Progressive shock help
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,824
Likes: 59
From: SW Burbs of Chicago
Progressive shock help
Anybody know the difference in ride quality for the 412's, 430's, 440's to the 940's? I'm 300 and wife is 140 or so. Any input would be helpful.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,542
Likes: 6,196
From: In your head rent free
I had 412s on my Superglide and really liked them.
On my Road king I put the 940s on. The more I ride them the better I like them. They are an instant upgrade over the stock air shock.
The 940s are hand adjustable with no tools. I can ride them soft, tight or change when I load down with luggage. Takes just a minute to change them.
On my Road king I put the 940s on. The more I ride them the better I like them. They are an instant upgrade over the stock air shock.
The 940s are hand adjustable with no tools. I can ride them soft, tight or change when I load down with luggage. Takes just a minute to change them.
Road Master
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 930
Likes: 4
From: Jacksonville, FL
I am not sure if I agree the 940's would be the proper choice. A 300 pound rider with 140 pound passenger probably doesnt need the rear of the bike lowered any. The information I had was that the 940 was shorter than the stock shock and would result in lowering the rear, thus reducing ground clearance.
I think his best choice would be any that are the 13" length, just a better quality than stock.
I think his best choice would be any that are the 13" length, just a better quality than stock.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
I'd suggest foregoing the Progressive's all together and get a set of Suspension Technologies shocks. All of their shocks are individually made to the rider's riding style and dyno'd to ensure that they perform the way they are meant to.
Everyone that I know that has them says they will never go with another brand.
MSRP they run $490-$545 but you can get them for $441-$531 if you do some digging.
Lindsey :0)
Everyone that I know that has them says they will never go with another brand.
MSRP they run $490-$545 but you can get them for $441-$531 if you do some digging.
Lindsey :0)
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
However as the others point out there are alternative shocks available. I have Ohlins from HDF sponsor Motorcycle Metal, which have cured all my rear suspension woes.
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Novice
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: new york
i had the 412's on my superglide. i weigh 170 lbs. i ordered them with the standard spring. i had to keep the preload on the highest setting because the shocks would bottom out over small bumps. i then ordered the heavy springs for them and put them on- same result. I then ordered a new set of the 440's with the heavy spring and it was better, but over larger bumps it would bottom out. to say the least the stock shocks worked better. progressive shocks seem to have a problem when going over manhole covers which tends to bottm them out.
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2007
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Here is my personal experience with the 440's. Bought the heavy duty model and found them to be "way" too stiff. Sent them back to Progressive and they resprung them with softer springs. Still way too stiff. They launched me off the seat on larger bumps. They were so stiff the wife refused to ride with me. Took those off and bought new OEM shocks. Happy as a clam!! The wife now rides again.
Personally, I believe if you are a big boy (225 lbs or more) the 440's will work for you. However, if less than 225 lbs......start looking for a good chiropractor!!!
Personally, I believe if you are a big boy (225 lbs or more) the 440's will work for you. However, if less than 225 lbs......start looking for a good chiropractor!!!