Progressive 444s feel good

[Valkorado]

Pulled the trigger on a set of 13" Progressive 444 HDs (444-4221C), and with (Montrose) Mike's help we slapped 'em on last week after greasing the splines.  Lots of discussion here lately about whether these particular shocks will fit on a Valk, etc.  We did have to do a little wallerin' with a pocket knife on the lower left bushing to allow an included metal adapter to start into it; a hammer finished the job. The bolt on the lower left is thinner than the others and required the adapter to fit the bushing properly.  I've only racked up about 100 miles on the 444s but I like them plenty.  The 444s are aluminum, and seem noticeably lighter than the leaking 440s I replaced.  I haven't had a chance to try 'em two up yet.

[jimmytee]

Which model did you get? I didn't have to use any of the included bushings, but did have to shave some of the plastic washer around the eyelets as they were too thick to fit properly otherwise. It was easy peasy with the grinder. Just thinned out the washers a bit for the proper fit.  I went from the stock shocks and so far I like them very much.

[Anthony]

I just received a set of 444's from Progressive, last week, as a replacement of my worn out 440HD.
Delivered to my doorstep in Belgium. That is service!  

It took Progressive a couple of weeks to replace, as they "did not have the correct components (damper) on stock".
The package included a new invoice, with 7 separate different components listed.
Which makes me assume these are not a set 'of the shelf', but something assembled specific for a valkyrie.

I just finished mounting them without any problem, but haven't made a test ride yet.

You DO have to use 2 of the supplied bushings, to make sure there is a fixed mounting, not a wobbling.
Think high speed tank slapper!  

To push the rings in the bottom rubber eyelets, i just aligned them as good as possible, and put them in the bench vise and pushed them in very gently.

Will update after test ride.
Anthony

[Anthony]

Hey Valkorado,
did you already have a chance to test your 444's two up ?

I haven't had a chance to try 'em two up yet.

Here is the promised update on my Progressive replacements 444's:

i really like them for riding solo : damping is great for small bumps, big bumps and potholes, with 0 turns pre load.

but for riding 2up they are too soft.
this weekend was the first time i had the Mss on the back seat, and with full preload (8,5 turns) the bike sagged for more then 2".
sag measured vertically. that is without the luggage that i am going to throw on to ride to Inzane UK this weekend.
 
with the 440 HD i only needed 3-4 turns to have an initial 1" sag with full load. (2Up, bags filled, luggage roll on the back, ...)

2UP the damping still works great, but the springs are too soft.
bike bottoms out, on bumps great and smal(ler), which brings complaints from the bosses seat.
bike does not handle well that deep.
suddenly i can not look over my windscreen any more...

i contacted Progressive warranty again, if springs can be stiffer,  still waiting for their reply.

anybody else have their 444's tested 2UP ? results ?

Anthony

[jimmytee]

Do you have the 444 HDs? I've ridden two up with my 444 HDs with no issues.

[Valkorado]

Hey Valkorado,
did you already have a chance to test your 444's two up ?

Yep, I have the HD 444-4221C shocks. Just got back from a two up trip to Moab, the 444s performed perfectly for us with loaded bags and trunk.  Bottoming never even crossed my mind, very good dampening.  I have them set right in the middle.  My 440s were completely shot pieces of crap, so this is like night and day compared to them.  I should mention I am riding on an Austone Taxi Tire.  I see over the windshield better than before.

[rhinor61]

I am glad to hear the Progressive 444 are working out.

I run the 444 12.5" and just replaced both tires with the Dunlop E3 in back... WOW!!! what a smooth ride and handles much better..

Glad to be part of such an informative site, keep on biking.

J.

[Anthony]

Do you have the 444 HDs? I've ridden two up with my 444 HDs with no issues.

I don't know what i got as a replacement.
Based on the documentation, it looks like a special assembly

The sticker on the springs says: "03-1318 140/200"

Anthony

[hukmut]

Would you please tell me what pressure you have in the Austone? Thanks