Rear Shocks What To Get Seeking Guidance And Justification

[Maldog]

Gentlemen I need Your wonderful input again  Ive asked about rear shocks before and  again Im seeking guidance  are Work or Progressive 430,440 ,444 shocks really worth double the price of oem which are about 252 dollars  per shock,,, when I  look on line at  the progressive s they seen to range  from 450 to almost 600 per shock I do have a hitch not that ive used it but I may  down the road so if I go stock length of 13 and  go HD  on a  the 430  to 444 series well im lookin  at 800 to a 1000 dollars correct ? are these mudder fookers really worth that much money. Im not a guy with a lot of disposable income and I need to be careful  im having trouble justifying that kind of bucks  for rear shocks am I wrong  HELP LOL, and thanks in advance  for all your  support and imput ,

[Robdawg13]

Progressive shocks are sold in pairs...
Put 440's on mine a couple of years ago.  My experience with suspension mods on all bikes I have owned is that it is one of those things where you don't realize how bad they were until you ride with something really good...

[jimmytee]

My wife said my 444s are at the house. I'll let ya know. I'm working out of town this week. I got the 444s for $496 total through Amazon and JC Motors.

[sandy]

I think you are miss reading the prices. Shocks are sold in pairs so the prices are for two shocks. Yes, get 13 inch so you have more suspension travel.

[GeoffreyB]

I'd be interested in hearing feedback on this as well, since I'm debating repair-replace options.

My understanding is that Progressive no longer sells a non-airshock OEM length replacement for the Valk - is that correct?  It's also my impression from what I've read here that the Progressives WILL eventually start to leak.

I've only heard vague, but very positive things about the Works shocks - but nothing specific, and nothing about longevity or specifics on ride quality/improvement. 

I've also heard that the interstate shocks work well on a STD or Tourer, but am under the impression that is to account for heavier loads on the bike.

My thought is that I don't mind paying a small premium for Progressive if the ride is substantially better than OEM and they'll be supported in the long run, and I don't mind paying a large premium for Works if the ride is the same or better than Progressive/OEM/Interstate, and the shocks will last the lifetime of the bike (which I hope to be many more 10's of years).

For background I've got a 97 STD with OEM shocks, looks like the upper bushings are starting to fail, the markings are worn off so adjustment isn't a simple read and turn, and my lower dust cover on one side has broken free and rattles every time I hit a bump.  The ride is very stiff with 1 (200# load) or 2 (320# total load)  up, however I've not tinkered with the adjustment of the OEM's yet (haven't hit my 1 year anniversary with the bike yet).

[sandy]

If you buy Progressives, they warranty forever to original owner. (never lose receipt) Works shocks have one year warranty. It cost me $155 (including shipping) to rebuild my Works shocks.

I'd be interested in hearing feedback on this as well, since I'm debating repair-replace options.

My understanding is that Progressive no longer sells a non-airshock OEM length replacement for the Valk - is that correct?  It's also my impression from what I've read here that the Progressives WILL eventually start to leak.

I've only heard vague, but very positive things about the Works shocks - but nothing specific, and nothing about longevity or specifics on ride quality/improvement. 

I've also heard that the interstate shocks work well on a STD or Tourer, but am under the impression that is to account for heavier loads on the bike.

My thought is that I don't mind paying a small premium for Progressive if the ride is substantially better than OEM and they'll be supported in the long run, and I don't mind paying a large premium for Works if the ride is the same or better than Progressive/OEM/Interstate, and the shocks will last the lifetime of the bike (which I hope to be many more 10's of years).

For background I've got a 97 STD with OEM shocks, looks like the upper bushings are starting to fail, the markings are worn off so adjustment isn't a simple read and turn, and my lower dust cover on one side has broken free and rattles every time I hit a bump.  The ride is very stiff with 1 (200# load) or 2 (320# total load)  up, however I've not tinkered with the adjustment of the OEM's yet (haven't hit my 1 year anniversary with the bike yet).

[Maldog]

wow  now im feeling a bit silly  so the price is  for a pair of the them lmao  now  it souund a whole lot better and certainly mor affordable  Ill be back going pricing 

[Maldog]

OK then i just went to amazon to price 13'' progressive 444 hd and it said they wont fit my 2001 Valk IS,mmm now im confussed needing more guidence,I have a hitch  so i want hd i want to keep stock lenght  which is 13''  correct? ok then where do i go for the best price  for  progressive 44413'' HD shocks that wil fit my 2001 IS thanks guys

[Bighead]

All 444's are going to be the same and they say won't fit but there are people here that run them and say they do fit. Why they say they won't I can't answer that but they do.

[bentwrench]

They sent me a pair of 444s to replace the 440s I sent in under warranty.And fit just fine,I still think the 440 was a better shock,but the 444s are pretty good too.

[Tillman]

I went with the 430's in chrome and they are great, my wife says they have made a world of difference ,plus i also just had new front progressive fork springs installed and it feels like a new machine.


http://www.directcycleparts.com/suspension-rear-shocks-progressive-series-chrome-progressive-series-shocks-chrome-4219c-p-2133.html