progressive 944 light spring review
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
I'm really interested in the Progressive 944's. I just put on some Agitator wheels on my 2010 Road King. The wheels do put the back end up about 1/2 an inch. Will these really put me down below what the the stock shocks will? I'd love to be 1/2 an inch lower than stock (1 inch lover then where I sit now with the Agitators). What would you guys suggest for a bigger boy? I'm 270ish and my GF is about 150..
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 529
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota
I'm really interested in the Progressive 944's. I just put on some Agitator wheels on my 2010 Road King. The wheels do put the back end up about 1/2 an inch. Will these really put me down below what the the stock shocks will? I'd love to be 1/2 an inch lower than stock (1 inch lover then where I sit now with the Agitators). What would you guys suggest for a bigger boy? I'm 270ish and my GF is about 150..
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 228
Likes: 1
From: Katy, TX
If your primary reason for the shocks is to lower your sitting position (rather than changing the way the bike rides), you might consider having your seat reworked to lower your sitting position instead of changing shocks. Mean City Cycles did a great job lowering me on my seat.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
Back for a status report.... I did buy and install the 944 HD's this week. Initial thoughts (after 1 day of riding)... The ride is much better. It's firmer but I'm hardly feeling bumps compared to the stock air shocks. I went with the HD's as I'm a big boy. Would have liked to test both the standard and the HD's out but that really wasn't an option. Even though the ride is firm, I'm happy with how they feel. I thought I notice the 1 inch drop a little more than I am. I did just have new wheels put on (18 inch rear) that raised me 1/2 an inch so I'm sure that's why the drop isn't that noticible to me compared to stock.
Install was tougher than I thought it would be. I borrowed a lift and it really was needed. It took a while to get the height just right so the bolts would line up. It was almost impossible to strech the springs by hand to get the bolt through (seemed I was always 1/4 inch off). Eventually, I got it to line up then it was easy. I also watched a few Youtube videos to help. The J&P Cycles video was most helpful. I'm not good at wrenching at all so I was proud of doing this install myself.
Install was tougher than I thought it would be. I borrowed a lift and it really was needed. It took a while to get the height just right so the bolts would line up. It was almost impossible to strech the springs by hand to get the bolt through (seemed I was always 1/4 inch off). Eventually, I got it to line up then it was easy. I also watched a few Youtube videos to help. The J&P Cycles video was most helpful. I'm not good at wrenching at all so I was proud of doing this install myself.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 464
Likes: 4
From: W. Pa
After 4000 mi since I installed mine, I have no complaints. Mine have HD springs. I'm at 240 lbs. and sometimes have a tour pac and also pull a trailer. The shocks have handled everything I've thrown at them. They do feel firm when I ride alone but not brutal hard.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,598
Likes: 421
From: Lansing mi
Sounds like your happy with a firm ride but that's not what I want. I would like a smoother softer ride. If I spend over $500 and have a firm ride I think I would be disappointed. Glad you like yours though.
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Novice
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Denver
I installed the 944s with standard springs on my FLHTK. Total time to install including getting out tools and cleaning up = 25 min. I do have a jack from Harbor Frt.
I measured old (air) shocks at 13 inches off the bike. The new 944s are 13 inches prior to install and 12 inches installed with bike wt. on them.
Ride seems to be a little firmer but not harsh.
So far with no preload they seem ok for me but bottomed out with the wife on. Next was 3 turns with the wife and it smoothed out pretty good. Took a 1500 mile trip solo with luggage and had them set to 2 turns. Seemed to be decent ride. Still need to do more experimenting. I weigh about 175 and the wife about 145. I was hoping to notice more lowering. It is a little lower and at my ht. (5'6") every little bit helps.
So far so good.
I measured old (air) shocks at 13 inches off the bike. The new 944s are 13 inches prior to install and 12 inches installed with bike wt. on them.
Ride seems to be a little firmer but not harsh.
So far with no preload they seem ok for me but bottomed out with the wife on. Next was 3 turns with the wife and it smoothed out pretty good. Took a 1500 mile trip solo with luggage and had them set to 2 turns. Seemed to be decent ride. Still need to do more experimenting. I weigh about 175 and the wife about 145. I was hoping to notice more lowering. It is a little lower and at my ht. (5'6") every little bit helps.
So far so good.