Hey everyone! I need some help. I am small, I weigh about 130 pounds and I ride a street glide special. My husband put progressive shocks on the rear and has the setting on the lightest setting. It still rides really really stiff. Anyone have any suggestions for a smoother ride? Thank you!

 

Because they're already on there, try setting stiffening them half way and see if it get any better, or if it changes anything. It shouldn't be, but I'd want to be sure it wasn't bottoming out all the time set so soft, and basically riding around on the stops.

Did he go back with the 12" shocks like stock, or go with the 13" shocks? I probably would go with 13" shocks just to add another inch of travel... because there isn't much to begin with lol

Mine was stock at 13" (a RGU), I went with 14" SuperShox with a 1" lowering block. Love 'em, I can set them too soft where it feels pillowy (?) going down the highway, but long sweepers at 90+ it gets an interesting sway/wobble going. 1- thats too soft, they'll bottom out first decent bump and 2- that soft doesn't really handle good at all. I stiffen them up, and when I got to about the mid-point it feels good and handles great.

 

What model of Progressive shocks?

 

i bought a set of progressive 944s for the wife cause she was having the same problem as you with the stock 12'' hand adjustable hd shocks. while it was an improvement over stock, it was still in the low range of comfort. bought a set of supershox from my dealer. 30 days to try them out, if not happy, full refund. she loves them. they had to be special ordered by the dealer cause she's a lightweight too. so if you decide to go this route, check with supershox first to get the correct number for the dealer to order.

 

I believe they are 11.5”. They are so stiff even on the lowest setting. Bumps throw me in the air. I am looking for a cushy ride.

 

Definitely going to check these out! Thank you!

 

Progressive offers multiple springs with differing stiffness' for each of their shocks. You might want to see if you have the correct one for your weight.

 

Go air ride. I have JNR an love it.

 

the spring rate is probably too stiff for your weight unless they were custom ordered for you. Progressives arent very good IMO. Find a company (ohlins, RWD, racetech, etc.) that will offer a spring rate made specifically for your weight. Not just a "normal or heavy duty" option.

 

This may sound foolish. but most people don't set sag correctly. Shocks aren't rocket science. I've seen many bikes where sag was way off due to not following steps correctly. I would start there before making any swap outs and spending more money.