Progressive 444 for Road King

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Mar 7, 2018 | 02:09 PM

bshughes657

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Joined: Sep 2009

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Progressive 444 for Road King

I'm trying to decide on if I need heavy duty springs for my Road King. I spoke with a representative at Progressive and he suggested the heavy duty, but they are for 350 lbs and over. I do a lot of 2 up rider total weight about 360lbs. If I am riding solo will these shocks be to stiff. I don't know if I should buy the stardard springs or the heavy duty. Can any one give me some advice?

Mar 7, 2018 | 02:22 PM

rauchman

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2008

Posts: 3,684

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From: Northeast, NJ

I'd go with the standard springs and then stiffen the preload when riding 2 up. I'd also consider going with a different shock that is made for your riding weight that also offers adjustable dampening. For the same money or a little more, there are some choices out there that give you that.

Mar 7, 2018 | 04:03 PM

Crimson

Road Master

Joined: Jun 2005

Posts: 1,053

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From: Central Florida

If your 2-up weight is 360 go with the regular ones. I have the Heavy ones and I'm 320 by myself and normally ride with the wife (Won't mention her weight! Lol)

Mar 7, 2018 | 11:48 PM

seanl

Road Master

Joined: May 2012

Posts: 769

Likes: 375

From: Bay Area

Quote:

Originally Posted by bshughes657

Based on what I've learned about rear shocks and springs during my recent purchase, it's near impossible to pick a spring rate that works really well for both 1-up and 2-up riding without having to adjust pre-load. So first question would be how much of your riding is solo vs. 2 up. I'm 100% solo (solo seat, no rear floor boards!) so I was able to pick a spring for my weight and then spend a good amt. of time dialing in the pre-load over a course several weeks and 500 miles.

As others have stated, you can get a spring rate that works well for you solo, and you'll just have to crank in some pre-load before riding with your wife. How much pre-load will take a little time to figure out, but whoever you buy your shocks from should be able to point you in the right direction.

Last edited by seanl; Mar 7, 2018 at 11:49 PM.

Mar 8, 2018 | 12:16 PM

Hogpro

Former Sponsor

Joined: Aug 2005

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I would go with the standard springs in your case. From years of customer feedback the most complain complaint about any shocks is too stiff with heavy duty springs.

Mar 21, 2018 | 08:05 AM

King1337

Novice

Joined: Mar 2018

Posts: 16

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From: New york

Quote:

Originally Posted by rauchman

what are your suggestions?

Mar 21, 2018 | 08:41 AM

nevada72

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 44,895

Likes: 29,869

From: PNW

Quote:

Originally Posted by bshughes657

Get the heavy duty springs per their recommendation. If anything Progressive reps tend to err to the side lighter springs, so I'm surprised they even suggested the HDs. They recommended the standard spring for us - Somewhat less combined rider/passenger weight. So I got them and I had to crank the preload almost the whole way to keep them from bottoming. That removes the progressive portion of the spring so the end result was a harsh ride. I bought the HD springs and was amazed at how much better the bike rode with even just me on the bike. I set the preload at 4-5 turns and it works very well solo or two up. When we load the bike for a trip I go to 7 turns.

I'm super happy with the end result. Worst case scenario, you end up buying a set of standard springs (you'll want the spring tool regardless for cleaning). I have a set (for 13.5s) you can have cheap.

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Mar 21, 2018 | 05:50 PM

frenchbiker

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 3,948

Likes: 54

From: The Burgh

Quote:

Originally Posted by scooper321

Ok dumb question. I thought Progressive recommended heavy duty for 250 lb and up?

Not a dumb question, you're absolutely right. Here's what Progressive says.

444 Series shocks are available in 3 configurations: Standard (Up to 250 lbs.), Heavy-duty (250+ lbs.) and Super Heavy Duty (Touring Models only - 350+ lbs.). Every 444 shock is hand-built, tuned and dyno'd in our facility in La Palma, California and include a Lifetime Warranty. At Progressive Suspension we always want ...

I have heavy duty 444s on my TriGlide and our combined weight is 310lbs. No problem whatsoever with them. I also installed their progressive front springs and they make a big difference compared to the stock Harley springs.

Last edited by frenchbiker; Mar 21, 2018 at 05:52 PM.

Mar 22, 2018 | 04:36 AM

#10

mikeo33y

Road Warrior

Joined: May 2012

Posts: 1,570

Likes: 117

From: Southeast NC

i have the same shocks with HD springs on my 2013 ultra. I ride 2 up 50 percent of the time total weight roughly 370 lbs. Big improvement over stock air shocks and when riding solo its not a problem. In the end if i had a choice id rather ride a little on the stiff side than bottoming out all the time on a long ride with the wife.its important to set the sag properly with the wife and you sitting on the bike. Folks overlook sag setting all the time and dont realize how important it is to the ride comfort.