ohlins vs progressive
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 529
Likes: 1
From: Illinois
Never had Progressives got 200 miles on My Ohlins 3-3's and alot better than stock.First thing the wife made a comment on was the new shocks and I havent even done any adjusting on them to dial em in yet.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 56,052
Likes: 89,263
From: Western South Dakota
I would have liked to have went w/the Ohlins, but bought the Progressive 940's for the rear and the Progressive Monotubes for the front which were also needed.
No more divin' when stopping quick which the stock front end springs, yes you heard right,springs.
The two changes(front and rear) were significant, and both sets were cheaper than the rear only Ohlins.
No more divin' when stopping quick which the stock front end springs, yes you heard right,springs.
The two changes(front and rear) were significant, and both sets were cheaper than the rear only Ohlins.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
I had 12½" Progressive 440's with standard springs for two years and now have 13¼" Ohlins #2-3 that were installed in Sept. '09. There is no comparison between the two, the Ohlins being far superior in every way. They ride better, handle better, and have rebound control that was missing altogether with the Progressives.
In all fairness, these Ohlins are 3/4" taller than the Progressives and that alone makes a big difference, but not enough to make these shocks anywhere close to being equal. Think of it this way: You can transfer the shocks from bike to bike, so it's not like they are a temporary purchase.
In all fairness, these Ohlins are 3/4" taller than the Progressives and that alone makes a big difference, but not enough to make these shocks anywhere close to being equal. Think of it this way: You can transfer the shocks from bike to bike, so it's not like they are a temporary purchase.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,255
Likes: 1
From: Superior, WI
McCumber, I'm in a similar boat. I know Ohlins are better shocks, but I don't want to have to change the settings every time the OL rides on the back. Looking at 940/944s when we get back. But I still may go Ohlins, but part of me just doesn't want to have to "fiddle" with the settings very often. I know it sounds lazy, but after having the bike in storage for a year, I just want to ride.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,121
Likes: 489
From: sunny florida
McCumber, I'm in a similar boat. I know Ohlins are better shocks, but I don't want to have to change the settings every time the OL rides on the back. Looking at 940/944s when we get back. But I still may go Ohlins, but part of me just doesn't want to have to "fiddle" with the settings very often. I know it sounds lazy, but after having the bike in storage for a year, I just want to ride.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
McCumber, I'm in a similar boat. I know Ohlins are better shocks, but I don't want to have to change the settings every time the OL rides on the back. Looking at 940/944s when we get back. But I still may go Ohlins, but part of me just doesn't want to have to "fiddle" with the settings very often. I know it sounds lazy, but after having the bike in storage for a year, I just want to ride.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 513
Likes: 3
From: Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
I haven't had either but just purchased a used set of 440 progressives which are on the way. Considering how quick these sell used they can't be too bad but then again if they are not better than the stock ones I'll be calling Howard. I have a SG and found these the same length as the stock shocks - I almost wish I could've found a 13" set, oh well hopefully they'll work out!
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,919
Likes: 3,724
From: Hill Country, TX
so i am torn between 2 rear shocks right now and cost is a factor for me since i have numerous other things i wish to buy for my bike. i am 6'5" 300# ride solo most of the time but sometimes have the OL on the back and shes about 120#, so the two shock setups i have narrowed it down to are ohlins 2-2 or progressive 440HD, there is a sizable price difference between the two, around $150 (that could be my plasma rods for the back end) is it worth sticking the extra money into it for ENTRY level ohlins, honestly, i can see how the high end remote reservoir model could be a huge difference. and i hate to end up buying both at one point or another, i know that either one is a big jump from stock air, which i think is seriously lacking in performance. has anybody had both? in a similar ride circumstance as mine? am i comparing apples to oranges?
Let me run it down for you since I've owned the stock Harley air shocks, Progressive 440, and Ohlins 3-3:
Stock Harley air shocks = Dogshit…an embarrassment for Harley to even have this crap on a $20K+ touring bike.
Progressive 440 = Better than stock Harley air shocks, mediocre compression and rebound damping. Pretty expensive for so-so performance.
Ohlins 3-3 = Superior shocks, with adjustable length, pre-load, and compression/rebound.
Bottom line: You get what you pay for…be smart and spend the extra cash on quality.
