Shock absorber recommendation

[dconstruct55]

Went through a bunch of old archived shock topics, but could not find what I wanted. Looking for a recommendation (could be asking for trouble here) on new shocks. The '99 Tourer I bought now has 26,500 on it and rides pretty rough. The previous owner was significantly larger and heavier than me so I assume the shocks are nearly shot. The bike had 24,500 when I picked her up.I am a bit confused on whether to order HD or Standard ones. Ride two up mostly on the Tourer and between my wife and I the weight is around 300lbs. Progressive 412's look pretty affordable, but I know there are a LOT of choices out there. Any positive ideas would be welcome.

[MarkT]

On my '97 Tourer I picked up before the winter I Installed Prog. 444's and put the 140-200 rate springs on it.  I'm running about 260 alone, have the preload set at two turns (there are 8 turns on 444's).  I'd say my setup with your 300# total 2-up wt, This setup with 3-4 turns preload would be perfect.  Add more turns if you load the bags up.  I have 416 air shocks on Deerslayer.  That setup with your wt would need extra oil to increase the rate, and 100# or so of air.  I don't pay a lot of attention to the pressure because I set it up with onboard air; I just dial it up or down as needed on the fly.  I have 412's on George (custom blown bobber) Don't know what the springs are as I didn't set it up.  It's solo'd, no bags.  Have too little experience with it to comment.

[dconstruct55]

Thanks Mark,
I was leaning to the 444's and you just put me there. I am going to order them in a few, thank you for the input!

[Chrisj CMA]

Everyone I know that has Progressive rear shocks has them start leaking oil eventually.  I have a standard set up as a tourer.  Two up pulling a trailer and my shocks of choice are OEM Honda Valkyrie Interstate shocks.  Find a good used set for under $100, put them on and forget about it.  Well except for cleaning them of course

[dconstruct55]

Chris,
As always I pay particular attention to your replies. I searched around for the interstate shocks over the last month or so, found a promising pair in your neck of the woods, but the owner was unable to confirm mileage, so I passed on that deal. The 444"s come with a lifetime warranty, (Least they can do for the price) so I felt ok with that purchase. Thank you for the reply,

[gordonv]

My IS had stock shocks at 44K miles, and I mostly road 2 up, and just kept the OEM shocks at 5. Total weight was in excess of 400#.

When riding alone or together, I never noticed much difference in the ride. I had played with the shocks when I 1st got the bike, but never noticed a difference.

I am wondering if your problem might be warn shock bushings, and a $20 replacement might fix the problem.

My current IS seems to have Progressive rear shocks. Haven't had an issue yet (only driven 150 miles solo) or even looked at the shock and see if they can changed.

[hubcapsc]

Chris,
As always I pay particular attention to your replies. I searched around for the interstate shocks over the last month or so, found a promising pair in your neck of the woods, but the owner was unable to confirm mileage, so I passed on that deal. The 444"s come with a lifetime warranty, (Least they can do for the price) so I felt ok with that purchase. Thank you for the reply,

Keep your receipt, you'll need it for warranty repair. I blew out one of my 440s,
they either fixed the pair like new, or exchanged them for new, I couldn't
tell, so - they do honor the warranty.

I used Stanley Steamer's Interstate shocks with 80k on them while I
waited for the rebuild, they were only a little better than the blown
out 440s...

My 440s aren't set up to give a cushiony marshmallow kind
of ride, they're kind of stiff, but they have the right kind of action
for sneaking around on mountain back roads...

-Mike

[h13man]

Everyone I know that has Progressive rear shocks has them start leaking oil eventually.  I have a standard set up as a tourer.  Two up pulling a trailer and my shocks of choice are OEM Honda Valkyrie Interstate shocks.  Find a good used set for under $100, put them on and forget about it.  Well except for cleaning them of course

Mine started leaking after 2500 mi. on my 1100 Spirit. Put new bushings in the old Showa's, reinstalled, and never looked back. I wasn't pleased with ride at all with the 440 standard Progressives. I'm really like the stock Showas on the Valk. I replaced the stock bushings with neoprene variety and have been very pleased with the overall suspension setup including the Racetech springs up front.

[bt24]

Deconstruct,
I have had the Progressive 444's for about 2 years and I love em!
 I have a upcoming trip and I had a couple of questions for Progressive. (See my e mail below)

Hello Bryan,
You should adjust your sag as you would normally .75”-1” but with your passenger on the bike.
You will want to have them present to set sag.
 
Thank you,
 
 
Jorge Silva
Customer Service – Tech Support
6892 Marlin Circle, La Palma, CA  90623
(714)523-8700 ex207  fax(714)523-3220
jsilva@progressivesuspension.com
www.progressivesuspension.com www.burlybrand.com
all-brands-email-footer-to-size
 
From: BRYAN TRIPPE [mailto:bryantrippe@msn.com]
Sent: Tuesday, April 12, 2016 8:03 AM
To: PS Info
Subject: 444 series
 
Good morning Jorge,
I have a 1999 Honda Valkyrie Interstate and I am about to do a 2 up with luggage a 18-20 hour ride and was curious as to how much to stiffen the shock springs. They are on the standard settings now. (See below)
 
Rear Shocks 444 series 13"
Front springs progressive
Luggage 25lbs
Rider 200lbs
Passenger 130lbs

Thank you in advance,
Bryan Trippe
Tucker Rocky/Bikers Choice, NM.
Cell: 505-400-7244
 
 
 

[dconstruct55]

Thanks for the opinion BT!
I expect delivery on 4/21. Unfortunately going to my cabin on the 22nd. Will let you know my thoughts after install and a few miles...........
Dcon

[TLF]

I just put on the Progressive 430s and my 99 tourer feels much better, and is now stable in turns with bumps in them.  the 430s seem to soak up the bumps great.  it's a firmer ride, especially since i have the HDs as i ride 2-up quite often and am about 225lbs.   the OEMs were very soft to me, even on the stiffer settings, but they were also 40k miles and 16 years old. 

TLF

[dconstruct55]

I did consider the 430's but decided to splurge and go for the latest technology.