To those considering Progressive rear shocks. You might want to read this??

[JaysGone]

While not a real tech tip.
This might save a few folks alot of money.
As Im new to this bike and experimenting around with shocks let me start this way.

The bike came with Progressive 440s on it.
I ride 1 up 100% of the time.
On its lightest settings the 440s with HD springs rode really stiff and jarring to me.
I weight 220 lbs.
So I researched here as best as I could rear shocks, even asked a question or 2.
Then put in an WTB OEM shocks for a Standard.
I found the OEM to be better, but had to put them on the 4th setting to stop bottoming out.
The pair I got from a member here were low mileage.
I should add the seller gave me a choice between a set of Standard or Interstate shocks.
No explaination of the difference between the 2, and I didnt ask anyway.
So here I am on the 4th setting with the OEMs.
Pretty much back to as stiff as the 440s on the lowest setting.
Not good enough.

I then find out the spring rate is different between the Standard and the Interstate but still dont know the actuall rates of the springs.
So I got a set of take off Interstates on Ebay fairly cheap from a wrecked bike.
Advertised with 64K on them.
They by most folks opinions should be shot by then.
These are not........

Well the overly long and short of it is this in my findings.
The Interstates shocks on the 1st setting provide an equal if not superior ride to the VERY expensive 440s with the HD springs............for me.

So in conclusion.
Yes its a gamble.
Anyone here considering Progressives on a Standard Valk.
Might want to consider trying a set of Interstate take offs 1st.
Alot of $$$ might be saved.
And provide you with the ride you are after.

Please mods if this is inappropriate here move the thread to the propper board.
Im beginning to know how some feel here about partly if not wholely tech posts.

[9Ball]

I've had my 440s (regular springs, not HD) for 11 years now and wouldn't trade them for anything.  With the addition of the Progressive front fork springs this has been the best handling upgrade and "bang for the buck".  The benefit of the 440s is really improved handling and not just comfort.  The comfort comes from the IAS dampening to smooth out those severe bumps when more dampening rate is needed.

I think you chose poorly or were stuck with the HD springs and might have a different opinion (and a better comparison to the I/S shocks) if you had the regular 440 springs.

Besides, since I've kept the original sales receipt they are warranteed forever to me.


 

[JaysGone]

Im not after handeling 1 bit in my case.
Im after comfort.
I personally want a more floaty feeling going over bumps, man hole cover, pot holes etc.
Not knocking progressive springs at all.
I have them front and rear on my Roadstar.
Progressive wants $150 per shock to overhaul them as Im NOT the original owner.
Trying different OEM shock is was more cost effective for me.

I bought this bike to be more comfortable commuting.
I dont ride aggresively at all.
No twisties to be found in So Florida even if I wanted to.
I ride mainly in a straight line commuting to work daily.

So not in the same situation as you at all what so ever.
And thought maybe some might be interested in my findings and expressing results.......for me.

Some might even save a buck or 2.

[Chrisj CMA]

I have a standard and had the original shocks on until they started bottoming out at a normal setting like 3.  When 2 up Id have to crank them to the hardest setting to stop from bottoming out and my wife is small 110 lbs or so and Im 185lbs.  That worked bu tthe ride was HARSH! 

I too upgraded to IS shocks and that was 8 years ago.  They were set on 3 (8 years ago), after 8 years they are still on 3 and still ride perfect even two up pulling a trailer.  Handling is stout and comfort is as good as with the softer Standard ones

Bottom line.....I recommend the IS shocks on standards any day of the week and twice on Sunday!

[Patrick]

I use standard spring 440s on a Tour and don't have to change settings whether single or dual.. I'm not about to put the originals back on.. I weigh 220# and JoAnn is about 150#[ but only she knows for sure ! ]..

[JaysGone]

Guys I honestly think in my case.
Its the HD springs on the 440s that are too harsh for me.
There isnt a seperate dampner setting on these shocks like Im used to on most Progressives I have owned.

This can almost be an oil thread.
We are all different.
Different needs and riding situations.
I have to give the IS shocks a trial.
I only put them on this morning and rode it around my complex.
Just a 2 mile loop at 30 mph.
Tomorrow on the way to work will tell the real tale.
But I have a good feeling with these on my Standard bike.

[Slammer]

Valkyries. In my opinion all Progressive shocks with HD spring are made for people that are 350# plus. I weigh over 250# and my wife is in the 150# range(130# if she was watching me post this) and we ride 2 up with the shocks set on 3 or 4 with no problems(I have 11.5" on both bikes and run 225 car tires). If you ride side by side with one bike running stock shocks and one with 412 std. you would see that the bike with the 412 std has way more swingarm movement. The bike with the stock shocks has way more rider movement(your butt and back are the shocks!!!!!)

Slammer

[John Schmidt]

I have a set of 12" Progressive 412's on mine with HD springs. I also have STD springs on the shelf which I intend to change to next time I pull the rear end for maintenance. The HD springs are as Jay said....a bit harsh, and my back doesn't like that at this point in life. So, with my homemade shock spring compressor I'll be able to change out the HD's for the STD's. It will involve setting them at a slightly higher stiffness, but will still be a more comfy ride. As it is now, I feel every bump and pebble in the road.

[Tropic traveler]

Stock shocks on '97 Tourer pretty worn out by 80K. I weigh 250. Bought stock length 412s with HD springs, rode a bit softer than the stockers but didn't bottom out as bad on the stiffest setting. One of them started leaking just out of warranty time, of course. Rick {Flask} donated his 60K+ Interstate take offs from his totalled I/S. Love them.
Been there done that with the I/S take offs. I recommend too.

[fudgie]

I like my I/S springs. 

[JaysGone]

I have a set of 12" Progressive 412's on mine with HD springs. I also have STD springs on the shelf which I intend to change to next time I pull the rear end for maintenance. The HD springs are as Jay said....a bit harsh, and my back doesn't like that at this point in life. So, with my homemade shock spring compressor I'll be able to change out the HD's for the STD's. It will involve setting them at a slightly higher stiffness, but will still be a more comfy ride. As it is now, I feel every bump and pebble in the road.

Thats my personal problem with the HD springs on the 440s..
3 herniated lower discs.
I cant take the jarring.
My RoadStar also is getting to me, but I can adjust those progressives dampening and have put on a different spring.
Yet even that wasnt good enough.
I have a Warrior spring on it now.
Which is a shock with dampening settings that the stock spring doesnt have.

As Im getting a bit older I need a more mushy ride then my R* provides.
Id like to get this Valk as mushy as possible before even considering purchasing a trike kit..
Yes I relise with an independent rear suspension what I do with the Valk is temporary.
But this is for now.
I have too much time invested in this ride to give up on it just yet and choose something else for my trike.
The kit I need is a given for me.
Im liking this engines smoothness and power too much to not want to use it.
Im not up to investing in a seat hopping that might be an answer,,,,,,

[mello dude]

I've had all kinds of bikes, and on the sporty type, typically springs are matched to rider weight. Also same for the front forks so its a matched and balance system. I have a VFR800 and did the work on it and its perfect.

I'm considering upgrading my standard, so I'm curious, does anybody do or know spring weight vs rider weights? Also shock have a several variables that effect performance - compression, rebound high and low. Anybody dive into this for tuning shocks? --- I would rather not do a trial and error thing.

[9Ball]

Based on past threads, it seems that quite a few standard and Tourer guys have gone to the I/S shocks and reported good improvement, especially with the heavier riders.

It's a reasonably priced alternative and I'm glad it seems to be working for you.

[Disco]

After a long conversation about my weight, bike setup, riding style, pillion or not, etc, with the Tech Support guys at Progressive last July, I purchased a pair of the recommended 13" 440 non-HD to replace my (wallowing at 42,555 miles) oem Standard/Tourer shocks.      

Within two weeks, I had them at max pre-load.      

Unless traveling on a long trip, I never carry a large load but could still bottom them out around town.   

I pulled them Saturday and they are going back to the factory for conversion to HD and possible rebuild.  $15.00 per spring and lifetime guarantee to the rescue. 

[8Track]

Hi all,

How can you visually tell an Interstate Shock from a Standard/Tourer shock? If one wanted to by some over the internet how can you make sure you get an Interstate model?

Thanks,

Mark

[Kymbo]

had progressives on my 97 standard and wasnt happy with the ride.Have now invested in some Works Performance shocks built to my weight and once I adjusted the preload to limit the sag I now run on the softest setting and couldnt be happier .Bike tracks straight and no wallowing in the corners even if thay are off camber and have pot holes in them.If I ride 2 up all i have to do is move the lever on both shocks to a firmer setting no tools required