After doing a bit of research on shocks for my 01 RK and getting over the sticker shock I ended up getting the Progressive 994 shocks. Once I decided on them the spring weight choice became the issue as to which one. I even called Progressive and they suggested the Heavy shocks. I was concerned about many posts about how stiff the Heavy was so I bought the standard and am glad I did. I don’t have a tour box or put much in the bags except extra clothes and my wife is light weight.
At 230 I got 3/4” of sag on the lowest possible setting. It does seem right with the standard springs. A couple lines up and it’s set for my wife. I do like the reduction in the height of the bike and it doesn’t feel tippy.
The shocks were a great upgrade making small bumps unnoticeable and handling large ones nicely. What I didn’t count on was the outstanding handling I got with these shock, I didn’t know my bike could handle so good. It feels like a new bike.
I agree with what many have said that they wished they would have done it sooner.

 

You're experiencing the benefits of fitting better quality suspension! Don't be surprised if you soon decide the forks need attention as well! You are on a well trodden path....

 

That is funny you say that, when I was riding I was thinking to myself that the front end seems to more noticeable going over bumps. I just changed the fork oil last year.

 

You will need more than that! I've tried various things and currently have Ohlins rear shocks and fork cartridges. Progressive make both as well....

 

I’m ok with the front end, I was just saying that the rear is so smooth that now I notice the front end more.

 

Just installed the mono tubes this winter and hoping to get the 944 13” standard weight in the back as well.

ive heard the same thing about the heavy springs being too stiff. On my street bob I did 444’s standard and my buddy did the 444’s heavy on his wide glide and he wished he did the standards....we were both around 230 mark. I took my wife on the 444’s so we were 400+ without any bottoming issues and great ride.

don’t really get what the heavy are really rated for, but don’t think their specified correctly on the progressive site.

 

The thing that kind of gets me is when I called and gave them what I was riding, body weight, wife’s weight, and little to no gear, I was told the Heavy would be a good choice. You never know who is answering the phone. I had read that they would change the springs at no charge if I picked the wrong spring.

 

I'm 250lbs and yes the HDs are S-T-I-F-F, almost feels like a hardtail, I'd say as far as 75% hardtail..possibly. But thats what I like. As my sig says if I had wanted a windshield & a radio I would have taken my car & to that I'd add "If I had wanted to cruise around a LazyBoy I'd've taken my car". A Sportster ain't a Softail or CVO. Its supposed to have a stiff ride turn at speeds that crash anything else w/ HD on the tank.

 

Youngblood, if you want to keep riding for many years your opinions will change, if not mentally your body will demand it physically.

 

IDK about that. I'm 53yrs old, been riding for 3 decades and have had numerous orthopedic surgeries following a near fatal car accident and ride my Sportster the way the motorcycle was designed to be ridden....HARD. Not trying to sound like some macho dipshit though. I realize this is a "tourer' thread but I was responding re: Progressive's HD shocks which are very stiff IMO. If your riding a big tourer two up HDs are the way to go but if you prefer a softer ride then the HDs probably ain't your thing. Some people like a hard, stiff ride (ME), some like a soft, smooth ride.