Progressive Monotubes how many clips?
Progressive Monotubes how many clips?
I am going to put Progressive Suspensions Standard length monotube kit on my 04 Road King. I have done my research and read many of the reviews and help threads. But as I go over the directions it says to install 2 of the clips. However I have read about guys only installing 1. I am about 210 lbs ride solo just about all the time. So my question for you guys is do I install 1 or 2 of the clips?
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
From: Florida
It is a big job to install them so getting it right the first time would be great. My bike is torn down now and the monotubes will be here tomorrow. From all I've read, one clip is the ticket. I'm a bit over 200 lbs my self. My wife rides with me now and then. But I would like a softer ride, two clips is a bit stiffer. Good luck to us both.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,439
Likes: 884
From: 'Noke, VA
It depends on what day you call Progressive. I was told two clips, other riders my size have called and been told 1 or 2. With 2 clips, the front end is lowered about 3/8", it'll drop about another 1/4" if you remove one of the clips.
Progressive sells junk, and my Monotubes were yanked out after about 3,500 painful miles. Aside from the fact that it's BS to advertise something as stock height that lowers your bike, they just didn't work. That their customer support people don't have a clue how their products work is just icing on the cake.
Progressive sells junk, and my Monotubes were yanked out after about 3,500 painful miles. Aside from the fact that it's BS to advertise something as stock height that lowers your bike, they just didn't work. That their customer support people don't have a clue how their products work is just icing on the cake.
It depends on what day you call Progressive. I was told two clips, other riders my size have called and been told 1 or 2. With 2 clips, the front end is lowered about 3/8", it'll drop about another 1/4" if you remove one of the clips.
Progressive sells junk, and my Monotubes were yanked out after about 3,500 painful miles. Aside from the fact that it's BS to advertise something as stock height that lowers your bike, they just didn't work. That their customer support people don't have a clue how their products work is just icing on the cake.
Progressive sells junk, and my Monotubes were yanked out after about 3,500 painful miles. Aside from the fact that it's BS to advertise something as stock height that lowers your bike, they just didn't work. That their customer support people don't have a clue how their products work is just icing on the cake.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Barneveld, NY
I used 2 clips and I'm about 200lbs before a night of beer and chicken wings. Works well for me and I'm happy with the ride and handling over stock. Ride to me is firm not harsh with very little brake dive. I did not measure ride height prior but do suspect it lowered the bike somewhat because turn in is quicker. After about 300 miles the only problem I have are the 2 to 3 foot wide dips where the road was repaired or something. Those dips are a jolt and it seems that the forks take the initial hit fine but coming out don't respond quick enough.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 208
Likes: 4
From: Myrtle Beach SC
I'm currently 210 lbs and have been running Progressive Monotubes for about 2-1/2 years. I removed the 2 shims a month ago to lower the front end. It does somewhat soften the firmness of the ride, but its not a major difference. I have over 6,000 miles with the Monotubes, no complaints at all. Definitely much better than the POS stock springs.
Trending Topics
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 576
Likes: 20
From: Eau Claire, WI
I went with one and I'm 245 and it's good for me. It will firm up the front end significantly. 05 train makes his opinion known about the monotubes every time a thread mentions them. I'm starting to get the impression he didn't care for them in his bike. There are many, many others however, that like them very much, including myself. your experience will be all that matters to you once you've ridden with them. I do agree with him however, that progressive should really make it perfectly clear that the monotubes will lower your front end to varying degrees depending on the clips you use before you buy them, because they most certainly do. Other than that, for me, they've been a very worthwhile upgrade to my road king.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
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!
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.