Progressive Monotubes how many clips?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,439
Likes: 884
From: 'Noke, VA
Thanks for all the help and input guys! I am looking forward to getting these installed and seeing firsthand the difference. And yes I have seen just about all of 05 Trains comments and displeasure for the product and company on every thread I have read. I am not looking for this to turn into a plush ride. Its a motorcycle and the roads in PA suck, any little bit of difference in a positive manner is a plus in my book!
And yes, I know that there are plenty of people who are perfectly happy with their Monotubes. For the life of me I can't understand how, unless they're riding on glass-smooth roads. I've traveled all over this country, and I have yet to find those roads.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,148
Likes: 6,170
From: SE Michigan
PA roads do suck. I rode to and from Iowa via the PA Turnpike outside of Pittsburgh. 76 is a disaster area through a lot of that area from Youngstown thru to Breezewood. Saying that the bike beat the hell out of me is an understatement. Between the lousy pavement and all the construction, I was fighting to keep the bike in its track within the lane. With two clips in (which is what Progressive says to use in their printed instructions and what I was told on the phone), there's almost no compliance in the front end whatsoever.....It rode like a rigid. In 38 years of riding all sorts of bikes on all sorts of surfaces, I've never been more uncomfortable than I was on that trip.
And yes, I know that there are plenty of people who are perfectly happy with their Monotubes. For the life of me I can't understand how, unless they're riding on glass-smooth roads. I've traveled all over this country, and I have yet to find those roads.
I just rode from Michigan to VA via the turnpike right through the very section you mention. I'm 175, I used 1 clip and the ride was fine, great even.
Either that 2nd clip makes a HUGE difference, or yours are somehow not installed properly?
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 723
Likes: 62
From: Cape Cod, Ma.
Installed in my 02 Ultra that I run most of the time without a Tour Pak. I weigh around 215ish and ride mostly solo. I installed the two clips as the instructions said and although I do agree the ride is very firm I happen to love it. The front forks before were shot; loss of fluid in one leg, springs compressed etc... Rode terrible! Due to the poor condition of the stock forks I found the suspension back at a beter ride height. If you do not want a firm ride I would recommend 1 clip. I love the bike now.
Neil
RDMC
Neil
RDMC
Thanks Neil. I am still not sure what I am going to do. Most likely I will just do 1 clip for the rest of this year. If I feel the need to stiffen it up more I will add the other this winter. It is raining today so that means 1 i need to find my car key to get to work and 2 I will be working on this project this afternoon!
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
From: Florida
I just finished the front end. Monotubes with one clip installed. Now I'm waiting for the 944's to come back from a spring swap. I had the HD springs and found them just to darn hard. So I'm hoping the standard springs in the rear and one clip in the tubes will give me a nice comfortable ride. Not trying to make my bagger a sport bike. Ride report soon to follow.
got them installed after a short day of work today. It was raining all day so I didn't lose any ride time. Easy install and had no problems at all. I had a clearing and got to take a short rip on it and so far I love it. I went with 2 clips, and the front end just feels so much sturdier already. I can't wait for the rain to clear out next week and get to hammer it more.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
From: Florida
First test ride complete. I'm 200 lbs. One clip in the monotubes, rear 944 standard spring no preload. A very nice smooth ride, small holes don't really notice, larger ones are handled so much better then stock. I'm happy.
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 526
Likes: 8
From: Jackson, MS
I did not do the installation on my bike. But someone mentioned maybe improper installation. I do not like the ride on mine, I am 160 and Progressive recommended no c clips. My front must be about 1" lower now and the ride sucks. So is there a way to screw up the install to the point they do not function properly?