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Author Topic: Can`t decide which rear shocks to buy for my Interstate.  (Read 1915 times)
Motorider
Member
*****
Posts: 162


Pennsylvania


« on: June 05, 2013, 09:09:46 AM »

I read the archives, so I know this has been beaten to death. However, I can`t decide between Progressive 440`s or the 416 air shock. I prefer to not deal with the air shocks, but I read in the archives that the 440`s rusted after one year. Anyone else have the 440`s and are disappointed with their quality? I ride two up most of the time, and packed to hilt once or twice a year. I don`t plan to ever pull a trailer. The 444`s are just too expensive for me. Thanks in advance for any input.
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hubcapsc
Member
*****
Posts: 16788


upstate

South Carolina


« Reply #1 on: June 05, 2013, 09:34:16 AM »

I read the archives, so I know this has been beaten to death. However, I can`t decide between Progressive 440`s or the 416 air shock. I prefer to not deal with the air shocks, but I read in the archives that the 440`s rusted after one year. Anyone else have the 440`s and are disappointed with their quality? I ride two up most of the time, and packed to hilt once or twice a year. I don`t plan to ever pull a trailer. The 444`s are just too expensive for me. Thanks in advance for any input.


I like my 440s. They are warrantied for life if you keep the sales receipt... they fixed these for me:



I've had mine since 2007,  never heard of them rusting, my Valkyrie lives in an unheated shed with only three walls.

I hear works performance shocks are good, you should consider them before you buy...

-Mike
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sandy
Member
*****
Posts: 5396


Mesa, AZ.


« Reply #2 on: June 05, 2013, 02:38:57 PM »

No matter which you choose, go with 13" shocks. You'll appreciate the extra suspension travel. I have friends with 440 HD's and 416 air shocks. Both like them. I have Works shocks and love mine too.
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wdvalk
Member
*****
Posts: 826


Katy Texas


« Reply #3 on: June 05, 2013, 02:41:39 PM »

wow, thats a filthy bike
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Motorider
Member
*****
Posts: 162


Pennsylvania


« Reply #4 on: June 05, 2013, 03:02:58 PM »

sandy, I just got finished researching Works shocks. $699.00 plus shipping is pretty pricey. Do you feel you got a good bang for your buck?
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BonS
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Posts: 2198


Blue Springs, MO


WWW
« Reply #5 on: June 05, 2013, 04:44:26 PM »

How about replacing them with low mileage OEM shocks? I really don't like the adjustment mechanism of the Progressive 440's. They can't be adjusted while the weight of the bike is on them. Yes, they may have infinite settings compared to the cam style of the OEM shocks but at least they can be adjusted when you're out on the road and they can be found dirt cheap. Just replace the upper bushing with new or aftermarket when installing them.
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Motorider
Member
*****
Posts: 162


Pennsylvania


« Reply #6 on: June 05, 2013, 04:57:52 PM »

BonS, OEM shocks are no longer available, that was my first option. I contacted all the major Honda parts suppliers. Partzilla said they could get them, after a month on backorder, I called them and they said they were no longer available. Buying used is a roll of the dice. Even if they are claimed to be low mileage, they are still 12 years old. The more I read the more confused I get. I think I will call Works tomorrow and see if they can enlighten me.
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hubcapsc
Member
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Posts: 16788


upstate

South Carolina


« Reply #7 on: June 05, 2013, 05:30:28 PM »

How about replacing them with low mileage OEM shocks? I really don't like the adjustment mechanism of the Progressive 440's. They can't be adjusted while the weight of the bike is on them. Yes, they may have infinite settings compared to the cam style of the OEM shocks but at least they can be adjusted when you're out on the road and they can be found dirt cheap. Just replace the upper bushing with new or aftermarket when installing them.


You can adjust them with a $5 rubber strap wrench...



-Mike "fits in your saddlebag..."
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BonS
Member
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Posts: 2198


Blue Springs, MO


WWW
« Reply #8 on: June 05, 2013, 05:49:12 PM »

How about replacing them with low mileage OEM shocks? I really don't like the adjustment mechanism of the Progressive 440's. They can't be adjusted while the weight of the bike is on them. Yes, they may have infinite settings compared to the cam style of the OEM shocks but at least they can be adjusted when you're out on the road and they can be found dirt cheap. Just replace the upper bushing with new or aftermarket when installing them.


You can adjust them with a $5 rubber strap wrench...



-Mike "fits in your saddlebag..."


Mike, you're right, the strap wrench works. I had to go to my Interstate and see if it fit around the bags and passenger floorboards and it does. I only get less than a quarter turn per twist but it would eventually get there. Thanks.


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sandy
Member
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Posts: 5396


Mesa, AZ.


« Reply #9 on: June 05, 2013, 07:45:11 PM »

sandy, I just got finished researching Works shocks. $699.00 plus shipping is pretty pricey. Do you feel you got a good bang for your buck?
I bought mine several years ago for about $400. I did finally wear them out and they were rebuilt but at my expense. If you go with Works, tell them you weigh about 25 lbs more than you do. The springs and the valving will be better. But if Progressives are warranteed forever, go with them.
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Motorider
Member
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Posts: 162


Pennsylvania


« Reply #10 on: June 06, 2013, 09:29:24 AM »

I just ordered a set of Progressive 444`s. I hope I like them!
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hubcapsc
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Posts: 16788


upstate

South Carolina


« Reply #11 on: June 06, 2013, 09:38:49 AM »

I just ordered a set of Progressive 444`s. I hope I like them!

I'm 5'11" and got 13 inch non-HD ones. I really like the 13 inch part, but
non-HD wasn't acceptable with Carolyn on back, so I sent them in to be
upgraded to HD springs... now there's settings acceptable for one up or two
up...

-Mike
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Patrick
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Posts: 15433


VRCC 4474

Largo Florida


« Reply #12 on: June 06, 2013, 12:45:11 PM »

I've been using regular 440s for at least 12 years on a tour. We can ride 2 up and the setting for us [ I don't change the setting for either 1 or 2 of us] is about half way. Most folks get the HD models. I would recommend these shocks, probably the HDs though for an IS. I know nothing about the 416s.
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JC
Member
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Posts: 321


The Beast

Franklin, TN


« Reply #13 on: June 07, 2013, 12:06:24 PM »

I was happy with the 440's on the Tourer until one started leaking after a year. Made the mistake of buying them off eBay and didn't get the factory support because of it. Decided to put IS shocks on it and am just as happy if not more so now than with the 440's. Your mileage may vary.
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Damn thing gives me the grins every time I get on it!
bt24
Member
*****
Posts: 52


Rio Rancho, NM


« Reply #14 on: June 07, 2013, 03:04:19 PM »

I just ordered a set of Progressive 444`s. I hope I like them!

I'm 5'11" and got 13 inch non-HD ones. I really like the 13 inch part, but
non-HD wasn't acceptable with Carolyn on back, so I sent them in to be
upgraded to HD springs... now there's settings acceptable for one up or two
up...

-Mike
I just installed a new set of progressive 444s a couple of weeks ago on my Interstate and I love em. I didnt tell my wife a she noticed right away that the ride was way smother:) I only have about 300 miles on them but so far so good. I would recomend them.

Bryan
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Motorider
Member
*****
Posts: 162


Pennsylvania


« Reply #15 on: June 08, 2013, 12:06:35 PM »

bt 24 That`s music to my ears! Mine should be here on Thursday.
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F6MoRider
Member
*****
Posts: 294


Lakeland, FL


« Reply #16 on: June 09, 2013, 09:45:55 PM »

Just read a post where Goldwing shocks were installed at about ~$50.  It has goldwing interchangeable parts in the tag. 

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,50693.0.html
« Last Edit: June 09, 2013, 09:47:34 PM by F6MoRider » Logged

VRCC #4086
2000 Valk Standard dressed with matching Interstate Bags and the Hondaline shield.
justintyper
Member
*****
Posts: 178


syracuse,ny


« Reply #17 on: June 10, 2013, 06:15:05 AM »

Yup They Are I've Got About 500 Miles On Mine. The Only Draw Back Is They Are Kinda Ugly  But I Painted Mine Satin Black And My Bags Cover Most Of Em Anyhow. I Also Have Info On How To Rebuild The Air Shock And What Part Numbers You need.
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Dark horse
Member
*****
Posts: 3


Raleigh, NC


« Reply #18 on: July 07, 2013, 05:46:29 AM »

Did you go with the 13" ones? I'm 5'11'' and around 190, mostly 1up but ride 2up as well.

I just ordered a set of Progressive 444`s. I hope I like them!

I'm 5'11" and got 13 inch non-HD ones. I really like the 13 inch part, but
non-HD wasn't acceptable with Carolyn on back, so I sent them in to be
upgraded to HD springs... now there's settings acceptable for one up or two
up...

-Mike
I just installed a new set of progressive 444s a couple of weeks ago on my Interstate and I love em. I didnt tell my wife a she noticed right away that the ride was way smother:) I only have about 300 miles on them but so far so good. I would recomend them.

Bryan
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Motorider
Member
*****
Posts: 162


Pennsylvania


« Reply #19 on: July 07, 2013, 12:51:34 PM »

Dark Horse, I went with 12 " and I`m glad I did. At the softest setting there is almost no sag. If I would have gone with 13 ", I would be on my tippy toes.
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saabfxr
Member
*****
Posts: 36

Maryland


« Reply #20 on: July 14, 2013, 06:50:16 AM »

Got 440's in black hd's. 13". LOVE THEM. So does my GF. Had 412's for @25k, they were done,were ok but not 440's. Much better ride, got the ft springs too. Can ride it all day long . Stock shocks were crap ,might still have them some place, @ 5k on them..lol.
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If you dont put in,you cant take out.
918VALK
Member
*****
Posts: 3


« Reply #21 on: October 29, 2013, 12:47:41 PM »

Motorider, you say you went with the 444's .just wondering what length did you go with ?
also did you order them listed for a vxt or valk?
progressive tech support says 444's wont fit on a interstate.
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