Progressive 4??

[godfire]

What progressive shocks are you running?

At 30K my OEMs need to be replaced.

I've heard the 440's are great, but the price is a little steep for me.

Anyone running 418's?

What about 412HD's?

I'm keeping the bike forever, so if 440's are the only way to go let me know.

Are the OEMs 13"?

[Dag]

I'm running the 440's.
I have no experience with the 412 or 418.
The 440 are great compared to OEM.

OEM is 12,5"

[Houdini]

Hey Jim, there is a pair of 440's on ebay

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Progressive-440-shocks-Honda-Valkyrie_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ35592QQihZ020QQitemZ300296796907QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

Stock height.

[godfire]

Chuck, do you work for ebay?

[Houdini]

Chuck, do you work for ebay?

Nah!  But I learned how to effectively use the site when I helped put myself through college selling junk there and again when Mary and I were out of work for a while.  Some incredible deals can be found on ebay if you are diligent but sometimes the bidders drive the price waaaaayyy over retail.  As long as you know what a good price is to begin with and don't get caught up in the frenzy...

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

I tried everything to keep from buying the 440s. (cheap) I bought the 412HD 12.5in and for two up they were too soft. I called progressive and they worked a deal with me on some 416 air shocks. They work for the weight but lowered the bike about 1.5 in and that didn't cut it. So long story short I bought the 440 HD 13in and now I run them on 3 and they were worth the cash. The bike setting a little higher in the rear now that stock so get the 12.5 if stock height is what you want. I found the lowest price on the internet and HDL matched it and free shipping. I got mine for  $479.

[Houdini]

I tried everything to keep from buying the 440s. (cheap) I bought the 412HD 12.5in and for two up they were too soft. I called progressive and they worked a deal with me on some 416 air shocks. They work for the weight but lowered the bike about 1.5 in and that didn't cut it. So long story short I bought the 440 HD 13in and now I run them on 3 and they were worth the cash. The bike setting a little higher in the rear now that stock so get the 12.5 if stock height is what you want. I found the lowest price on the internet and HDL matched it and free shipping. I got mine for  $479

Do you have a Standard or Interstate?  I have considered going with Progressive shocks also but like Jim, the 440 price scares me.  I would like my bike just a skoush (technical term) lower so maybe the 12" 440HD on my Interstate would do the trick.

Chuck

[9Ball]

What progressive shocks are you running?

At 30K my OEMs need to be replaced.

I've heard the 440's are great, but the price is a little steep for me.

Anyone running 418's?

What about 412HD's?

I'm keeping the bike forever, so if 440's are the only way to go let me know.

Are the OEMs 13"?

If you're keeping it forever, why compromise?

I've had my 440s for 9 years now and they were worth every penny.  I paid over $500 then and since (2008) bought a set for my Rocket 3 at MAWonline for $420 shipped.  They were the black shocks but the chrome were a bit higher.  HDL runs a sale every once in a while and you can knock off at least 10% with free shipping.

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

I have a 2000 interstate with 100k on it. I ride two up about half the time so the HDs were my best choice.

[godfire]

Chuck, do you work for ebay?

Nah!  But I learned how to effectively use the site when I helped put myself through college selling junk there and again when Mary and I were out of work for a while.... ?

Well you are a great resource to have. I never think about looking at ebay and I'm usually a little skeptical...you know if it sounds too good to be true it probably is.....

Anyhow thanks again!

[godfire]

If you're keeping it forever, why compromise?

Hey JR,
I'm losing my job at the end of the month and I was trying to hang on to as much money as I could, but I still don't want to waste money on something that doesn't work. I guess I knew the answer before I asked but I just needed to hear it again.

Thanks for the input!
gf

[godfire]

If you're keeping it forever, why compromise?

Hey JR,
I'm losing my job at the end of the month and I was trying to hang on to as much money as I could, but I still don't want to waste money on something that doesn't work. I guess I knew the answer before I asked but I just needed to hear it again.

Thanks for the input!
gf

[Houdini]

I'm losing my job at the end of the month

Sorry to hear that Jim.  I am living in fear daily over losing my job.  Good luck finding something fast.

[9Ball]

If you're keeping it forever, why compromise?

Hey JR,
I'm losing my job at the end of the month and I was trying to hang on to as much money as I could, but I still don't want to waste money on something that doesn't work. I guess I knew the answer before I asked but I just needed to hear it again.

Thanks for the input!
gf

no way of knowing that from your original post...it just seemed you wanted to know the cheapest way out...but cheap isn't always the best for the long haul.

If I was losing my job I'd probably just hang on to what I had now...no offense intended.  When you land on your feet then it will be time to upgrade.

Good luck finding your new job....my best wishes it's speedy for you.

[Hollywood]

There is another alternative. We put interstate shocks on our standard. We've had them about 3 years now. look  at Honda online, also we have several links on our website for Valkyrie parts. You can also put a "wanted" on the VRCC classifieds, I have found a great response, and a good price.

[Houdini]

Hey GF, I found these 440's standards on sale for $459 in black.

http://www.dollarrider.com/detail.cfm?model_ID=0&Category_ID=79&manufacturer_ID=39&product_ID=9447&sblid_name=


The polished aluminum and heavy duty is more expensive.

Chuck

[Jess from VA]

The 440s are the very best.   You did not say if you have IS or std/tourer.

There was a pretty significant price increase for '09.   I have been shopping around.  What I have discovered is that the best priced sellers at MAW/OneStopMoto/PhatPerformance have existing stocks of '08 Progressive products at last years' prices, and when they are gone the prices will go up. This would include 440s, 412s, 416s air, and all of their products.

I got  chrome 440s at MAW for $450 a pair (now $530 on HDL...yeah, they'll price match) (by comparrison, I got 440s for my other bike in '05 and paid $440 then), and my standard duty chrome set was only one of two left in stock.  By the way, if anyone wants the best shock made for Valk, they have black powdercoated 440s for $412. (Same prices at all lengths)  For $37 more per pair, we went with chrome.   So if anyone is considering a Progressive Suspension shock purchase, now would be a good time to act for best prices. 

A word of warning on MAW, they have great prices, but in the small print (which I didn't read), they charge shipping, PLUS FOUR PERENT OF PURCHASE PRICE FOR INS AND "HANDLING".   I did the math and only saved $53.50 buying from them rather than HDL (who I would always rather do business with). 

Now, on 440s, there has been some confusion on correct part numbers for standard, tourer and interstate at standard and heavy duty spring rates.  Both shocks have the same IAS cartridges, the only build difference is the springs. (they come in 11.5, 12, 12.5, and 13 inch lengths)   13" is OE length, though some argue that since progressive's sit a tad higher at rest than OE shocks (especially with all OEs getting old) 12.5 is closer to OE.  Decide for yourself, I get 13s for max lean with floorboards.

Here is the deal:

For standard and tourer: Standard Rate is the 440-4213 (C for chrome/ B for black)
                                  Heavy Duty is the     440-4221 (C or B)

For Interstate:  there is only one shock recommended and it is the same shock called heavy duty for standard and tourer, 440-4221, BUT IT IS NOT IDENTIFIED AS A HEAVY DUTY SHOCK, IT IS CALLED STANDARD RATE FOR INTERSTATE, THERE IS NO HEAVY DUTY SHOCK MADE FOR INTERESTATE.  This is just Progressive's semantics, but it has lead to a lot of confusion.

I have been spouting off for three plus years that I put "standard rate" not Heavy Duty 440s on my big IS, and they were great (for me at 180/5, almost never a passenger/light load usually).  After I learned how they IDed their shocks, I went to my receipts last night, and lo and behold, I put 440-4221 shocks on there, which may be called standard rate for IS by Progressive, but which in fact are the Heavy duty version of the two 440s available for Valkyries.  Mine are cranked down (up?) to the cushiest setting, and have been so perfect I have never touched the adjustment, and now I understand why.  It is a good thing I did use the 4421s, the 4213s just don't belong on an IS (with one exception).

I had a long talk with a Progressive tech about the SuperValk with no trunk/back seat/sissy/or passenger ever, and SHE recommended that I use the 4213 at my 180/5lbs, which was my feeling as well (even though the SV still has the 7 gal tank and fairing).  She explained that it takes 8 of 10 (available) turns on the 4213s to get the same suspension rate of a 4221 set to the cushiest setting.  I have received tham but haven't got them on yet.

Last point.  The 440s are spendy for sure, but are the only shock Progressive sells with a lifetime warranty (if you are holding a purchased-new recipt).  If you were considering a set of used 440s, it costs 36 per spring plus labor to upgrade from std rate to HD springs, but if the IAS cartridge goes out, there is no repair, they are replaced at $230 per shock.  And if only one went out, it would probably be stupid not to replace both at that time anyway.  No shocks last forever, but I am keeping my Valks forever,  so I think it wise to buy new 440s.  If the IAS cartridge goes out, they will replace it free.....multiple times if necessary over a 20 year period (for instance). 

Further the affiant sayeth not.   

[Disco]

Great write-up, Jess.  Thanks. 

[BnB Tom]

Be aware that the 440-4213 sets 1/2" higher than stock even tho its listed as a direct replacement. 

[Houdini]

I got  chrome 440s at MAW for $450 a pair (now $530 on HDL...yeah, they'll price match) (by comparrison, I got 440s for my other bike in '05 and paid $440 then), and my standard duty chrome set was only one of two left in stock.  By the way, if anyone wants the best shock made for Valk, they have black powdercoated 440s for $412. (Same prices at all lengths)  For $37 more per pair, we went with chrome.   So if anyone is considering a Progressive Suspension shock purchase, now would be a good time to act for best prices. 

Jess, Do you have a link for the 440-4221's on MAW?  I have searched their site and cannot find them.

[godfire]

Chuck I couldn't find them at MAW either.

http://www.phatperformanceparts.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=PROG%2D440

http://www.onestopmoto.com/440_Series_I_A_S_Twin_Shocks_p/sbps-440p-hd08.htm

Looks like Phat performance has the best price at $479.  I HAVE TO HAVE chrome, job or no job!

I'm really thinking about going for it.

Thank you Jess for your input. It was exactly what I was looking for.

[Jess from VA]

Jess, Do you have a link for the 440-4221's on MAW?  I have searched their site and cannot find them.
[/quote]


Guy's as you have seen, MAW possibly has the worst site known to man to shop; this is why I never bought anything from them before.  I couldn't find them either, so I just called the toll free number and got a human on the line.  The sales reps were very good and helpful and seemed to know what they were talking about (and they are able to use their own inventory computer much quicker than I could).  So have your part number and questions on hand, and call them on the phone (ask in detail on shipping, it is HIGH).  When I ordered a couple weeks ago, they had limited numbers of '08 shocks left, so make sure to ask about 08 vrs 09 shocks.  IF you want chrome ($450), but they are out, consider black powdercoat which were only $412, and they had more of them available (esp on a black IS, the bags mostly hide them anyway).

One other thought, HDL will price match (but it must include the other guy's shipping), I like HDL and like to give them all my business.  It takes more work, but you might consider getting a shipping rate from MAW, then hang up, and call HDL and get a price match with MAWs shipping added.  Just a thought