Progressive shocks

[hbkeith]

Now that people have owned and rode the 944 's for a while , how are you liking them ? and are you running the Heavy duty or standard rate ? were they worth the money or not much difference than the 412's ?  oh , im talking about on a touring model

[Rags722]

MODIFIED TO REFLECT I'M A DUMBASS AND SAID 944 WHEN I ACTUALLY HAVE 444's   

Keith,

I've had the 444's on my 05 since spring.  Without a doubt, adding the gas cartridge to the front was the biggest improvement, but the 944's did help out a bunch also.  Keep in mind, I'm no lightweight, so I got the HD version.  Since I've had them I have yet to have a single clunk in the rear that I got from the factory shocks on decent bumps.  That said, I may have gone just a tad to strong with the HD springs.  Even with the sag set perfect, the bike rides a little jittery on a road with a lot of ripples.  Don't get me wrong... the shocks are doing their job eating up the ripples, but with the heavy duty springs I feel it in my lower back.  Since I seldom ride that kind of road, it really isn't a big problem, and the 444HD's just do fine on bad bumps and reasonably smooth surfaces.  If I lived where a lot of the road I was on had a ripple to the surface or dirt roads that get big sections of pock marks, I "might" order a set of standard springs to see if they made any improvement without taking away from the rest of the properties of the 444's.  Can't tell you how they are against the 412.  The last 412 HD I had was on an FXR-SP well over 20 years ago.

[crazy joe]

Rags722  I purchased  the 944's too and feel the same way about the springs
I weigh about 240# Love the shocks, better then the stock ones for sure.
How much do you weigh? I think I was at the line were I could go ether way on
the springs Progressive recommended the HD springs. did they break in or was
the ride pretty much the same after time?

[hbkeith]

that's kinda what I am hearing about the HD springs ,Progressive recommends them for heavy guys ,but I get enough slam slam from my air shocks . what are the gas cartridges you are talking about  Rags722 ?

[Rags722]

OK, for openers, I used to tip the scale at a nice 220 LBs & 6'3".  I've managed to keep the 6'3" in check, but the past few (20) years have not been kind from a weight standpoint as I seem to have settled in  at the 295 range without anything on except the smile God gave me.

So far, I can't really say the springs have shown any sign of softening up, nor do I expect that they will.

The Gas cartridges are the absolute cat's ass for the front end.  Simply put, rip out everything inside the tubes including the oil, and drop in the PS Gas Cartridge ( lifetime warranty) and about 5 oz of oil that never needs to be changed again.  It's just there for splash lubrication of the cartridge shaft and the spring.  Without question the best money I ever spent on my bike.  As soon as I pulled out of the shop and shifted to second I had a grin on my face that gets better with every mile.  No more nosedives when letting off the throttle or getting on the brakes.  No mushy feeling front end.  This is the way the bike should have come from the factory! PS lists them at $335.95 on their website http://www.progressivesuspension.com/monotube/index.html and I think I got them from Powersports superstore for $252.00   http://www.powersportsuperstore.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=Progressive+Suspension+Cartridge&Search.x=0&Search.y=0  Additionally, I know I saved some on the 444's from them, but right now it looks like they are not discounting the 444's but show a decent discount on the 440's.

[jack6hd]

I'm at 250lbs and have 944's with the HD springs. At times they feel a bit much and I think the standards would have been OK. I'm told if I send them back to Progressive they will change them for me. I'd like to have the ride a bit softer.

[crazy joe]

My bike rides good   my concern is if I went to the softer spring the
ride might be to ''soft'' bottoming out. You would think Progressive
knows what there talking about when selling their product. Be nice
to have them changed to to see how it felt.

[Eleft36]

"Put them(rears and mono tubes) on my FXSTC, I gave the rears a full turn out(stiffer) before the installation and one spacer each in the mono tubes. It's a little on the ridged side compared to the stock HD stuff. The handling is better, the pegs and the front muffler don't scrape now, even 2 up.
Good investment in stability.
Al



[attachment removed after 60 days by system]

[hdrider]

I had the 944's on my 2010 Road King and hated them.  Rode like a lumber wagon -- very harsh.  installed softer springs and still too rough.  Finally installed 444's and are a HUGE improvement over the 944's.  Sold the 944's on Craigs List for $100 to get rid of them.  No better than snake oil IMHO.

[mrmike]

Eleft36, The background in your pic looks very familliar and I notice it's labeled Bear Mtn, I'm guessing that's Bear Mtn Ny one of my favorite places to shoot up to for a ride.

Mike

[Jim Bronson]

I had the 944's on my 2010 Road King and hated them.  Rode like a lumber wagon -- very harsh. 

Same experience with 444s on my Dyna. Slightly better handling but terrible ride. Tried all settings, and finally went back to stock. Those shocks are not compatible with lighter bikes/riders, even though they're pitched that way. Now I have two really nice chrome paperweights in the garage.

[Sixspeed]

Installed the Progressive 440's on my 92 Dyna in 2008. The cost was well worth it! Best ridin' motorcycle one could ask for. So was surprised at the negative reports above. Also wondered what the difference was between the 440 & 444. A web search found the short YouTube below describes the new 444. Use of aluminum to minimize weight and the use of a new FST valve that replaces the IAS valve are the major differences. So if you are not happy with the 444, call or write the people at Progressive with your issues. Maybe they can offer suggestions or ideas that may help.

JC Motors presentation by Progressive for the 444
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byKbeybCCIs