Topic: Progressive monotubes on the front (Read 9445 times)

greglyon · « **on:** February 28, 2012, 05:15:53 PM »

Finally installed them on my 2009 FLTRSE3. What a difference on bumpy roads. Much more control as well as a smoother ride. Does not dive as much when braking. Should have done this a long time ago.

What a shame we pay 30k+ for a bike and then change the seat, pipes, shocks......

GregKhougaz · « **Reply #1 on:** February 28, 2012, 05:19:55 PM »

Quote from: IROAR on February 28, 2012, 05:15:53 PM

Should have done this a long time ago.

Said the same thing! This is the first mod to make IMHO.

Diamondback · « **Reply #2 on:** February 28, 2012, 08:52:20 PM »

Next is the Utra 940's for the rear.

Great ride.

greglyon · « **Reply #3 on:** February 29, 2012, 08:57:51 AM »

Quote from: Diamondback on February 28, 2012, 08:52:20 PM

Next is the Utra 940's for the rear.

Great ride.

I had already installed a pair from Suspension Technology. Not only is the ride improved but gone are the days of topping off the gas shocks.

Midnight Rider · « **Reply #4 on:** February 29, 2012, 10:44:08 AM »

Quote from: GregKhougaz on February 28, 2012, 05:19:55 PM

Said the same thing! This is the first mod to make IMHO.

Everyone that does good suspension mods to their HD bagger says this, and it never ceases to amaze me why it took so long for most of them to do it. Most HD riders think nothing at all of putting 2 grand + worth of bling, exhaust, tuners, cams...the list goes on...but shudder at the thought of putting $1500 into the bikes suspension, when in reality it is the single best improvement a person can make to their bagger. But, you can't see it or hear it, so I guess that's the reason folks don't want to hear about spending the money on improving the ride, handling, and safety. Not to mention that it makes the bike 100% more pleasurable to ride, IMO.

Harley could do this at the factory when assembling the bike for $500 or less, and even pass that cost on to the buyer without a lot of protest, but they just keep putting the same old low bid crap on the bikes.

Diamondback · « **Reply #5 on:** February 29, 2012, 01:32:39 PM »

I agree

Dan_Lockwood · « **Reply #6 on:** February 29, 2012, 04:17:52 PM »

Quote from: IROAR on February 28, 2012, 05:15:53 PM

Finally installed them on my 2009 FLTRSE3. What a difference on bumpy roads. Much more control as well as a smoother ride. Does not dive as much when braking. Should have done this a long time ago.

What a shame we pay 30k+ for a bike and then change the seat, pipes, shocks......

So did you do the stock height or the 1" lowered Monotubes?

I have 440's on the rear and they were a big improvement over the stock rear air shocks. Before replacing the stock 12" rear shocks, I drained them and refilled them with 10 oz of racing 10w front fork oil. This was an improvement over stock, but the 440's were better yet.

Have others gone from 440's to 940's? What is the difference between them other than the 1" lower ride height for the 940's?

I hope I didn't hijack your thread too badly...

greglyon · « **Reply #7 on:** February 29, 2012, 06:29:09 PM »

I am a big believer in maintaining factory clearance. Stayed stock and did not lower the bike

bandit · « **Reply #8 on:** March 01, 2012, 06:34:12 AM »

Quote from: IROAR on February 28, 2012, 05:15:53 PM

Finally installed them on my 2009 FLTRSE3. What a difference on bumpy roads. Much more control as well as a smoother ride. Does not dive as much when braking. Should have done this a long time ago.

What a shame we pay 30k+ for a bike and then change the seat, pipes, shocks......

Will do the same as soon as the snow is gone. Do you filled in the same amount
of oil? A friend will help me (former mech at the stealer, now running own business
repairing moto-guzzi), so I would like to know that.

dooinit2u · « **Reply #9 on:** March 01, 2012, 08:17:17 AM »

One of the best upgrades you can do to a HD.

A shame you cant SEE the money you spend, but the ride says it all...

Dead_Reckoning · « **Reply #10 on:** March 01, 2012, 09:20:04 AM »

Quote from: IROAR on February 29, 2012, 06:29:09 PM

I am a big believer in maintaining factory clearance. Stayed stock and did not lower the bike

My feelings as well. When Spring arrives in the frozen tundra, going for the Mono tube front end.
Not certain for the rear. Do the 940s come in Stock Height or just the 1" lower?

naitram · « **Reply #11 on:** March 01, 2012, 09:32:25 AM »

940's only come in 1 size

Dead_Reckoning · « **Reply #12 on:** March 01, 2012, 12:34:59 PM »

Quote from: naitram on March 01, 2012, 09:32:25 AM

940's only come in 1 size

Thanks
DR

BigLew · « **Reply #13 on:** March 01, 2012, 03:43:43 PM »

2 comments
I also went with the ST's on the rear and love them, also went up 1" from stock on the 09SERG and never drag anything. Love the shock and ride 2 up 80% of the time.
What if any is the difference in the Progressive and the Traxion? (for the front)

BigLew

greglyon · « **Reply #14 on:** March 02, 2012, 08:42:45 AM »

Quote from: bandit on March 01, 2012, 06:34:12 AM

Will do the same as soon as the snow is gone. Do you filled in the same amount
of oil? A friend will help me (former mech at the stealer, now running own business
repairing moto-guzzi), so I would like to know that.

The cartridge is sealed and contains its' own fluid. Far less fork oil is used when actually installing the cartridge. Instructions lay it all out and progressive is available for an on the fly consult if necessary.

09 S/T FLTRSE3 · « **Reply #15 on:** March 18, 2012, 03:48:38 PM »

Quote from: IROAR on February 28, 2012, 05:15:53 PM

Finally installed them on my 2009 FLTRSE3. What a difference on bumpy roads. Much more control as well as a smoother ride. Does not dive as much when braking. Should have done this a long time ago.

What a shame we pay 30k+ for a bike and then change the seat, pipes, shocks......

Did you install the stock height monotubes or the lowered ones?

Thanks

greglyon · « **Reply #16 on:** March 18, 2012, 04:43:05 PM »

Quote from: 09 S/T FLTRSE3 on March 18, 2012, 03:48:38 PM

Did you install the stock height monotubes or the lowered ones?

Thanks

Stock height. Don't believe in lowering the bikes

09 S/T FLTRSE3 · « **Reply #17 on:** March 19, 2012, 01:27:32 AM »

Quote from: IROAR on March 18, 2012, 04:43:05 PM

Stock height. Don't believe in lowering the bikes

IROAR,

Thanks for the reply. I don't want to lower mine either. There's been some confusion as to wheather our bikes (09 FLTRSE3) are lowered from the factory or the same height as a stock touring bike.

Did you install all of the pre load spacers? I've read here that some have left one out.

Thanks again.

greglyon · « **Reply #18 on:** March 19, 2012, 09:24:20 AM »

Quote from: 09 S/T FLTRSE3 on March 19, 2012, 01:27:32 AM

IROAR,

Thanks for the reply. I don't want to lower mine either. There's been some confusion as to wheather our bikes (09 FLTRSE3) are lowered from the factory or the same height as a stock touring bike.

Did you install all of the pre load spacers? I've read here that some have left one out.

Thanks again.

The front end of our bikes are the same height as the non-cvo bikes. I believe the rear is 1 inch lower. I don't know the answer regarding the pre-load spacers. Had the new Harley Davidson of Scottsdale install them with admonition that I wanted the bike's height maintained.

Scooterhair · « **Reply #19 on:** October 04, 2012, 10:19:59 AM »

I blew a fork seal Sturgis 2012 and needed to deal with it. After a lot of research I decided to go with the mono-tubes. I put the stock height in. Easy change over. Instead of replacing the rears I "Serviced" them. Yes they are serviceable as long as they are not leaking. I sucked out 12 oz of oil in each. I replaced oil with 10wt oil, OEM is 5wt. OMG what a change in a bike. Road feel is so much better, it sucks up the bumps , braking is great. I do need to test how it feels when pulling the trailer though. . The bike feels like it should have from the MOCO. The total cost was was about 320.00 for all of it. The mono tubes online for 264.00 shipped and the rest went on oil, seals, bushings.
Here is some must read info on the rears http://harleytechtalk.org/htt/index.php?topic=4449.0

It was so easy, everyone needs to do this. Well worth your time and cost.

Scooter

Beemer · « **Reply #20 on:** November 01, 2012, 07:54:32 AM »

Got'em plus the 440s out back...never bottoms-out like before and really improves steering response in cornering. It truly is one of the first mods one should undertake...it will help keep you away from the undertaker!

06cuse · « **Reply #21 on:** November 03, 2012, 06:44:33 PM »

Rode the 12 FLTRXSE and took the 940's off of my 10 LTD and installed ~ MUCH Better ~ have the Monotubes ordered and should be installed this week ~ SemerFi

dayne66 · « **Reply #22 on:** June 07, 2013, 11:15:28 AM »

Finally got them installed last days off.....could tell the difference going over the bump leaving the driveway.......and the improvement was substantial, as it was on the '08, on the road. Bumps and tracks that would jar my teeth were all but imperceptible with the Mono-Tubes!

dooinit2u · « **Reply #23 on:** June 07, 2013, 02:46:10 PM »

Quote from: dayne66 on June 07, 2013, 11:15:28 AM

Finally got them installed last days off.....could tell the difference going over the bump leaving the driveway.......and the improvement was substantial, as it was on the '08, on the road. Bumps and tracks that would jar my teeth were all but imperceptible with the Mono-Tubes!

Awesome job... Going p/u CVO # 2 next week and the FIRST mod will be suspension. Did it on my 2010 and what a difference.

Congrats, now you looking for twisties to ride.

kojack · « **Reply #24 on:** December 22, 2013, 08:18:19 AM »

Im going with the monotubes, the top of the line progressive rear shocks, and the progressive rear link. stiffen the wet noodle a bit!.

dayne66 · « **Reply #25 on:** December 22, 2013, 10:38:34 AM »

Just for your info...Ohlin has come out with drop-ins for the front...one for rebound...one for compression. Saw the ad in Motorcycle Bagger.

kojack · « **Reply #26 on:** April 24, 2014, 05:56:49 AM »

Bringing this topic back for a refresh, has anyone had problems with the drop ins from progressive? I am getting ready to jump on them, and the new 977 piggyback shock and suspension link.

Twolanerider · « **Reply #27 on:** April 24, 2014, 10:46:15 AM »

Quote from: kojack on April 24, 2014, 05:56:49 AM

Bringing this topic back for a refresh, has anyone had problems with the drop ins from progressive? I am getting ready to jump on them, and the new 977 piggyback shock and suspension link.

If memory serves the mftr's specs are that the gas cartridges lifespan is 50,000 miles. So they are not a permanent installation and we know that going in. Can remember a couple of instances here reporting earlier failures also. Even knowing that going in still consider them to a be a cost effective alternative for the job they do.

kojack · « **Reply #28 on:** May 01, 2014, 11:16:47 AM »

cool! im sold!

FlaHeatWave · « **Reply #29 on:** May 01, 2014, 03:47:27 PM »

On the '09 SERG I prefer the ride quality of the H-D Premium Cartridges much over the PS. The H-D is more supple (maintains pavement contact better over bumps), not quite as precise, same brake dive characteristics, and a lot less "bouncy" than the PS.

PS will warranty the monos but not labor. H-D says to change the fork oil at the 50k service.

JMHO ~ Your results may vary

whoop72 · « **Reply #30 on:** May 03, 2014, 12:14:11 AM »

I've had the Progressives in for about 4000 miles and definitely like them. Very glad I changed, and no issues at all.

CVOSE · « **Reply #31 on:** May 09, 2014, 01:31:22 PM »

I installed the progressive suspension (944-4020UT/ 31-2501) about 5000 mls ago. It is on the most roads an improvement above the standard shocks. However when the road surface is very bumpy I prefer the standard setup.

But overall I am glad I changed the shocks.

ffltjeff · « **Reply #32 on:** May 09, 2014, 04:48:27 PM »

I had the cartridges insstalled in the forks and put 444s on the rear. Only have about 400 miles on them now, still trying to find the sweet spot for my weight. I called the factory and talked to the rep, he gave some ideas on adjustments. I made the adjustments he recommended, so far I really like the set up.

knothead · « **Reply #33 on:** May 09, 2014, 09:03:51 PM »

The 444's are for soft tails and your are using them for touring...you will never find the sweet spot......assuming you are just trying to lower the bike. Believe me I've been there. Save your money and spend it on Legend air suspension.

Author Topic: Progressive monotubes on the front (Read 9445 times)