444 Progressive

[Fazer]

Guys--I have 444-4213 13" standard shocks that I bought in 2015 for $554.  Now they are over $600.  I was reading a thread about Progressive shocks started recently that had comments about spring weight, so I thought I would check.  Now I see where these are recommended for the Triumph Bonneville. 

Are these OK for the Valk?  I had them on for a couple of years and they began leaking, so Progressive has them now (last 8 weeks) to rebuild, but if these are inappropriate for the Valk, I will sell on eBay when I get them back and buy the correct ones.

Comments?

Greg

[MarkT]

Per their chart those are 13" and have 120/170 springs. Travel is good at 3.19". Springs light for me but not by much (140/200 works for me), might be good for you depending on your weight and other use (co-rider wt, trailering?).  If you aren't bottoming in the range of your use, with preload turned up, you should be good.

[Fazer]

Thanks Mark.  I jumped the gun and ordered HD 412s.  When I get the 444s back from Progressive, they will go on eBay.

[Big Rick]

when you order Progressive shocks, can you ask them to change the spring rate.. 120/170 because I am a big boy and am not sure what I would need?
 I think the 13" would be better for me than the 12"...but I am 375lbs and usually ride solo with no trailer.
  Big Rick

[MarkT]

when you order Progressive shocks, can you ask them to change the spring rate.. 120/170 because I am a big boy and am not sure what I would need?
 I think the 13" would be better for me than the 12"...but I am 375lbs and usually ride solo with no trailer.
  Big Rick

You order the 444 with the spring rate you want.  The damper has to match the springs.  I think you would need more spring than that.  At least 140/200 (444-4057 at 13") what I run but it's marginal with your weight. You may bottom with those and certainly will if you have a corider.  They have more 444's with even stiffer springs.  You can also get too stiff - I tried the 210/250 and it was way to stiff for me at my 290 wt but might work for you with low preload setting.  Look at this specs link, pay attention to the length you want and the spring rate.  I didn't check to see if they have more offerings since I got mine a couple years ago.  https://www.progressivesuspension.com/assets/files/7100-105-Specs-And-Tech-Info.pdf

[Itinifni]

I have the 444-4213s on my bike and am very happy with them but I weigh in at 150. I get the proper sag for one up riding with pre-load set about half way. For two up or loaded for a few days of camping pre-load is about maxed out.
I also notice with the pre-load at 50% and me on the bike the close wound coils (120 lb/in) are very close to coil bound so much of my riding is on the 170 coils.

I had discussed spring rates briefly with MarkT and he had suggested the 140/200s may be a better choice. It's very possible that with those springs and preload set I'd be riding more on the 140 coils with greater head room. I don't regret my choice but I wouldn't suggest it for anyone heavier or routinely carrying a heavier load.

I have to say though, the 444s are great shocks, it's just too bad we can't try out the different springs to see what works best.