Progressive 444 shocks

[al v]

FYI... just spoke with a customer service rep at Progressive, the 440 shocks are being replaced by 444 shocks. He said the ride quality should be the same, the 444 shocks are a direct replacement. He said the shocks will be available in late May. Apparently, they are moving away from the IAS technology licensed from Eldelbrock in favor of their own technology.

Shock question...

I love the height of my bike (tourer) with the stock shocks set on the lowest setting (#1), but it is way too soft on bumbs and will all but bottom out. I prefer the firmness of the stock shocks set at #4, but then I'm on my toes and can barely reach the ground with my ultimate low rider seat.

For the 440 shock, based on what I've read, 12.5" is the way to go to maintain the stock height. (which is ambiguous because it doesn't take into account what setting you are using and your weight)

Also, I see that the 12.5" STD and the 13" STD both have the same spring rates and many here have recommended that they do not work well for 2 up. I weigh approx 200, have 29.5" inseam, and will be riding 2 up on long trips. So, 12.5" HD sounds like it is closest to stock if riding 2 up.

Can anyone confirm if the lowest setting (softest) on their 12.5" HD are as low (or lower) as the stock shocks on the lowest setting for them (but hopefully with more firmness than the stock shocks at the same low settings)? That would be perfect for me.

[Jess from VA]

Assuming we're talking about the tourer in your avatar, at 200lbs, the std rate shocks would be best. But when you take a passenger and/or a load, the HD would be best.  

You probably want the HD at 12.5, but alone you will need them on the softest setting (and they may still be good there with your passenger depending on wt., you will not likely need to go more than 4 turns in any event).  When solo, keep your bags loaded with stuff (20 lbs).

I believe the lowest (preload) setting on 12.5HD will be stiffer than the (10-12yr old) OEs on any setting. Understand the 440 will be stiffer (more sporting suspension), but the ride is still good, and they handle the bumps better, but they will not be cushy.  For cushy, you need to get the std rate, and then hope to turn them down far enough to handle your load of (wife and gear) which may be possible, again depending on her wt).

Again, I highly recommend you call PS and discuss with a tech rep.  Know her weight when you do.  They're very good.

I do not believe the bike height will change at all with the 440s at any setting, just the stiffness.

[al v]

I've been trying to figure out a good way to compare the ride height of the stock shocks to the progressive shocks...

So, here is a different way of asking my question...

I measured my stock shocks on the #2 setting from bolt center to bolt center and found the weight of bike made the shocks compress to 12.5". Then I sat on the bike and measured again (with help) and found the height to be 11.75". So, 11.75" is the target compressed height of the shock I'm looking for when sitting on the bike so that I can comfortably reach the ground with my feet.

So, another way to ask my question would be, do the 440 12.5" HD shocks sag .75" with 200 pounds of rider and 20 pounds of bags on the bike?

If so, I would be good, but from what I have read, it sounds like the 440 12.5" HD shocks don't compress much at all when just sitting on the bike.

Thanks for the info Jess, you are a wealth of info.

[Jess from VA]

Al, I don't think the HD shocks are going to sag much with 220 lbs (you and bags) just sitting.  Surely not 3/4 of an inch... maybe a mm, but not much.   

I'm not sure the std rate springs are going to settle with rider and bags much either.

I believe you would like the ride of std rate better for all solo riding, and remember every half inch you go lower with the shock, the stiffer the springs will be (with less total travel), whether std or HD springs are used.   If I had a passenger a couple times a year, I'd set it up for me, and do the best I could for the passenger rides.

I am thinking you might be better served with air shocks.  They will not have the full performance of the 440s (esp with rebound), but they will give you more flexibility.   PS 416  But I don't know much about them. Call Progressive and ask about them.  Only lifetime warranty is the 440s.

It also sounds like you could use some built up sole boots, with great traction.

Like these:  http://www.lapolicegear.com/ro6mealbow.html
                 http://www.lapolicegear.com/rocky-alpha-force-boot.html 

[MacDragon]

Hmmm.  I put the 11.5" 412s on mine and I'm 185 lbs.  Smooth, stable ride with no bottoming out.  Ride 2 up occasionally and no problems.