Shocks and seats have a subjective element to them. One guy swears by one that another guy says is sheit. So I can't tell you what you're going to like.

In my case (215#, one-up 100% of the time) the Progressive 440s with standard springs were my choice; I had the 940's with their heavy-duty springs...and it was just a little too stiff. Then, when I went to the standard spring on the 940s (changed by Progressive for me), with pre-load adjusted to get a soft ride, it would bottom-out on the big bumps/dips.

I wound up with Ohlins 3-3's. They were $325 more for the set than what I paid (usmotoman some years ago) for the Progressive 940s. But the ride is 'smoother', and I never bottom-out. The downside of the Ohlins is they recommend you return them every 15K miles (or something like that) for a 'refresh' of the internals. But truthfully, I don't know if other shocks wouldn't benefit from similar maintenance in a similar mileage, and the mfrs just don't advertise it. I almost prefer the 15k 'necessity' as it removes any contention, i.e., at 15K miles I return the shocks, and they get rebuilt. (I kept my stock Harley shocks to tide me over when the Ohlins are away).

The 940's will lower the bike an inch versus the stock 13" shocks. I believe you can get Progressive 440s with heavy-duty springs (the same rate as the ones in the 940s) in a 13" (stock) length. The Ohlins 3-3's will be about the same height as stock.

My GUESS is, at your combined weight and riding habits, the 940's with their stock (heavy duty spring) shocks might work well enough, or the 440s with heavy duty springs. With the 440s at 13" length, you've got the option of not lowering the bike from the standard 13" shock height (the 940s don't offer that option, i.e., they'll lower the bike 1" versus 13" shocks). The Progressives will definitely be a whole lot better than the stock HD shocks. In my case, Ohlins were even better. But your situation, and tastes, will determine the correct answer for you.

Alan

 

Progressive actually recommends that you have them rebuilt, HOWEVER that is free (except shipping) from Progressive. That was one of the reasons the other reasons that I went the Progressive route.

 

You will notice that despite stating that you ride about 40% 2-up, nobody else has said if they carry a passenger! I spent longer than I care to remember reading old shock threads and came to realise that the majority of shock posts don't mention a passenger. So I suggest you ignore anyone who doesn't!

IMHO carrying a passenger is a special thing and deserves very careful consideration. That person is normally a 'she', the most important person in our lives! She is often not a rider and sits right over the rear wheel, so her riding experience is very different to the rider's. Any shocks transmitted to the rear wheel will give her a worst riding experience than the rider experiences.

So buy shocks for your passenger! If she enjoys a high quality ride you will too. I ride around 50/50 and custom built Ohlins from Howard at Motorcycle Metal have transformed things for us. If Progressive make as good a shock, then by all means buy them as an alternative.

Finally, don't buy shocks in a box cheap. Get them from a supplier who will ensure they are properly set up for you, not John Doe.

 

I've owned Progressive 940's , Ricor , Ohlins #3-#3 & JRI 12" B shocks , I believe you are wrong on free rebuilds from Progressive , when I bought mine and I still have the paper work on them and I will be happy to scan and post the warranty I was told they had a life time limited warranty against manufacturer defect , it didn't cover abuse or wear , rebuild would fall under wear , Progressive shocks are MUCH better than stock however I can tell you from personal experience Ohlins and JRI are MUCH better than Progressive , buy what you want and I hope you are happy however Ohlins and JRI have models priced competitive to Progressive's topline shocks after you factor in the discount Howard at Motorcycle Metals gives us , if you are looking for shocks why not get pricing from him too so you can way all your options before buying , my 2 cents

 

Did you know that most of our higher end suspension systems are guaranteed for life? 440, 940 (and the new 444 & 944) as well as our Monotube Cartridge Kit come with a limited lifetime warranty. What does that mean to you? If the part fails at any point while you own it, give us a call and we’ll rebuild or replace it. Just that simple. Of course there are some caveats, blatant misuse or abuse is not covered and you’ll need your original proof of purchase, but we want you to know that we stand behind our parts for as long as you ride on top of them.

July 2012 Progressive Blog

Don't know how that'll pan out I don't think that anyone has had to use it yet, but when I need mine rebuilt I will hold them to it.

 

I am very happy with the progressives over HD stock. On my 2006 UC, I use the 416 on the rear because I wanted the adjustment of the air ride due to occassionally pulling a trailer. I have their springs in the front.

 

Save the money on the Progressives and get something good. Ohlin's or JRI's from Howard will do you much better. I have run Progressives on one of my bikes and was never even close to happy with their performance. Suspension is like any other item on a Harley. You really do get what you pay for but will never know how nice a bike can handle until you have great suspension.

 

The Progressive Tour Link may help your ride too.
http://www.progressivesuspension.com...ink/index.html

I am contemplating this as opposed to some of the others GP/TT which are $400 and change as opposed to $170.

 

Stang this is exactly what I said , they ARE guaranteed for life AGAINST FAILURE , rebuild for maintenance purpose is NOT A FAILURE , they will rebuild it or replace it if there is a failure , THEY WILL NOT REBUILD IT FOR FREE FOR MAINTENANCE PURPOSES ONLY , I've talked to them , no body would , Harley warrants your motor but requires you to do routine maintenance on it , do they do your maintenance for free , I suggest you email Progressive and ask them if they do rebuild maintenance (not because of failure ) for free

 

Think I will give Howard a call. I've read endless reviews on here that have ended in someone mentioning his name. After all the positives I may have to check out the Ohlins. If it keeps the wife happy and holding off in a tour pack for a few more years it will be worth it.


What advantage does the tour link have? I thought that was for frames 08 and older? I've never had issues with vibration.