Progressive 444 question
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,598
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From: South Jersey
Progressive 444 question
Is anyone having a problem with their 444s bottoming out? I know this can be corrected by adding more preload but Im thinking the ride will get too stiff.
I would like to hear from those who have or have had those shocks on their touring bike.
Wondering what your opinions are for that particular model.
I guess 944s can be included.
Thanks
I would like to hear from those who have or have had those shocks on their touring bike.
Wondering what your opinions are for that particular model.
I guess 944s can be included.
Thanks
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 5,076
Likes: 2,384
From: Camp Lejeune, NC
Dont chase adjustments to prevent bottoming out. You will end up with a very stiff suspension. Set your sag at 1 or 3/4, whichever you prefer, and leave it alone... unless youre going to go two up or solo with a heavy load out. If you bottom out on certain bumps, avoid those bumps.
I can not stress enough, DO NOT try to set your suspension to where it will never bottom out.
If if you wanna fine tune your shocks, throw a tie-wrap on the right side shaft and go ride a normal road that you ride all the time, one without any big bumps. If the tie-wrap is touching the bump stop, at a little preload. Ride the exact same route until you get it to where the tie-wrap is just off the bump stop. Then youre ensuring youre using the whole stoke when riding on normal road conditions. And make sure any adjustments you make are done to both shocks.
I can not stress enough, DO NOT try to set your suspension to where it will never bottom out.
If if you wanna fine tune your shocks, throw a tie-wrap on the right side shaft and go ride a normal road that you ride all the time, one without any big bumps. If the tie-wrap is touching the bump stop, at a little preload. Ride the exact same route until you get it to where the tie-wrap is just off the bump stop. Then youre ensuring youre using the whole stoke when riding on normal road conditions. And make sure any adjustments you make are done to both shocks.
Last edited by SWThomas; Apr 18, 2019 at 03:42 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
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From: Brentwood
I started at 2 turns on my 944’s when I set the sag. I kept making small adjustments all the way to 3 turns it’s a little stiffer but does not bottom out. Handles great and rides way better than the stock air shocks.
I’ve heard folks say start stiff and work your way down??
I’ve heard folks say start stiff and work your way down??
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 5,076
Likes: 2,384
From: Camp Lejeune, NC
I started at 2 turns on my 944s when I set the sag. I kept making small adjustments all the way to 3 turns its a little stiffer but does not bottom out. Handles great and rides way better than the stock air shocks.
Ive heard folks say start stiff and work your way down??
Ive heard folks say start stiff and work your way down??
If you had them adjusted to where theyll never bottom out, no matter the bump, that would be one miserably stiff ride.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,385
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From: Brentwood
sure but I try to avoid those bumps!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,385
Likes: 1,442
From: Brentwood
sure but I try to avoid those bumps!
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 289
Likes: 129
From: Flatlands of Indiana
Is this solo or two up, what length, which springs (std, heavy duty, super duty)
I have 444's on my '15 Road Glide. I ended up at 13" (+1 from stock) heavy duty springs and 3 turns of pre-load to prevent frequent bottoming when riding two up with a tour pack.
They will still bottom out on a large enough bump, but not nearly as much as they used to.
Much better than the air shocks, or the Harley hand adjustables.
I have 444's on my '15 Road Glide. I ended up at 13" (+1 from stock) heavy duty springs and 3 turns of pre-load to prevent frequent bottoming when riding two up with a tour pack.
They will still bottom out on a large enough bump, but not nearly as much as they used to.
Much better than the air shocks, or the Harley hand adjustables.
Last edited by Randol; Apr 19, 2019 at 07:55 AM.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 52
From: South Jersey
Is this solo or two up, what length, which springs (std, heavy duty, super duty)
I have 444's on my '15 Road Glide. I ended up at 13" (+1 from stock) heavy duty springs and 3 turns of pre-load to prevent frequent bottoming when riding two up with a tour pack.
They will still bottom out on a large enough bump, but not nearly as much as they used to.
Much better than the air shocks, or the Harley hand adjustables.
I have 444's on my '15 Road Glide. I ended up at 13" (+1 from stock) heavy duty springs and 3 turns of pre-load to prevent frequent bottoming when riding two up with a tour pack.
They will still bottom out on a large enough bump, but not nearly as much as they used to.
Much better than the air shocks, or the Harley hand adjustables.
Now, 3 yrs later, I was wondering if I didnt add enough pre-load and they were worth another shot but based on your post Im thinking its a characteristic of the 444s.
Last edited by Streetrunner; Apr 19, 2019 at 10:40 AM.
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Joined: Mar 2011
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I found the heavy duty spring on the 444's was a better fit solo (I weigh 225 lbs), and I just increase the preload if I add a passenger. Any coilover shock will bottom easier then an air shock if all things are equal due to the "stacking" nature of the air "spring". But the coilover will ride/handle better then the OEM air shock
I have 444 on my 2007 Road King Custom, I have heavy duty springs. I set them 2 turns from the bottom. I have had them for about 2 months and have 1600 miles on them. I haven't bottomed out yet.
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