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[roadrunner]

I remember reading somewhere suggested adjustment settings when 2 up and 1 up on the rear Progressive 440 shocks.  Cant seem to find the post.  Thanks! 

[Twolanerider]

I remember reading somewhere suggested adjustment settings when 2 up and 1 up on the rear Progressive 440 shocks.  Cant seem to find the post.  Thanks! 

Do you have the 440s or the heavy duty 440s?  Either way the answer commonly varied though.  I vary between about 3.5 and 5.5 turns depending on loading and with or without a passenger.  That is with the HD 440s.

[Boatman]

With the standards, I'm at 7 turns.  I think there is 10-11 turns total on the standards.

[SBB]

On my Classic w/13"/HD's I'm in 5 turns.
On the SERG w/13"/HD's I'm in 5 turns.
On Nancy's Classic w/11.5"/standards she's in 6 turns.

 

[sturbee]

I have the 440 heavy duty shocks on two bikes, 2001 RKC and 2006 SE Ultra, both have the 13 inch shocks, both are adjusted to 12 inch center of upper shock bolt to center of lower shock bolt when I am sitting on the bike, this was suggested to me by Progressive reps.
To make things easy to adjust, get two PVC elbows and straight section of PVC pipe, glue elbows on each end of pipe with a 12 center-to-center spacing, the elbows will fit nicely over the shock bolt heads, while sitting on bike I can reach back and test for too much or not enough center-to-center spacing. Note: Saddle bags must be off bike for this.

[roadrunner]

Thanks, all. I'll have to look at how I have mine adjusted and what line its adjusted on for 2 up and 1 up.

[miker]

Me too...

[16HD117]

I have the 440 heavy duty shocks on two bikes, 2001 RKC and 2006 SE Ultra, both have the 13 inch shocks, both are adjusted to 12 inch center of upper shock bolt to center of lower shock bolt when I am sitting on the bike, this was suggested to me by Progressive reps.
To make things easy to adjust, get two PVC elbows and straight section of PVC pipe, glue elbows on each end of pipe with a 12 center-to-center spacing, the elbows will fit nicely over the shock bolt heads, while sitting on bike I can reach back and test for too much or not enough center-to-center spacing. Note: Saddle bags must be off bike for this.

Does this adjustment also apply for two up?

[Chief]

Does this adjustment also apply for two up?

If you think of the preload adjustment is a "ride-leveler", you'll be able to see how it should be set. More load requires more pre-load and vice versa. You're trying to get the bike to be at the same ride-height, regardless of the load it's carrying. The standard goal is to have the shock ride in the "middle third" of their full range under normal circumstances. My personal preference is to cheat a bit and be about at about 1/3 compression because I'm more concerned with bumps (compression) versus potholes (extension).

For a shock with 3" of travel, I would want to set the preload so the shock is compressed by about 1" when going down a "smooth as glass" road. This gives me 2" for absorbing bumps and 1" for extending into holes. Of course, any bump taller than 2" or a hole deeper than 1" will cause the shock to "bottom" or "top" respectively. We don't have a lot of travel in our rear suspension, so we only have so much to work with.

It takes some experimenting to find out what setting is best for you. I do like the PVC measurement idea and that is very easy to use and get things set the same each time.

[roadrunner]

I found the instructions for the 440's online.  The adjustment allows for 10 full turns (clockwise to increase preload).  No visible reference marks at minimum preload, three marks visible at maximum preload.  I like Chief's post, I will experiment with the settings.  Currently I have 3 visible reference marks, must has set it when I had the bike loaded up last trip.  Thanks!

[stekat]

I'm getting ready to put 440's on, but with this thought.  Has anyone tried using 13.5" instead of the standard 13"? 

It seems to me that 13.5 will give an extra 1/2" travel.  The preload may be the same, or may be able to be a little less; giving a slightly softer ride with a little more travel.  I'd be using the heavy (two up) springs.  I don't think the ride height will suffer much if at all.  Any thoughts?

I'm also considering Bitubo.

[Boatman]

I'm also considering Bitubo.

I am happy with my 440's over the stock air.  No one knew about the Bitubo's when I purchased the 440's..  Starting fresh like you, spend the extra money and get the best.

I went from 12" MOCO air to 12.5" 440's..  I didn't gain a 1/2" of ride height, more like a 1/8"..  The 13" 440's will be a lot better than the air 13" so I would go with the 13"..   

[erniezap]

I had the stock air shocks and hated them.  Put the Progressive 440 HD 12" on the cherry and handling improved a lot but the ride was "clunky" and it beat you up quite a bit.  Took off the Progressives and installed the Bitubos.  Improved both handling and ride so much that I bought them for the pumpkin as well.  Not cheap, but worth it.

[SneakyPete]

I run the 12" 440 standards and find that when riding solo, one ring is exposed, two up with no luggage, two rings exposed, two up loaded, three rings exposed.  Keeps it simple without having to count the number of turns.

[Spike]

can someone please post a pic of the 440's on their bike. I'm thinking about putting some on my serk and I would like to see how they look when they are installed.