a few other Mfg's but wanted to hear what you guys had to say too....... If I can find some good ones, these 444's will be up for sale soon afterwards, for those of you that might be interested........ (hint hint)

 

Four words...Howard Messner Motorcycle Metal

 

"Just a bit too harsh" sounds ok to me. I ride solo with the air shocks at 50psi
and enjoy the firm setting. Do a lot of two up riding and am just too lazy to adjust
shocks all the time.


Maybe just put an ice chest full of beer and ice on your luggage rack. That will add
some weight.

 

I put a set of shocks on fxd many years ago and also felt they were a little harsh. I just bolted them on and rode . They weren't installed/aligned properly which created quite a bit of stiction. They weren't perfect ,but a lot better,especially after the first few hundred miles of break in after the realignment.

 

I don't have recommendations. Good thing is the Progressives will be easy to sell without losing too much money.

 

Call George or DJ at Pro-Action and talk with them. You will be glad you did.

 

I'll do that........ thanks.

 

Looks like their website is PACKED with info! After looking at some of that stuff, I'll call them too! Thanks.

 

There aren't many brands of shocks that have several different sets of springs, but Ohlins certainly do. Howard offers us members a decent discount and is well worth calling.

 

I went with Howard's 2-2b but any shock that's properly set up for your weight should work better than a "one size fits most out of the box" approach