Are the premium HD shocks as good as the 500 dollar progressives? I like how they're is an adjustment **** exposed for easy accessibility on the HD shocks

 

I had the same questions and the answers were all over the map. I chose the Progressives with the front mono tubes and I am very happy

 

If your riding the bike that's in your signature you should be satisfied with the 13" HD hand adjustables.

 

Put the Harley Premium ride 13" shocks and Premium ride cartridges on mine, couldn't be happier with both. Rides beautiful now, no sharp bumps to the rear, and no diving when braking or jarring on seams on the front. Well worth the money IMO.

 

The HD premium adjustable rear shocks are a definite improvement over the stock air adjustable shocks. I cannot compare to Progressive since I never used them. You have to remove the left side saddlebag to adjust the premium shocks. A pain for me for, but the smoother ride and consistency from ride to ride day to day makes the effort worth it.

 

I think the progressive shocks have a lifetime warranty. HD has 1 year. I'd go with the progressives. I believe the Progressive 444 shocks line up directly with the HD premium shocks.

My 2010 Ultra is getting the Progessive 944s later this summer. The 944s have the travel of a 13" shock but sit like a 12" shock. The HDs don't have this feature available.

Good luck.

 

I've tried both the 12" & 13" HD premiums and both the Progressive 440's and 944's on my Street Glide. Of all the shocks the 13" HD's seemed to be the best. I just didn't like the way the Street Glide sat with those.

I prefer the lowered stance. The 12" HD handled the bumps pretty good but the handling seemed off. The 944's provide 3" of travel but sit with the lowered stance.

More adjustement is required with the progressives. Both bags have to be removed to adjust them. And also research which spring you want. (standard or heavy duty)

Next go round will be the JRI's. But I'm happy for now.

Hope this helps.

 

My bike came with the premiums. After about 100 miles I couldn't get them off fast enough. I went with Progressive and the difference in like night and day. I will say I almost always ride solo. The premiums may work well for two up but at their softest setting they we way to harsh to suit me.

 

Maybe apples and oranges…pre-2009 bike with Progressive 440s and 940s…2014 with 12" HD premium shocks. The 940's had a HD spring to start with, and rode a little stiff for me. I changed over to the standard spring and it was more compliant.

The 12" progressive 440s' (now 444's) and the HD 12" hand-adjustables are very close to the same. The progressives, as noted, you have to at least 'loosen' both bags. HD just the left side.

I think both these shocks are fine for the money. They are both a mile beyond the stock air-shocks. I preferred my Ohlins 3-3s when I had them (sold the bike with them on it), and JRIs. The JRIs (and Ohlins) have more travel (neighborhood of 3") than the other two, so will be less likely to bottom out.

Alan

 

actually, the hd shocks have a 1 year warranty. as do most p&a items now. can't tell you how the shocks compare to the progressives, but facts need to be accurate when you're doing comparisons.