Progressive 440 Shock Info.

[Lefty]

The folks at Progressive recommended the 13" 440 HD and Honda Direct Line recommended the stardard based on VRCC feedback.  I ride primarily two up with luggage.  Driver/passenger weight 190/130 lbs.

I went with the standards and installed them this weekend.  There are (4) notches in the shock body to measure preload.  We did some low and highway speed trial runs over road conditioned that bottomed the OEM @ max. preload.  Without luggage we found the best setting to be at the 3rd notch.  We then set the shocks at the maximum setting, notch (4) and found them harsh.

I called Progressive to discuss my findings and share information.  They told me that the HD shock preload minimum setting is effectively what the maximum preload is on the standard.

So I'll stay with standard and worse case have Progressive put HD springs on for $30 as necessary.  Lighter riders should be happy on the standards, heavier riders should probably consider the HD.
   

[Bob E.]

I went with the 440HD's (13") and they are good.  I ride solo most of the time, but I do have hard bags and a trailer hitch.  Plus, at 270lb, I'm a bit heavier than you.  I keep the preload set pretty low and have no bottoming out problems.  When the wife rides, we get some bottoming if I don't re-adjust them...which I hardly ever do unless we go for a longer trip.  The problem now is that they appear to be leaking.  So I'll have to send them back to Progressive for a re-build.  I should have done that over the winter, but never got around to it.  At least I still have my OEM's laying around so I won't be without my Valk when I send the 440's in.

[hubcapsc]

The folks at Progressive recommended the 13" 440 HD and Honda Direct Line recommended the stardard based on VRCC feedback.  I ride primarily two up with luggage.  Driver/passenger weight 190/130 lbs.

I went with the standards and installed them this weekend.  There are (4) notches in the shock body to measure preload.  We did some low and highway speed trial runs over road conditioned that bottomed the OEM @ max. preload.  Without luggage we found the best setting to be at the 3rd notch.  We then set the shocks at the maximum setting, notch (4) and found them harsh.

I called Progressive to discuss my findings and share information.  They told me that the HD shock preload minimum setting is effectively what the maximum preload is on the standard.

So I'll stay with standard and worse case have Progressive put HD springs on for $30 as necessary.  Lighter riders should be happy on the standards, heavier riders should probably consider the HD.
   

I have 13inch 440's on my Tourer... I found that the standard springs were only acceptable for me (195), and
not acceptable when my wife (130) is along for the ride. I sent them back, and progressive polished them all up
and replaced the springs for $30 just like they said, we both like them now.

Notches? On 440s?



-Mike

[TearlessTom]

I didn't think the 440 had notches but was a constant variable?

I had the 11 1/2 on for a while when I 1st got my Valk. I took them off of my VTX, Looked GREAT, nice low slung. Rode like crap.

I went back to the 13 inch.
Tom

[Ken 11861]

I got the 440 13" standards last year, recommended by Progressive tech as for my wt of 160 & wife 130.
I did not see "notches" either but a few rings/grooves. I set mine by revolutions, there seem to be 10 rev's from top to bottom. Cranked down 6 rev's is good for me & the bride. I personally feel it rides a bit firmer when I'm solo compared to my stock shocks. Kinda hurts this 67 year old lower back unless I lean forward to get my body to do a hinge-effect over bumps.
PS miy Valk 01 Standard.

[Jess from VA]

I think he is talking notches on the OE shocks (in comparison to proposed 440's)

I would have to agree with Mike (Hubcap) here; if most of your riding is two up (combined wt of 320lbs & loaded), I believe you would be better served with HD than STD rate springs.  Alone at 190 the standard rate would be better, but then you'd have to likely crank near the max preload when 2 up & loaded, and it still may not be quite enough (though it might).  Even if it is, at first, the heavy loads on trips may wear the IAS internals faster than HD springs, and rebuild may be sooner rather than later (always free with lifetime warranty on 440s.... KEEP YOUR RECEIPT)

By comparison, I run a set of 440HD on my IS (which is recommended for all IS, though I don't think a trunk by itself with a few items in it is all that heavy, and also 2 more gal of gas) which I always ride solo at 180-5lbs and light load, but always on the lowest preload setting, and it is a great ride.  With your wife and load, you then only likely have to go up a few turns. 

Bottom line.... if you like the ride with 440HD springs set on the lowest preload while riding alone (with your tools, raingear, air pump, tire repair kit, extra gloves, water bottle, revolver/speedloader, etc as always in the bags), then the HD are a better choice.    IMHO

BTW, PS 440s are supposed to come in the box set to the lowest preload setting.  I suggest you spray a little lube in the top cap adjuster when installing new.  They are known to get hard to turn rather quickly after install. 

[DFragn]

...yesterday.
LifeTime warranty to original owner with purchase receipt only.

In April of '06 I purchased the 12.5 HD's. That was the size strongly recommended for us. I should have bought the 13" units.

I talked to them yesterday about the spring variance ratio between the standard & H.D. springs. I was informed it was approx. 15%. I had been considering having them exchange my H.D. springs down to the standard ones. But, 15%? Not sure I'd notice much difference - sticking with the H.D.'s.

BTW They repaired one (1) shock 3 years ago with leakage. Now the other is leaking - this time they said send 'em both in, we'll replace the seals as a set for you. I's ok with that.

Warranty Repairs - Lotsa ruck without proof of purchase. If you have it they take good care of you.

[9Ball]

...yesterday.
LifeTime warranty to original owner with purchase receipt only.

In April of '06 I purchased the 12.5 HD's. That was the size strongly recommended for us. I should have bought the 13" units.

I talked to them yesterday about the spring variance ratio between the standard & H.D. springs. I was informed it was approx. 15%. I had been considering having them exchange my H.D. springs down to the standard ones. But, 15%? Not sure I'd notice much difference - sticking with the H.D.'s.

BTW They repaired one (1) shock 3 years ago with leakage. Now the other is leaking - this time they said send 'em both in, we'll replace the seals as a set for you. I's ok with that.

Warranty Repairs - Lotsa ruck without proof of purchase. If you have it they take good care of you.

I saw this post and panicked a bit.  I bought my 440s in May, 2000 and have moved 5 times since then.  I went through all my stacks of paper and actually found the original sales receipt.  Whew...  It's in a safe place now...thanks for the reminder.

[Jess from VA]

I talked to them yesterday about the spring variance ratio between the standard & H.D. springs. I was informed it was approx. 15%. I had been considering having them exchange my H.D. springs down to the standard ones. But, 15%? Not sure I'd notice much difference - sticking with the H.D.'s.

D, I have notes from when I was talking to the PS tech person, and was told that it takes 8 of 10 (available) turns on the 4213s (Std rate springs) to get the same suspension rate of a 4221 (HD rate springs) set to the cushiest (lowest) setting.  I'm not a math wizz but this sounds like more than a 15% difference.  

FYI, my SV came with 12.5 440 s and I wanted 13s, and after a long talk with those people, I chose the 4213 std rate springs for my permanently supervalked interstate with no trunk, back seat, rear pegs, last year.  I put them on at the delivered cushiest lowest preload, and it was unsat.  I turned them up 4 turns and have left them there ever since (I could probably go up one or two more, but dread the finger damage).  That bike has medium loaded bags at all times, and I'm 180-5, 5'9".  I'm always solo (thank the good Lord).  As above, my full size IS has the 4421s HD set on the lowest setting full time, and I want/need no stiffer.

It killed me to spend for new 440s for a half inch, but the cornering clearance is improved more than you'd think (not huge of course, but noticeable).... and I sold the 4-5yo 12.5s to offset some of the cost (2/5ths ?).  

I had asked if they'd rebuild the 12.5s to 13" and they didn't think it was funny.

Just a thought...... if you get both your HD 12.5s factory refreshed (without a spring change) for free, they would probably sell (with no warranty to buyer) for a decent percentage of the cost of a new pair of 13" Std rate (or HD) 440s.  

 FWIW

[TearlessTom]

I talked to them yesterday about the spring variance ratio between the standard & H.D. springs. I was informed it was approx. 15%. I had been considering having them exchange my H.D. springs down to the standard ones. But, 15%? Not sure I'd notice much difference - sticking with the H.D.'s.

D, I have notes from when I was talking to the PS tech person, and was told that it takes 8 of 10 (available) turns on the 4213s (Std rate springs) to get the same suspension rate of a 4221 (HD rate springs) set to the cushiest (lowest) setting.  I'm not a math wizz but this sounds like more than a 15% difference.  .....


 .....FWIW

Your right. Depending whcih way you look at it it is either 25% going up or 20% going down.  Neither are 15%

[DFragn]

Jess & Tearless,
Hmmm, I wonder if it may have anything to do with a potential difference (if any?) in spring length between the 4200 series & the 440's. Is there a spring length difference I wonder.

Regardless, I don't think I'll be coughing any extra funds up this season for 13" 440's.

I assumed the 15% would have been somewhat accurate, or not. Progressive only wanted $30.00/pr to exchange the springs and $50.00 if I wanted to keep originals. Not much money in it for them, maybe that's why they may have low-balled the ratio when I asked.

[9Ball]

saw these on ebay....no affiliation but looks like a good price.

They are the 440 12.5" HD by the part number....fits the rocket 3 and the Valk.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Triumph-Rocket-III-Chrome-Progressive-Suspension-440_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem4a9fcdedc4QQitemZ320508652996QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

John

[Robert]

I started with the standard and was told the same stuff after awhile I kept adjusting them tighter and tighter. The ride would change and I could never seem to get a good setup and was also worried about the harshness of the hds. So after much playing around with them I got the hd springs and I cant tell you how much better they are plus I dont have to keep adjusting them back and forth with the wife on the back. Maybe one turn even when we have the bags loaded , My length is 12.5 and if I was going to do over I wold probably stay with the 12.5 but with the hd springs chrome caps and springs. The caps do peel chrome so be prepared.

[Lefty]

We'll I started the thread so feel obligated to give an update.  After a few rides two up we found we had adjusted the 13" 440 standard springs 100% preload and would still occasionally lightly bottom out the rear suspension on relatively moderate bumps without loaded bags.  Additionally I noticed the Tourer now had considerably more sag than with the OEM's.  I ordered and installed the HD springs and could not be happier with the results.  Two up 190lbs. / 130lbs. without loaded bags we now run  0 preload.  The bike now has minimal sag and handles the corners better than ever!  Bags loaded I turn the preload up to 25%.  At every track crossing or uneven road surface my wife can't help but comment on the overall improvement.

We're doing an Epic in the Canadian Rockies this September and are certain that these suspension upgrades will have been worth the effort.     

[Jess from VA]

Good choice on the HD springs.   

Two up, they will always be better.