"Shocks" Ohlin or Progressive
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Novice
Joined: Jun 2007
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"Shocks" Ohlin or Progressive
New to forum and have read alot about these shocks. I have 07 Ultra Classic and was wondering if anyone has changed out original shocks for Ohlin or Progressive and could not tell that much of a change in the ride. I just don't like the original air shocks on mine and want to change them out however 500-700 bucks is alot of cash. If I do, I want to definately be able to tell a "HUGE" difference, for the good of course. Read alot about the Ohlins from MotorcycleMetal and probably will be giving Howard a call.... Thanks for your input..
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
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From: Baton Rouge, LA
I've had both and probably shouldn't pipe in since I found a positive difference with each. I also started out with the atrocious and infamous 12" SG shocks, which would give a hardtail a run for its money for discomfort, so you're 13" stockers are certainly better than my starting point.
I moved from stock to 12˝" Progressive 440's, and the ride was better after I found the sweet-spot for spring preload, which took some doing. The downside to these is that they have no rebound control at all and you often feel like they're tossing up up like a horse. Not that bad, but noticeable.
I then graduated to Howard's Ohlins #2-3 with an even longer stroke (13ź"), and that transformed the bike. Rebound control is back, ride is better in every way, and overall control can't be criticized. Also, I haven't had to adjust the preload at all, even when attaching a Tour Pak and loading the bike down for a trip.
The Progressive 440's will cost around $500 MSRP and the Ohlins a bit more, probably ~$530. Progressives can be found used on Ebay, probably for about $300-400, but if I had to do it over again I wouldn't hesitate to buy Ohlins again. Also, I wouldn't select any stroke <13" regardless of what brand and model you choose, as the ride will suffer as it decreases below that point.
I moved from stock to 12˝" Progressive 440's, and the ride was better after I found the sweet-spot for spring preload, which took some doing. The downside to these is that they have no rebound control at all and you often feel like they're tossing up up like a horse. Not that bad, but noticeable.
I then graduated to Howard's Ohlins #2-3 with an even longer stroke (13ź"), and that transformed the bike. Rebound control is back, ride is better in every way, and overall control can't be criticized. Also, I haven't had to adjust the preload at all, even when attaching a Tour Pak and loading the bike down for a trip.
The Progressive 440's will cost around $500 MSRP and the Ohlins a bit more, probably ~$530. Progressives can be found used on Ebay, probably for about $300-400, but if I had to do it over again I wouldn't hesitate to buy Ohlins again. Also, I wouldn't select any stroke <13" regardless of what brand and model you choose, as the ride will suffer as it decreases below that point.
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Novice
Joined: Jun 2007
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Sorta all confusing to me...I am just wanting to spend my bucks wisely and be done with it.... Just want the most comfy ride out, for touring. Ride 50/50 one/two up. Not so much the money, but I want to definately tell the difference.... Let me know how them progressive works out...Thx.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,115
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From: SoCal
why do you have quotes around shocks and HUGE?
doesn't Works make shocks for these models, too? I've heard a lot of good things about their products in general.
yes, I chimed in with no real answer, just wondering why the quotation marks.
doesn't Works make shocks for these models, too? I've heard a lot of good things about their products in general.
yes, I chimed in with no real answer, just wondering why the quotation marks.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,450
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From: El Cajon Ca.
I have run two sets of 440s and one set of 412s. I blew out a set of seals on the 440s and was not very happy with them as they tend to make a bang sound when hitting large holes/bumps. i made the switch to the 412s and could not be happier. I run the heavy duty spring at 12.5" and they are smooth and quiet. On top of all that i picked them up for $210.
Novice
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 22
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From: Southwest Colorado
I have an 09 SG and installed the Progressive 440 shocks, 13". These shocks are a marked improvement over stock. They seem to be a little harsh on the ride but I am still experimenting with the settings. What ever you decide I would strongly recommend 13" shocks. This will only raise the bike about 1/2" because the shocks are set at an angle. Some may disagree, but the HD shocks are garbage, HD should be ashamed at putting these on a $20,000+ maching. JMO The 13" should not change the height of your bike.
Last edited by SamB; Feb 6, 2010 at 04:38 PM.
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 330
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From: Sacramento area
I've only tried the 412's but have had them on my last 2 bike (60k miles) and i like them. I have the 12.5"heavy duty, the old type. They came out with new ones for 09 and they have less travel. Tried a pair and sold them and went back to the old #. Which is actual the one for <08
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Log home in SE Michigan full time. Log cabin in east TN, Smoky Mountians part time
"I" think your reading waaaayyyy to much into the quote marks.
Tourer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 456
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From: Dallas, TX
FWIW I just sent my check to Howard for $720 for a set of Ohlins #3-#3 and expect a HUGE difference in my ride. After riding my new 2010 FLTRX home for a 5 hr ride on HD air shocks (12"), I read every shock thread until my eyes bled. After reading everything here on Progressive, Works and Ohlins and then talking to Howard I decided I could not go wrong with Ohlins. I figure this may be my last bike so want to get everything done once and right.
I'll never have a thought like, "I wonder how much better my ride would have been if I only bought those XXX?"
And it's killing me to spend that kind of money.
I'll never have a thought like, "I wonder how much better my ride would have been if I only bought those XXX?"
And it's killing me to spend that kind of money.