ohlins vs progressive
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Baton Rouge, LA
Uh…what are you talking about…no rebound damping? I beg to differ. I think you meant to say, no adjustable rebound damping…big difference.
The Progressive 440 has an inertia valve that senses wheel or chassis motion, and self adjusts the rebound damping. If there was no rebound damping on the 440, every time the rear wheel unloads, the shock would fully extend with a nice loud clunk, and the rider would definitely break contact with the seat…if not be launched airborne.
The Progressive 440 has an inertia valve that senses wheel or chassis motion, and self adjusts the rebound damping. If there was no rebound damping on the 440, every time the rear wheel unloads, the shock would fully extend with a nice loud clunk, and the rider would definitely break contact with the seat…if not be launched airborne.
With the 12˝" length I did get the clunk often enough when they bottomed-out during compression, and adjusting pre-load was difficult. A minor change one way would be a harsh ride while in the other too much bottoming, and I always had to make a change when in touring trim. The Ohlins are adjusted perfectly for any contingency I subject them to, and have yet to change the original adjustment made by Howard.
To be fair to the Progressives, they were an improvement over the stock 12" SG shock, but any modicum of damping over a hardtail would ride better. Also, had I gone with 440's with more stroke (e.g. 13") I'm sure the result would've been better, which is why I always recommend that people in the market buy the tallest shock they can live with.
I'm not a fan of this Progressive inertia valve system, and I much prefer my Ohlins 3-3s, that have a sweep valve to adjust compression/rebound damping. The Ohlins is a vastly superior shock, all the way around.
Last edited by iclick; Apr 8, 2012 at 11:48 AM.
Extreme HDF Member
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From: Baton Rouge, LA
Be sure to ask for the HDForums discount. It was very generous when I bought mine three years ago.
Grand HDF Member
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From: Hill Country, TX
I was told by a person of great knowledge of shocks, but shall remain nameless, that these had no rebound control, although there surely must be some. Perhaps the translation should have been "they feel like they have no rebound control" or "rebound control is not very effective." The feel was that there was very little damping at best, giving you the sensation of being tossed into the air, and I did recall topping-out on occasion.
Originally Posted by iclick
To be fair to the Progressives, they were an improvement over the stock 12" SG shock, but any modicum of damping over a hardtail would ride better. Also, had I gone with 440's with more stroke (e.g. 13") I'm sure the result would've been better, which is why I always recommend that people in the market buy the tallest shock they can live with.
Last edited by Then Came Bronson; Apr 8, 2012 at 03:18 PM.
Grand HDF Member
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From: Hill Country, TX
It is a travesty that any new Harley owner coughs up over $20K for a new touring bike, and ends up with substandard junk for a suspension. I can't even imagine how livid I would be if I forked out close to $40K for a CVO bagger, and ended up with basically the same suspension.
The Ducati Multistrada costs about the same as a Street Glide, and comes with an electronically adjustable Ohlins suspension. Just click, click on the button by your handgrip, and set the suspension (on the fly, if you need to) to a preset value (on your LED screen), or customize your setting.
As it stands now, I will never buy another new Harley. I will just keep my trusty old '93 FXR and my 2010 SG for the duration.
Grand HDF Member
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From: Hill Country, TX
The 2 series have adjustable pre-load. You adjust the pre-load to set the sag on the bike. You're right, there is a big difference riding solo and 2 up fully loaded, and you can adjust your pre-load accordingly, based on that weight change to set the correct sag.
The 3 series is a more adjustable shock. You can adjust the length of the shock. You can adjust the pre-load of the shock (same as the 2 series), and you can adjust the compression/rebound of the shock via the sweep valve.
It's just my opinion, but I think the 3 series is obviously the more versatile of the two, and it is probably the better choice for someone that bounces around a lot between solo riding and 2 up loaded riding. You should consult Howard to decide which shock is best for you.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bedford UK
Just to add to TCBs words. We concentrate a lot on length and travel in these shock discussions, but overlook design of the damping mechanism. #3 shocks have superior damping to #2s, so when I discussed my requirements with Howard, although there is an attractive #2 version with around 4" travel, he assured me the #3-3 with 3" travel has better damping and control. So take that into account when deciding which version to buy, also bear in mind that Howard will talk through such things in detail.
Seasoned HDF Member
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From: Ramona, Ca
20-30%?
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Extreme HDF Member
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From: Baton Rouge, LA
Could be. I ride only solo but never adjust preload even in touring trim (loaded Tour Pak and saddlebags). I would imagine riding 2-up would require a pre-load adjustment, especially when loaded for touring, but for solo the standard setting is perfect for me at 170#.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
Just to add to TCBs words. We concentrate a lot on length and travel in these shock discussions, but overlook design of the damping mechanism. #3 shocks have superior damping to #2s, so when I discussed my requirements with Howard, although there is an attractive #2 version with around 4" travel, he assured me the #3-3 with 3" travel has better damping and control. So take that into account when deciding which version to buy, also bear in mind that Howard will talk through such things in detail.
I haven't ridden a bike with #3's installed, so they may indeed be even better. I can't say, but if I had to do it again I would make the same purchase. Price has a lot to do with this mindset, though.