I picked up a set of Progressive 444 HD shocks for my '08 Ultra, got them installed a couple of weeks ago along with a new rear tire, brakes, and wheel bearings, and finally got to test drive the bike today. Wanted to give a review on the shocks. These retail for $625, available for around $450 on Amazon and some other sites, and I got mine for a hundred bucks cheaper than Amazon from an eBay auction.

All I can say is: If you are considering improving your shocks with the Progressive ones, do it. The difference is night vs day over the original Harley shocks. If the stock ones were a 2 out of 10 in ride quality smoothness, the 444's are easily a 9 out of 10 at least.

Very big difference in handling bumps, road pits, potholes, and all the other non-smooth surfacing found on the asphalt. While you still feel the bumps, it was completely smooth versus the "steel rod going through your spine" sensation that the stock air shocks provided. I described the feeling earlier today to a buddy that rode along with me as having the feeling of being in a new car with a good suspension instead of being rattled to death.

So yes, I like them. I got the heavy duty version of the 444 (4020B), which are black in color since they are hidden by the bags, and so that it carries my 220 pounds and gear with no problems. It also keeps the bike at the stock height with the 13" shocks (the 940 series lowers the bike down to 12", which is too short for me).

Haven't had the chance to take the ol' lady out on it yet, as it was 25 degrees today when the ride was over, and she's a fair weather (70+ degrees) rider. I'm sure the HD shocks will provide her an enjoyable journey as well.

I had looked at 4-5 different brands of shocks...from "better" Harley ones, to the ones made by Ohlins and JRI. These other brands are 2-3X as much, and seriously...the humongous improvement I got in the Progressive, there is no reason for me to ever think about upgrading to something else.

If you have any questions about the 444's, let me know. I'll be installing the Progressive Monotubes next on the front; info about them will go up on my blog shown in my signature below when I get around to doing the work after the turkey day holiday passes. The improvement was so good already, I'm tempted to not doing the more intensive labor work on the front shock replacement...but I'll do it regardless.

 

I did the 440's, yes they are a nice product, but I didn't get the full benefit of them until I sh*t canned the front suspension and replaced it with Progressive too.

Night and day, if you will take 50 cents worth of free advice, save your $$ up and get the progressive fork internals. about 350 bucks plus labor, you can replace your lowers while you have it apart if you want chrome fork legs

 

My 2007 RK came with Progressive 944's on it and they are very nice. Didn't get to compare to the OEM's but from past experience on a stock Evo I'd say they are miles ahead in quality and performance plus are adjustable for recoil/damping.

 

How ironic. I just met a guy in a bar in Orlando earlier this week who has a SG one year older than mine. He too was raving about the difference in the ride after installing progressives. Definitely gotta add these to the upgrade list! Thanks for the review. Anxious to hear the update after you do the monotubes.

 

I did the lower 444 shocks on my '08 Street Glide and am totally impressed with the ride they deliver. I did the standard springs and will never go back to the factory shocks. I have the lowering monotubes in the front too.

 

Just bought the mono tubes and 944's. Now I have to get them installed

 

Have been considering these also! What length are you guys running? I was leaning toward the 11.5" HD for my '14 street glide. Trying to get a better ride along with lowering the bike some. Any advise?

 

Sorry but "Trying to get a better ride along with lowering the bike some" just don't go together. All things being equal, Less suspension travel = worse ride. But since stock suspension is soooo bad, installing better shorter shocks may give ya marginally better ride?

 

944's.....13" travel and sit the same as stock

 

The only reason I am looking at lowering the bike is because I am 5'6" with a 29" inseam! I just figured if I needed to lower the bike to become more comfortable on, I had might as well get better shocks that may aid in doing this. I am not lowering the bike for appearance what so ever, I actually like the stance it has from the factory! Just looking for input is all!