Progressive shocks worth it
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,813
Likes: 6
From: Rio Grande Valley-Texas
I put 440's on my bike, they were OK, a vast improvement over the POS HD shocks.
I didn't get the full benefit of the 440's until I put Progressive internals in the forks, THEN the bike rode and handled infinitely better,
My best suggestion, do both at the same time you won't regret it.
I didn't get the full benefit of the 440's until I put Progressive internals in the forks, THEN the bike rode and handled infinitely better,
My best suggestion, do both at the same time you won't regret it.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,170
Likes: 680
From: Forest Hill, Md
If you're not happy with the way it rides on the street, I think you would be extremely unhappy with how it would ride going down the side of a mountain.
I'd recommend a KTM 350 XCF-W for going down the side of the mountain. The price wouldn't be that much more than making your HD ride better.
I can't comment on the Progressives since I have no experience with them. Give me a couple of months and I'll let you know how Ohlins work since I'm about to pull the trigger on a set. Good luck with whatever you decide on.
I'd recommend a KTM 350 XCF-W for going down the side of the mountain. The price wouldn't be that much more than making your HD ride better.I can't comment on the Progressives since I have no experience with them. Give me a couple of months and I'll let you know how Ohlins work since I'm about to pull the trigger on a set. Good luck with whatever you decide on.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,437
Likes: 15
you get a bigger discount if you give your word to write a review. Well of course everyone wants a bigger discount and most people if they give their word they are going to keep it so just not something I wanted to deal with. I have had 2 sets of Ohlins in the past and they are great shocks, they do/should to be rebuilt every 10-15,000 miles for optimum performance. I know most probably do not rebuild them as they degrade slowly so many don't evenrealize that they need rebuilding. It is funny tho if you get them rebuilt you go wow.
Last edited by mtclassic; Feb 18, 2012 at 01:31 PM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,156
Likes: 41
From: So Cal
Based on all of the reviews and feedback , I believe that the really high end shocks like Ohlins are probably better. For 459.00 the Progressive 940 on my bike made a world of difference, Im happy with the ride and improvement over stock and they have a lifetime warranty so no additional expense in the future.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,437
Likes: 15
you don't want to know LOL. It was close to $200 in 2002 or so. I suppose some places are cheaper then others but I used these guys.
http://www.le-suspension.com/shock-services/
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 576
Likes: 18
From: NJ
I just mounted the HD premium ride 13" (standard height) on my SG and went for a short ride of 50 miles or so and they performed great. I will refrain from a full recommendation until I ride at least 500 miles on them. But for less than $400 they are an excellent alternative.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 52
From: South Jersey
The stock air shocks for the SG suck! I went to progressive a few years back and after a few months I took them off because they were topping out over certain type bumps. I had numerous conversations with customer service and they wanted me to send the shocks back to them so they could fire (heat) treat the springs. I told them to forget it, I sold the shocks and purchased standard shocks from an Ultra. They are great, big difference from those lower SG pieces of crap!
I weigh 200lbs and the progressive 440's were standard spring load. The service manager at harley rode my big and the shocks were ok, no topping out but he weighed about +280! For me it was a negative experience and I would never spend the cash for Progressive shocks, ever.
I weigh 200lbs and the progressive 440's were standard spring load. The service manager at harley rode my big and the shocks were ok, no topping out but he weighed about +280! For me it was a negative experience and I would never spend the cash for Progressive shocks, ever.