Ohlin 2's or Progressive 940's
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6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Madisonville, TN
Ohlin 2's or Progressive 940's
I have a '12 Ultra Limited. I am looking at options for replacing the air shocks. I ride 90% one up. I'd like to keep the price around $500, but if I am going to gain a substantial improvement I'll spend the extra and go with Ohlin 3's. Right now I am looking at the Progressive 940's or the Ohlin 2's. I want to tighten up my bikes handling and stop the bottoming out. I will eventually change out the cartridges in the front forks, but I figured I'd start with the shocks. I know my HD will never handle like any of my BMW's, but I will be happy if I can eliminate some of the mushy handling.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 560
Likes: 0
From: So. California
I have a '12 Ultra Limited. I am looking at options for replacing the air shocks. I ride 90% one up. I'd like to keep the price around $500, but if I am going to gain a substantial improvement I'll spend the extra and go with Ohlin 3's. Right now I am looking at the Progressive 940's or the Ohlin 2's. I want to tighten up my bikes handling and stop the bottoming out. I will eventually change out the cartridges in the front forks, but I figured I'd start with the shocks. I know my HD will never handle like any of my BMW's, but I will be happy if I can eliminate some of the mushy handling.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,334
Likes: 17
From: Rosamond, Cali
If you ride one-up mostly, I think I'd go with 440's versus the 940's. Only advantage to the 940's is the stance (sit 1" lower while retaining about 3" travel). You can get the same effect (3" travel) from the 440's by ordering the 13" length. The downside of this--if you consider it such--is that the bike will sit 1" higher in the rear with the 440-13's than with the 940's. (I believe 13" is stock height for most of the tourers).
Then it becomes a question of weight, yours and that of what you normally pack for a trip. This will determine what springs (standard or heavy-duty) to order with the shocks.
Harley now makes a hand-adjustable shock to fit your bike, I believe. List is $499.95, but I understand you can do better on price. I've read several good reviews.
I hear a lot of good stuff about Ohlins. I personally have the Progressive 940's with 'standard' springs (sent them back to Progressive for the swap). Stock, the 940 springs seemed to me like 'heavy duty' and were too stiff for me riding mostly solo and #215. If I had it to do again, I'd order the 440's in either 12.5 or 13 inch length, with 'standard' springs. For what it's worth...
Alan
Then it becomes a question of weight, yours and that of what you normally pack for a trip. This will determine what springs (standard or heavy-duty) to order with the shocks.
Harley now makes a hand-adjustable shock to fit your bike, I believe. List is $499.95, but I understand you can do better on price. I've read several good reviews.
I hear a lot of good stuff about Ohlins. I personally have the Progressive 940's with 'standard' springs (sent them back to Progressive for the swap). Stock, the 940 springs seemed to me like 'heavy duty' and were too stiff for me riding mostly solo and #215. If I had it to do again, I'd order the 440's in either 12.5 or 13 inch length, with 'standard' springs. For what it's worth...
Alan
Last edited by AlanStansbery; Apr 20, 2012 at 06:48 PM.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
You're talking about a custom-built shock that has been tuned and fitted with springs to match you and your weight. It is well worth phoning Howard to talk through the Ohlins he builds. Be warned, his enthusiasm for shocks is infectious, his shocks once fitted are remarkable! 
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
How would you rate the #2 vs. the #3 in terms of ride and control? Which variation of each do/did you own (i.e., #2-3, etc.)?
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,145
Likes: 98
From: Colorado Springs
If you ride one-up mostly, I think I'd go with 440's versus the 940's. Only advantage to the 940's is the stance (sit 1" lower while retaining about 3" travel). You can get the same effect (3" travel) from the 440's by ordering the 13" length. The downside of this--if you consider it such--is that the bike will sit 1" higher in the rear with the 440-13's than with the 940's. (I believe 13" is stock height for most of the tourers).
Then it becomes a question of weight, yours and that of what you normally pack for a trip. This will determine what springs (standard or heavy-duty) to order with the shocks.
Harley now makes a hand-adjustable shock to fit your bike, I believe. List is $499.95, but I understand you can do better on price. I've read several good reviews.
I hear a lot of good stuff about Ohlins. I personally have the Progressive 940's with 'standard' springs (sent them back to Progressive for the swap). Stock, the 940 springs seemed to me like 'heavy duty' and were too stiff for me riding mostly solo and #215. If I had it to do again, I'd order the 440's in either 12.5 or 13 inch length, with 'standard' springs. For what it's worth...
Alan
Then it becomes a question of weight, yours and that of what you normally pack for a trip. This will determine what springs (standard or heavy-duty) to order with the shocks.
Harley now makes a hand-adjustable shock to fit your bike, I believe. List is $499.95, but I understand you can do better on price. I've read several good reviews.
I hear a lot of good stuff about Ohlins. I personally have the Progressive 940's with 'standard' springs (sent them back to Progressive for the swap). Stock, the 940 springs seemed to me like 'heavy duty' and were too stiff for me riding mostly solo and #215. If I had it to do again, I'd order the 440's in either 12.5 or 13 inch length, with 'standard' springs. For what it's worth...
Alan
The 440's are the same shock technology as the 940's without the built in sag that gives you a 12" ride height.
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