Progressive 440 question

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Jul 8, 2006 | 12:32 PM

LittleSkull

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From: Rome, Italy

Progressive 440 question

I have a question regarding the 440's setting. I have a 2002 FLHT, weich 150 pounds and go solo most of the time. The roads here in Rome are pretty bad (bumps, holes, potholes...). I have the set on 4 turns (from the standard position). Today i noticed that when i hit a bump or hole they do a "tock" noise when they extend back up. Is this normal since they ain't air shocks? What is the best position to put them on?
Thanks, Cris

Jul 8, 2006 | 02:50 PM

pete_4854

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RE: Progressive 440 question

Quote:

ORIGINAL: LittleSkull

I have a question regarding the 440's setting. I have a 2002 FLHT, weich 150 pounds and go solo most of the time. The roads here in Rome are pretty bad (bumps, holes, potholes...). I have the set on 4 turns (from the standard position). Today i noticed that when i hit a bump or hole they do a "tock" noise when they extend back up. Is this normal since they ain't air shocks? What is the best position to put them on?
Thanks, Cris

You didn't mention if you had standard or heavy duty 440's, however I will assume standard and stock length (i.e. 13 in.). I think you set the number of turns too high. I have 12 in. (CVO's come with lowered suspension) 440 standards on my 2004 FLHTCSE and I have them set on the softest setting (one turn). I am 220 lbs and I don't get any bottoming out or "tock" noise (or any other noise for that matter). There have been several posts on here about what others think the proper setting is, but my philosophy is start at the softest setting, ride the bike and if you think you need more go up one at a time until you are happy with the ride.

Jul 8, 2006 | 10:45 PM

Comfortably Numb

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From: Vancouver, B.C.

RE: Progressive 440 question

I put 440s on in June. I left them real soft in the beginning. My first ride after the install was interspersed with ferry rides. I was bottoming out constantly on the ramps and getting the 'thonk' sound you speak of as well at speed. I started turning them up after that. I weigh 200 lbs and have the standard springs. I have them down at least three full turns from right at the top ( I recall....I could check) for highway speeds, and take close to a full turn off that if I'm going to be riding around town. I never bottom out now, nor do I top out and get the noise you speak of. At times the ride is astounding compared to the stockers.
The Progessive 440s have variable damping and as I see it, on the soft settings they're gonna deliver damping that's appropriate for the soft spring setting. As you tighten them up, the damping will change.
I can't explain how Pete gets away with what he does. 12"ers have less travel I would think, so maybe stiffer damping? He has HD springs when he thinks he has standards? Mount bolts torqued too far? Progressive's Tech Dept would most certainly recommend HD springs for a guy weighing 220 and up. I was on the edge at 200 according to them, but thought I would find the ride too stiff on the lowest settings riding solo with no bags on board if I went with HDs.

Anyway, make sure your upper and lower shock mount bolts aren't too tight, and back the rings off right to the top to start fresh. Count what you've got on there now as you do it so you'll have an idea where to start getting serious. Give 'em a couple of full turns beyond where you were at before. Go ride to see what you've got now. Repeat as necessary.