Progressive 444's.

[fudgie]

Currently have the 444's HD at stock length, 13" on my Tourer. Im gonna get them shorter, maybe 12". I wonder if I even need the HD's and just go with standard. I have them set all the way up (soft as it can go). No squat when I'm on and barley noticeable with her on it. I did tighten them up to about 3 threads showing for our 2 week trip due to luggage weight. Rode nice. I could use a little softer ride solo.

Anyone have the non heavy duty and like them?
Wonder how big a ride diff between the non hd and hd are.

[MarkT]

I'm about to upgrade my stock shocks on the tourer at std length.  Been looking at the 444's.  Want to sell them?  How much?  PM me.

[Woton]

Fudgie,

I have the 12" (Chrome) standard 444's - exactly what you are considering.  Given what I considered the rough-ass ride on my '97 Tourer with the OEM shocks/springs I went Progressive on both at around 55K.  

I'm 5'10" 180 lbs and would have welcomed any lowering of the bike this changeover provided.  I ride solo 100% of the time.  

Got to say - the rear rides better but I honestly feel the Progressive front springs did nothing to smooth out that aspect of the ride.  I have the 444s set soft as possible and I do not change the setting even when I load her with 30-40 pounds of this and that when on road trips.

My advice for you would be to utilize the Progressive guidelines for shock selection - standard vs HD.  Ignore the part that says there are no 444s that fit the Valk.  Obviously, that ain't so...

While it looks like you might have a customer for your HDs I'm really not sure the stardards will give you the softness you want AND still tighten up enough when you travel two-up w/luggage.

This is a long post to say "Ask someone else", but being one who has wondered if the money spent on my springs/shocks package was worth it I'm not at all sure you're going to get all you want here...

[fudgie]

Fudgie,

I have the 12" (Chrome) standard 444's - exactly what you are considering.  Given what I considered the rough-ass ride on my '97 Tourer with the OEM shocks/springs I went Progressive on both at around 55K.  

I'm 5'10" 180 lbs and would have welcomed any lowering of the bike this changeover provided.  I ride solo 100% of the time.  

Got to say - the rear rides better but I honestly feel the Progressive front springs did nothing to smooth out that aspect of the ride.  I have the 444s set soft as possible and I do not change the setting even when I load her with 30-40 pounds of this and that when on road trips.

My advice for you would be to utilize the Progressive guidelines for shock selection - standard vs HD.  Ignore the part that says there are no 444s that fit the Valk.  Obviously, that ain't so...

While it looks like you might have a customer for your HDs I'm really not sure the stardards will give you the softness you want AND still tighten up enough when you travel two-up w/luggage.

This is a long post to say "Ask someone else", but being one who has wondered if the money spent on my springs/shocks package was worth it I'm not at all sure you're going to get all you want here...

Where are the guidelines on progressives page? Cant find them.
It seems my oem I/S shocks were shorter or maybe just softer and I could reach the ground better. I'm 5'-7" 210 and shes 5'-1" and 125 ish. I've been happy with the HD's in the 4,000 miles the last month or so. Just didn't want over kill. Thx!

[Woton]

At quick glance I found this, Fudgie.  Kind of had to dig for it under Technical Information

"most PSI shocks are also offered in Heavy Duty applications, recommended for bikes that are operated at or near the manufacturer’s maximum load rating over 50% of the time"

Also found this on the CruiserCustomizing page

Standard vs. Heavy Duty
Standard = Rider weighs less than 250 pounds and seldom rides 2-up.
Heavy Duty = Rider weighs more than 250 pounds and often rides 2-up.


Seems to be coming back to me that I looked at various sites to help me make my decision.  Given my weight and riding style I found nothing to lead me toward HDs.

[Ramie]

May not apply to the 444 but I know riders who have put 412 HD's on small bikes and found them too stiff.