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CVO Technical => Wheels/Tires/Suspension/Brakes => Topic started by: MoChrome on July 05, 2004, 07:41:41 AM

Title: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: MoChrome on July 05, 2004, 07:41:41 AM: Here's a report from my friend John who installed Progressive 440 shocks on his SEEG last week....

" Progressive 440 Report:

We were scheduled for a four day trip over the 4th holiday, but decided to pass since the weather was not real promising. The other couple suggested a one day trip to Dillards for lunch yesterday. Off we went.

Disclaimers. Driver; 212 lbs. Passenger; 175 lbs. SEEG, king tourpack; rain suits, light load, rain off and on during the day, more weight after the delicious, all you can eat, country cookin food at The Dillard House in Dillard, Georgia. Some curves, mostly sweeps in the roads. The shocks come in the soft mode. I cranked them up for the 2 up riding, but did not readjust them during the day.

On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being bad and 10 being great, I rate the stock air shocks a 3 for single riding and a 1 for two up riding for people our size and weight (the buckboard ride). I had no problem with the single riding for short distances, but do like long distance riding. One could argue that the wrong bike was purchased to start with for that kind of riding. It is a great argument, but the O/B color scheme and the 103 engine with all the crome, got my eye.

The 440's, after 360 miles yesterday, I rate as an 8. The ride, on the expressway and on the state highways was a 9. The bike gives with the road and provides a better, smoother ride than I had on the Road King. (of course it was lowered in the back too) The expansion breaks in the expressway at bridges still resulted in the "bottoming out" sensasion. The ride on all surfaces and contours, other than the expansion breaks was a 9. I specifically asked Cheryl how she rated the ride. This is written with her input. I suspect the ride with one up would be close to a 9.5.

So you think, I like the 440's? You are right. It is a pleasure to ride the SEEG now. In Harley Davidson's defense, the SEEG couldn't have been built with touring in mind. It is built to look at and to take "look at me" rides on. In that area, it needs no improvement.

Conclusion: Save your money, or just turn some loose. For the $411.00 on the 440's, it is well spent. Long term ride? We will see. Best wishes. "
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: mr_magoo on July 05, 2004, 12:08:17 PM: Thanks for the info have been looking at these shocks for a while, just hadn't heard anyone using them. Bonus is you get away from having to check air pressure.
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: bighd on July 06, 2004, 10:54:47 AM: You're right the shocks are great. I don't know if you bought the heavy duty but I would recommend it unless you weigh under 175 and always ride alone. They are well worth the price and easy to install yourself. I have never figured out why harley put those crappy air shocks on any bike they are a pain to have to check because they always lose pressure.
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: Dr. Evil on July 11, 2004, 11:07:51 AM: This was the best $400 I've ever spent. And shame on H-D for selling the SEEG with such crap as stock. Yesterday, I installed the 11.5" "Heavy duty" model (stock is 12". And without much adjustment... the City ride (potholes, etc) is 100% better. Living in Chicago was making riding this bike tough. My passenger (who was nearly done being a passenger because of the ride quality) is pleased. And I can throw away my stupid air pressure guage! No, it's not like my Ultra was... but it's not like it used to be either. What a difference. [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: Dr. Evil on July 11, 2004, 11:09:50 AM: Forgot to mention... a 20 minute complete installation.
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: starvin on July 11, 2004, 04:51:22 PM: Can one of you guys tell me, do those progressive shocks raise the bike up. I like the bike being lower but my wife says it would be nice to have a litttle smoother ride.

Thanks
Dave
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: MoChrome on July 11, 2004, 05:34:16 PM: The 440's come in different lengths ranging from 11.5" to 13.5". The stock SEEG shocks are 12", so if you want to keep the same height order the 12" version of the 440's. The bike will look the same, but ride much, much better.
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: starvin on July 11, 2004, 07:02:31 PM: thanks MoChrome
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: MoChrome on July 11, 2004, 08:21:05 PM: FYI... The best price I've found on the Progressive 440's is $411 (inlcuding UPS shipping) from krooners.com. I've bought a number of things from Krooners during the past couple of years and have always been pleased with thier prices and serrvice.
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: garya1 on July 12, 2004, 09:28:06 AM: I use stock length 440 progressives on my V-rod and love them. However, IMHO the 416 air shocks
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: Doc on July 14, 2004, 11:26:37 AM: You would rather deal with the air shocks, instead of regulars? I'm not sure where I stand on these, but it seems like everyone except you enjoys getting rid of the air problem. Just curious. I like to look at all options before I buy.

Also, in response to the comments about these bikes not being made to tour...I disagree wholeheartedly. I think that this will be my ultimate touring bike. The handling is sufficient, and I think better than my Road King was. I love the stereo, and the fairing. Lowers definitely help also. Tour pack? Well...it looks OK with it, and is pretty functional for over the road. I can't wait to hit the highway in a couple weeks. Yes, I have had to change a few things, but I am really looking forward to the 3700 mile trip coming up. Yes, I will be using a Mustang seat for the trip, but I can't believe how I love riding this all day long.

Anyone else?
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: 110tHunDer on July 14, 2004, 12:59:30 PM: Doc, yeah, I really appreciated the info. that MoChrome relayed from his friend on the 440's, but I also disagreed with the "bought the wrong bike for touring" comments. I would much rather take off cross-country on this bike than my '02 EG Classic. This bike's power advantage over the stock TC88 in the '02 is reason enough, plus the lowers and more powerful radio/CD player are advantages as well. Granted, the stock seat leaves a lot to be desired (at least for the passenger) and tour-paks are pretty much a necessity for touring, but once you take care of those things, these babies are about as sweet as it gets, in my opinion.

As far as the shocks, my wife and I acutally prefer the way this bike rides to the '02. I think the lowered (i.e., stiffer) suspension gives the bike more of a sporting feel and results in better handling in the twisties. This bike also does not "pogo" over bumps like the '02 did which she likes and I do, too.

That being said, I will probably do the 440's this winter. I'm always looking for something new to try and these shocks are getting some good reviews. Hey, if I can make it even better than it already is, why not? [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: starvin on July 14, 2004, 03:58:05 PM: I agree with you guys that these bikes are great for touring, due to a change in mine and my wifes work schedules however the longest single trip so far has been 450 miles in an afternoon and the next morning. That will change soon though with sturgis coming up [smiley=huepfenjump3.gif] I enjoy the sport feel to the ride but my wife has said that the bumps are a little jarring. She's over the back wheel so maybe she feels it more. I will wait until this winter to change the shocks also I'm about tapped out on the budjet for the bike mods. That will give me more time to reserch either air or springs. Anyway thanks for the info.
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: Johnnabal on July 14, 2004, 07:25:22 PM: Just got home from 10 day 2,500 mile trip from Buffalo To New york City via Quebec & Nova Scotia. The long way. The seat sucks and this bike ain't no touring bike. My FLTRSEI was. First thing I did was dump the seat for my old road king seat. Next it will be, do the shock change. I'll say it again, my road glide was a touring bike and this bike is a lot better looking thou. We will get this thing to be a touring bike hopefully with the shock change
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: Johnnabal on July 14, 2004, 07:26:42 PM: more , sorry for the size.
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: Johnnabal on July 14, 2004, 07:30:02 PM: last one
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: garya1 on July 14, 2004, 08:38:45 PM: Quote
You would rather deal with the air shocks, instead of regulars?
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: Doc on July 15, 2004, 10:28:10 AM: Sooooo.....are the 440s adjustable, like older torque adjustments? Or what is the deal with them?

Thanks
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: Doc on July 15, 2004, 10:30:04 AM: Johnnabal...whatcha got mounted on your left handle?
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: WFP on July 15, 2004, 10:32:31 AM: Quote
Johnnabal...whatcha got mounted on your left handle?

Looks like an XM Roady to me...

I put mine in the lower right fairing since I don't channel surf often.

/Bill
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: Johnnabal on July 15, 2004, 01:21:12 PM: Yes it's a XM radio. We travel a lot so I do change to the wheather station alot( they have 15 different city station for traffic also ) to find the condition in other city. So then I know what way to head. Never in a hurry. I'am going to put the fairing mirrors on, then cut the steam on the left mirror and turn it inward towards the fairing so the radio ends up just above the gas guage.
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: Johnnabal on July 15, 2004, 01:38:07 PM: Fairing
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: 16HD117 on July 15, 2004, 03:07:55 PM: Could someone let me know what the Progressive part number is for the 12 inch heavy duty 440 shocks?
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: Johnnabal on July 15, 2004, 06:19:38 PM: 440 Series shock numbers
Heavy Duty 11.5" : 440-4011B/C
Heavy Duty 12" : 440-4050B/C
Heavy Duty 12.5" : 440-4019B/C
Heavy Duty 13" : 440-4020B/C+
Heavy Duty 13.5" : 440-4021B/C
Standard 11.5" : 440-4006B/C
Standard 12" : 440-4049B/C
Standard 12.5" : 440-4001B/C
Standard 13" : 440-4002B/C+
Standard 13.5" : 440-4003B/C
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: MoChrome on July 15, 2004, 09:01:19 PM: Note: The "B" in the Progessive part numbers is for black powdercoated springs and the "C" is for chrome springs. So if you want the 12" Heavy Duty 440s with chrome springs the part number will be 440-4050C

I just ordered a set of 12.5" 440s. These are 1/2" longer than stock and should prevent or minimize bottoming out when riding two up.

And the spring preload is adjustable for varying loads by rotaing the top of the shock housing (no tools required).
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: MoChrome on August 02, 2004, 09:25:06 PM: I received and installed the 12.5" Progressive 440 shocks a couple weeks ago. The installation is easy (if you have a motorcycle jack) and takes about 20 minutes.

It wasn't until yesterday that I've ridden the bike for more than a few miles. After riding about 100 miles I am liking these shocks! It feels like a different bike. I found myself looking for bumps to ride over to test the shocks. Before I was looking for bumps so I could avoid them!

I debated about spending $411 for these shocks wondering if they would make much of a difference, but now I'm glad I did. And I will be REALLY GLAD next Wednesday when we leave for a 1-1/2 week long 6000 mile trip!
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: 110tHunDer on August 03, 2004, 09:24:04 AM: MoChrome, did you get the black or chrome version? Can you post photos of your shocks installed with saddlebags removed? Thanks!
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: Kingsalmon on August 03, 2004, 10:13:01 AM: Hey Guys,
Thanks to this web site I bought a set of the Prgressive 440 12 " heavy duty shocks. This has got to be the best money so far that I have spent on this bike. It finally rides like it is suppose to. It breezes over big bumps and train tracks with no problems. I may not have bought a new seat if I had purchased these first. Although the Corbin heated touring seat is icing on the cake. I ride two up a lot and keep it on the softest setting. The next long trip when I am loaded down I may stiffen 1 click. I don't need to carry a pump around and the adjustment would take a minute in the dark on the side of the road if I need to. Removing the old and installing the new took me about an hour. www.Krooners.com $411 shipped.
I'll be selling the pump and the air shocks on ebay real soon.
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: MoChrome on August 04, 2004, 06:57:21 AM: Quote
MoChrome, did you get the black or chrome version?
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: 110tHunDer on August 04, 2004, 09:22:26 AM: Quote

With a handle like MoChrome which do you think I had to have
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: the O`Fender on August 04, 2004, 09:45:13 AM: Yeah mochrome post some pics!!! Did the extra 1/2 inch in height on those shocks seem to make any appeareance difference? [smiley=worthless.gif]
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: MoChrome on August 08, 2004, 12:53:12 PM: Ok guys, here's a pic. The extra 1/2 isn't noticeable, even to me with a 30" inseam :)
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: 110tHunDer on August 08, 2004, 04:50:34 PM: Thanks for posting pics. Those babies look sweet. I'll definitely be adding them to my Christmas list this year!

Thanks, also, for copying Vice Cow's (John's) post over here. I think you've turned a bunch of us on to an upgrade we might not have otherwise considered. [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: nsrider on August 09, 2004, 07:49:01 AM: MoChrome, did the extra height help any with scraping paticularly in left hand turns ? I have notice my SEEG scrapes a lot worse than my old FLHTC.

nsrider
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: MoChrome on August 09, 2004, 08:13:45 AM: I haven't had an opportunity to try them out in the twisties yet. I'm leaving Wednesday morning for a 6000 mile trip which will include riding conditions ranging from interstate highways to Montana mountains
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: the O`Fender on August 09, 2004, 10:51:57 AM: Just a little tip that might help everbody save a few bucks, over the weekend I installed a pair of shocks on my SEEG that came off my 2001 FXDWG (my dyna has lowered progressive 440's I installed so the stock shocks where in the garage collecting dust) they measure 12-5/8", no more bottoming out and the height increase is a breathe of fresh air for cornering (I have the True-Track installed which makes the cornering angle worse/less than stock). For installation by yourself you will probably need a jack!!! This is why I don't usually sell the parts I take off/change you never know when they will be useful anyway you can find alot of these shocks on EBAY for under $50.
(http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2486474426&category=35569)
Shocks for sale on EBAY [/url]

have fun motoring [smiley=1syellow1.gif]
Are pictures needed?
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: mw8385 on August 09, 2004, 02:39:11 PM: "I have the True-Track installed which makes the cornering angle worse/less than stock."

I installed a set-up called Ride-Str8. A friend at work (aerospace design engineer) designed and makes them. It uses an OEM swing arm bracket with a 3/8" cold rolled steel bracket welded to it. Attached to that is a stabilizer arm that attaches to another bracket that bolts on to the oil pan. I put one on my bike and so far no wobbles. Its a nice set-up and took about an hour and a half to install. It does not affect ground clearance at all.
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: mw8385 on August 09, 2004, 02:39:59 PM: Another pic
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: mw8385 on August 09, 2004, 02:40:38 PM: One more.
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: 110tHunDer on August 09, 2004, 02:57:47 PM: mw, how do we get one?!?
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: mw8385 on August 09, 2004, 04:01:41 PM: The guys name is Dan and he can explain things better. You can contact him on his cell phone. His number is 949-306-4616 (Orange County, CA). He doesn't have a web site yet. There a bit pricey. I think he is charging about $510 for the complete unit. If you trade your bracket in it will be about $50 or $60 less.
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: 110tHunDer on August 09, 2004, 05:59:46 PM: Thanks for the quick reply. You're right about being a bit pricey, but so is everything H-D. That is one sweet-looking setup, though. Is the black powder coated or painted?
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: mw8385 on August 09, 2004, 06:52:28 PM: It is black powder coated.
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: the O`Fender on August 10, 2004, 11:03:01 AM: Hey mw, can you take a lower profile picture (I want to see how much ground clearance you lose)
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: the O`Fender on August 10, 2004, 11:29:03 AM: here's the dyna shocks installed [smiley=6.gif] [smiley=worthless.gif]
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: the O`Fender on August 10, 2004, 11:33:27 AM: mw this is what I am trying to avoid!!! [smiley=worthless.gif]
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: 110tHunDer on August 10, 2004, 12:34:59 PM: Quote
Hey mw, can you take a lower profile picture (I want to see how much ground clearance you lose)
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: mw8385 on August 10, 2004, 02:37:11 PM: Wow! Let the sparks fly!! [smiley=wreck.gif] 103tHunDer is right. The bottom of the bracket sits about even with the exhaust pipe. The other piece bolts up to the oil pan. I will try to get some better pics when I get home.
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: 110tHunDer on August 10, 2004, 09:47:41 PM: mw, your friend/co-worker did a helluva job on that piece.
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: mw8385 on August 10, 2004, 10:56:35 PM: In the above pic my bike is on a lift with the wheel hangin free. There is plenty of clearance between the swingarm and the stabilizer arm. Tommorrow if I have time I will try to get it on the lift and measure the clearance.
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: the O`Fender on August 11, 2004, 01:16:39 PM: MW obviously from the pictures of my TRUE-TRACK you can tell that I have a great interest in this product, but before I drop another 5 bills, I do not want to leave any stones unturned!!! [smiley=wall.gif]
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: 110tHunDer on August 11, 2004, 02:49:35 PM: mw, can you check with Dan to see if there would be any interest in getting a group buy going with this and what the bracket pricing might be?
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: mw8385 on August 11, 2004, 04:07:23 PM: Quote
MW obviously from the pictures of my TRUE-TRACK you can tell that I have a great interest in this product, but before I drop another 5 bills, I do not want to leave any stones unturned!!! [smiley=wall.gif]

I understand completely. I will try to answer any questions you guys got!
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: mw8385 on August 11, 2004, 04:56:27 PM: Quote
mw, your friend/co-worker did a helluva job on that piece.
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: mw8385 on August 12, 2004, 01:09:33 PM: Here is the e-mail I recieved form Dan for a group buy. Let him know your from this forum. This kit will fit all the '02 to '05 FLH models. He also has a kit for all the '88-'01 FLH models.

Mike,
The following prices is the very best I can do for now.

Model: SBK2002ON-A
Quantity:
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: 110tHunDer on August 12, 2004, 02:40:02 PM: Thanks, mw. I started a thread in the Group Buys section of the Marketplace using the information you provided. Let's see how many folks are interested. [smiley=nixweiss.gif]
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: 16HD117 on August 17, 2004, 09:49:41 AM: After reading everyone's comments about the 440 shocks, I decided to bite the bullet and give 'em a try. It was the best $400.00 I've ever spent on a bike! Not only was the ride MUCH smoother, but, the bike doesn't bottom out as it did with the stock shocks. The only problem after the installation is now I notice how crappy the front shocks are. Has anyone tried the Progressive front springs?????
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: Cabo on August 17, 2004, 12:03:28 PM: Race tech also makes front end susp... Read about it in one of the mags.

http://www.racetech.com/
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: the O`Fender on August 18, 2004, 09:45:52 AM: Quote
"I have the True-Track installed which makes the cornering angle worse/less than stock."

I installed a set-up called Ride-Str8. A friend at work (aerospace design engineer) designed and makes them. It uses an OEM swing arm bracket with a 3/8" cold rolled steel bracket welded to it. Attached to that is a stabilizer arm that attaches to another bracket that bolts on to the oil pan. I put one on my bike and so far no wobbles. Its a nice set-up and took about an hour and a half to install. It does not affect ground clearance at all.

MW in your picture their is a little black o-ring (it appears to be rubber), what is it used for? or is that a mistake having it in the picture?
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: mw8385 on August 18, 2004, 10:52:59 AM: It is a rubber o-ring. It's used to keep the stabilizer link from vibrating against the bracket. [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: MoChrome on August 22, 2004, 07:28:05 AM: Quote
I haven't had an opportunity to try them out in the twisties yet. I'm leaving Wednesday morning for a 6000 mile trip which will include riding conditions ranging from interstate highways to Montana mountains
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: bostonut on August 22, 2004, 10:51:46 AM: I installed the 440 HD 12 1/2 shocks on my bike friday night. After logging 200 miles on Saturday I can honestly say these shocks are truely awsome. The best thing is I sold my stockers for $275 and the new ones cost me $407......The upgrade is well worth that. I'm a big guy and between me and the wife we weigh around 400 lbs. I had the shocks spun 4 1/2 torns from softest and had them bottom out only twice. I spun them to 5 1/2 turns from softest and that seems to work for us for now. I still havent loaded the bike with the tour pack so I'm guessing another turn on the shocks will do fine.....
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: 110tHunDer on August 22, 2004, 11:43:13 AM: Thanks for the reports on these shocks, guys. I am going to bite the bullet sooner than I originally planned but I'm torn between the 12" and 12 1/2". I usually ride one-up, but want the best ride possible for two-up to keep mamma happy. Also want to maintain the lowered look of the bike, though. Opinions, anyone?
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: bostonut on August 22, 2004, 05:39:47 PM: Personally I leaned towards the 12 1/2 for the extra travel.....I wanted to keep B-O-B happy..... [smiley=laugh.gif]
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: 16HD117 on August 23, 2004, 11:17:17 AM: 103Thunder, go with the 12". They maintain the same ride hight and ride great!
Title: Re: Progressive 440 Shocks
Post by: the O`Fender on August 24, 2004, 10:17:46 AM: The dyna shocks I put on are 12 5/8" and you hardly notice the height change in appearance, and the bike doesn't feel taller, now the extra ground clearance is a God send and the 2 up ride, well no more bottoming out, need I say more. I am sure the extra 5/8" of travel is the reason why, because in general the ride quaility is not that much stiffer or softer.