Progressive 944 Shocks
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 269
Likes: 59
From: Akron ohio
Progressive 944 Shocks
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 dont 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 its set for my wife. I do like the reduction in the height of the bike and it doesnt feel tippy.
The shocks were a great upgrade making small bumps unnoticeable and handling large ones nicely. What I didnt count on was the outstanding handling I got with these shock, I didnt 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.
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 its set for my wife. I do like the reduction in the height of the bike and it doesnt feel tippy.
The shocks were a great upgrade making small bumps unnoticeable and handling large ones nicely. What I didnt count on was the outstanding handling I got with these shock, I didnt 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.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 269
Likes: 59
From: Akron ohio
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.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
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....
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 269
Likes: 59
From: Akron ohio
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,580
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From: Illinois
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.
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.
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 269
Likes: 59
From: Akron ohio
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 444s standard and my buddy did the 444s heavy on his wide glide and he wished he did the standards....we were both around 230 mark. I took my wife on the 444s so we were 400+ without any bottoming issues and great ride.
dont really get what the heavy are really rated for, but dont think their specified correctly on the progressive site.
ive heard the same thing about the heavy springs being too stiff. On my street bob I did 444s standard and my buddy did the 444s heavy on his wide glide and he wished he did the standards....we were both around 230 mark. I took my wife on the 444s so we were 400+ without any bottoming issues and great ride.
dont really get what the heavy are really rated for, but dont think their specified correctly on the progressive site.
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Banned
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 143
Likes: 53
From: New Orleans
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.
Last edited by MidnightXL883; May 29, 2021 at 11:39 AM.
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Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 269
Likes: 59
From: Akron ohio
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 v 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.
Banned
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 143
Likes: 53
From: New Orleans
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.
Last edited by MidnightXL883; May 29, 2021 at 11:08 AM.