440 Lovers - Question

[Ken 11861]

Thinking of getting 440's from all your recommendations.  Looking at the Progressive Suspension site specs both the 440-4213 & the 440-4221 HD have a max travel of 3.18". The OEM Valk travel is 4.7"  - Is this a problem ?

Me (67 yrs old) and the wife are hoping for a better ride, my OEM's are probably tired at 61,000 miles. I would think a longer travel would be better.

[Bob E.]

I don't know for sure, but the 4.7" may be wheel travel, while the 3.18" may be shock stroke, which is different.  Because the shocks are mounted at an angle and attach to the swing arm between the axle and the pivot, the shock stroke would measure less than the wheel travel.

By the way, I have the 13" 440HD shocks and have not noticed a problem or reduction in wheel travel.

[Jess from VA]

Ken, I don't know about travel, are you quoting about 13" 440s?  They come in both std and HD from 11.5, 12, 12.5 and 13.

I run them on two IS's and have the 4221s on the one with trunk/hardware/backseat, and 4213s on the Supervalk with nothing behind the seat.  If you ride two up often, I think you want the 4221s.   It takes 8 of the 10 turns possible on the 4213s to get the same dampening as the 4421s set to cushiest setting.  I wouldn't worry about travel, the ride is unbeatable so long as you get the right ones and dial them in.  If you call Progressive you can speak to someone who really knows their stuff, not just a salesman.

[PatrickDoss]

Not sure about your specific question, but a bit of advice:  Save the receipt.  If you ever have a warranty issue, Progressive won't rebuild them without the original receipt.  At least, not for free  .

[Robert]

I have the 13" 440 hd and really like them. Travel is no problem the stock shocks need more travel because they dont dampen as well. Also cant control the load as well.

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

Check out the 430's.  I just got my brand new set in black today and damn are they nice.  Hoping to install them tomorrow. 

[Ken 11861]

Yup ! I was quoting the travel for the 13" 440's. I got that info from the Progressive Suspension site, it gives specs for all their shocks.

http://www.progressivesuspension.com/pdfs/7100-105.pdf

[Ken 11861]

Jess I appreciated your 1st hand comparison of the 4221s and the 4213s on your two IS's.
Another question please: Would you still recommend the 4221 HD's for my 01 Standard, my wife & I together weigh about 290 ibs, but I am 67 and she 61 so we are really after as comfortable a ride as we can get out of the Valk we love.
Thanks, Ken

[Jess from VA]

290 combined is a little tricky.  You 200 and she 100, or both of you 150?  The standard rate would be best for you alone, if you're under 220, but when at 290 together the HD set is better.

I would recommend the 4421s if you will do two up most of the time, set down to the lowest setting to start, you might only need to come up a turn or two if at all.  If she rarely went and mostly on day-rides without gear, then you could chance the 4213s, and maybe crank them closer to the top. 

My supervalk, only set up for one, with me at 185 (always lightly loaded; the bags, not me), came with 12" 440 4421s, set to the cushiest position, and they rode very comfortable to me even in a shorter shock.  They were not as cushy as OE shocks (which are all getting old now), but not harsh either....though they had maybe 5 years on them. 

I would still call a tech at Progressive direct and get their opinion as well.  The lady I talked to a while back really knew her stuff.

[Ken 11861]

Jess - Thanks again !!!

I'm glad it's your bags that are "lightly loaded" when riding.
My weight runs 160-165 the wife 130.
I did send an email info request to Progressive over the weekend but probably won't hear back til today.
Unless I hear some contrary reasoning from Progressive or others here at VRCC, I like your suggestion of going with 4421's starting with them set at the lowest setting.

Thanks, ken