Topic: Progressive Monotube with 940's Question (Read 7789 times)

JR · « **on:** February 24, 2012, 08:10:28 PM »

Was looking at getting the Progressive monotube front with the 940's for the rear. My question is since the 940 rear shocks are 13" eye to eye but provide a 1" lower ride height, would I need to get the lowered monotube for the front to match?

It's too late to call Progressive so I thought I'd ask those out here that have gone with this set up. What did you do? I will be installing this on my 2012 SEUC which of course is not lowered. Kinda like the ride height right now and not scrapping floorbards but looking to improve handling! Thanks!

One more thing. Where did you buy yours from and how much?

naitram · « **Reply #1 on:** February 24, 2012, 08:11:55 PM »

i think you can use either, depending if you want to drop the nose or not

JR · « **Reply #2 on:** February 24, 2012, 08:14:58 PM »

Neal, I thought if you lowered the back you should lower the front to match?

naitram · « **Reply #3 on:** February 24, 2012, 08:17:01 PM »

not sure, but i know someone else will have the answer

Fired00d · « **Reply #4 on:** February 24, 2012, 08:23:26 PM »

JR because my bike was lowered stock I did the 940's and lowered monotubes to keep the height as it was. There are plenty that know more about "bike geometry" than me but I would think the 940's will lower the rear an inch by design... now whether you using the stock height (as your bike is now) monotubes and the affects of that I can't answer.

I can say $$$ wise this was one of the most bang for the $$$ modifications I've ever done.

Ride Safe,
Fired00d

JR · « **Reply #5 on:** February 24, 2012, 08:37:45 PM »

Quote from: Fired00d on February 24, 2012, 08:23:26 PM

JR because my bike was lowered stock I did the 940's and lowered monotubes to keep the height as it was. There are plenty that know more about "bike geometry" than me but I would think the 940's will lower the rear an inch by design... now whether you using the stock height (as your bike is now) monotubes and the affects of that I can't answer. I can say $$$ wise this was one of the most bang for the $$$ modifications I've ever done.

Ride Safe,
Fired00d

From what I've read I would have to agree.

Found this place on the web that has the lowest pricing so far with free shipping. $519.95 for the 940's and $264.95 for the monotube standard or $314.95 for the lowered.

http://www.onestopmoto.com/Progressive_Suspension_Harley_Touring_s/740.htm?searching=Y&sort=5&cat=740&show=25&page=3

Fired00d · « **Reply #6 on:** February 24, 2012, 08:49:12 PM »

Quote from: JR on February 24, 2012, 08:37:45 PM

From what I've read I would have to agree. Found this place on the web that has the lowest pricing so far with free shipping. $519.95 for the 940's and $264.95 for the monotube standard or $314.95 for the lowered.

http://www.onestopmoto.com/Progressive_Suspension_Harley_Touring_s/740.htm?searching=Y&sort=5&cat=740&show=25&page=3

Forgot to add I got mine from my Indy instead of trying to buy them myself and taking them to him for install... he's a Drag Speciality dealer and I don't remember (w/o getting the invoice) how much I paid for them. I might not have gotten the cheapest price available for parts but the savings in labor and the extras he did while he was working on bike I was happy at the end and didn't feel raped as we many times do when going to a dealer.

Ride Safe,
Fired00d

JR · « **Reply #7 on:** February 24, 2012, 09:08:16 PM »

Quote from: Fired00d on February 24, 2012, 08:49:12 PM

Forgot to add I got mine from my Indy instead of trying to buy them myself and taking them to him for install... he's a Drag Speciality dealer and I don't remember (w/o getting the invoice) how much I paid for them. I might not have gotten the cheapest price available for parts but the savings in labor and the extras he did while he was working on bike I was happy at the end and didn't feel raped as we many times do when going to a dealer.

Ride Safe,
Fired00d

Getting some warranty work done and they are replacing the lower leg that had a knick on it and dealer said if I get them he'd throw them in for me!

Fired00d · « **Reply #8 on:** February 24, 2012, 09:15:43 PM »

Quote from: JR on February 24, 2012, 09:08:16 PM

Getting some warranty work done and they are replacing the lower leg that had a knick on it and dealer said if I get them he'd throw them in for me!

Awesome... can't beat that at all. If that were the case for me I'd shopped for the best price for the parts too.

Ride Safe,
Fired00d

FLSTFI Dave · « **Reply #9 on:** February 25, 2012, 07:07:54 AM »

Quote from: JR on February 24, 2012, 08:14:58 PM

Neal, I thought if you lowered the back you should lower the front to match?

Well some times harley from the factory lowers both ends, the 04 CVO e-glide lowered both ends. The Street glide FLHX and Road glide Custom FLTRX lower only the rear. 09 and 12 CVO road glide only lower the rear.

I switched out the front and rear on my 09 CVO road glide, stock hight mono tubes up front and the 940s in the rear.

Just did the wifes Street glide, stock height up front and 940s rear.

JR · « **Reply #10 on:** February 25, 2012, 08:51:17 AM »

Thanks Dave!

Midnight Rider · « **Reply #11 on:** February 25, 2012, 12:07:35 PM »

JR...lowering the rear a bit won't hurt anything, other than reducing ground clearance a smidge. I'd keep the front end the stock, full travel.

JR · « **Reply #12 on:** February 25, 2012, 01:41:31 PM »

Thanks Terry!

That is what I'm going to do!

bluegoose · « **Reply #13 on:** February 25, 2012, 02:39:35 PM »

JR - Check prices at www.phatperformanceparts.com - you may be able to save a few $'s.

JR · « **Reply #14 on:** February 25, 2012, 04:47:05 PM »

Quote from: bluegoose on February 25, 2012, 02:39:35 PM

JR - Check prices at www.phatperformanceparts.com - you may be able to save a few $'s.

Thanks Buddy! I ended up buying my 940's from Direct harley Parts for $489.95 with free shipping and no sales tax. As for the monotubes 31-2500 (Standard Height) I hope to get them for $200 new, from a member on this site. If that falls through I can get them from Custom Emporiom on Ebay for $245 with free shipping.

http://www.directharleyparts.com/advanced_search_result.php?search_in_description=1&keywords=progressive+940

knothead · « **Reply #15 on:** February 25, 2012, 06:26:44 PM »

I installed the 940's a couple of months ago, Progressive advertises it will lower 1'' but the don't....so your leveling will remain the same.

My shocks rubbed the bags, so after riding a few miles make sure you check..

Banana man · « **Reply #16 on:** February 25, 2012, 11:53:44 PM »

JR, I put the standard height monotubes and 940's on my banana. I wanted to raise
the bike back up for more cornering clearance. The front is now noticeably higher than
the rear. My headlights now shine farther down the road on low beam and get bright lighted
by auto's sometimes. I also no longer drag the boards in the turns.

TexasBowhunter · « **Reply #17 on:** February 26, 2012, 08:32:27 PM »

So let me ask a stupid question here about the 940's
You say they are 13" eye 2 eye
You loss 1" when you sit on the bike
so now there is 2" worth of travel in the rear end?
paul

JR · « **Reply #18 on:** February 26, 2012, 08:56:13 PM »

Quote from: TexasBowhunter on February 26, 2012, 08:32:27 PM

So let me ask a stupid question here about the 940's
You say they are 13" eye 2 eye
You loss 1" when you sit on the bike
so now there is 2" worth of travel in the rear end?
paul

Paul, that is a good question. I thought my SEEG was 12" and they came 1" lowered front and back. My 12 CUSE sits higher. Especially noticeable when I first got on my Yellow Jacket and came to a light and put my feet down.

I figured they were 13" eye to eye since that's what the Progressive site says about the 940's. You spurred my curiosity so I measured my rear shocks on my Yellow Jacket and they were 12 1/2" with 30 psi of air in them so they are probably 12" with no air. I guess the difference in height comes from the larger rear tire and seat on my new bike!

Anyway I should be good since I'm going with the standard height monotubes. Thanks for asking a good question!

TexasBowhunter · « **Reply #19 on:** February 27, 2012, 10:25:35 AM »

I must be slow
I still can't grasp what progressive is saying here

"Specifically designed to deliver a comfortable ride at a 1" lowered stance. Built around our "Best in Class" IAS technology, The Ultra Touring shocks utilize all the suspension travel provided by these 13" eye to eye units, but provide a 1" lowered ride height. The unique Ultra Touring spring combination not only delivers a lowered ride height while its being ridden, but also while its on the side stand."

they are 13" oval
They give the bike a lower stance when ridden and when its on its stand
So how much travel do they have total?
Whats the lighter spring used for? To me it doesn't seem to serve any purpose...
I may not be seeing the full picture here so please excuse my slowness...
paul

Midnight Rider · « **Reply #20 on:** February 27, 2012, 10:41:56 AM »

Quote from: Mr D on February 27, 2012, 10:34:44 AM

JR,

Refill forks with SE fork oil,,, nice improvement, takes the "dive" effect out and handles slightly better too.

Ride for the Son

With the Progressive Monotubes, that is not a good idea. The SE fork oil is a higher viscosity than recommended for the monotubes or any other full cartridge front fork. In a stock fork, the SE oil will indeed take some of the dive out of the front end, but at the expense of overall ride quality. You take away what little responsiveness the stock forks are capable of with heavier weight oil. For example, the ability of the fork to absorb a sharp edged bump in the road, like is so common when going from the road surface to a bridge's surface.

Mr D · « **Reply #21 on:** February 27, 2012, 11:00:40 AM »

Quote from: Midnight Rider on February 27, 2012, 10:41:56 AM

With the Progressive Monotubes, that is not a good idea. The SE fork oil is a higher viscosity than recommended for the monotubes or any other full cartridge front fork. In a stock fork, the SE oil will indeed take some of the dive out of the front end, but at the expense of overall ride quality. You take away what little responsiveness the stock forks are capable of with heavier weight oil. For example, the ability of the fork to absorb a sharp edged bump in the road, like is so common when going from the road surface to a bridge's surface.

naitram · « **Reply #22 on:** February 27, 2012, 11:03:46 AM »

Quote from: TexasBowhunter on February 27, 2012, 10:25:35 AM

I must be slow
I still can't grasp what progressive is saying here

"Specifically designed to deliver a comfortable ride at a 1" lowered stance. Built around our "Best in Class" IAS technology, The Ultra Touring shocks utilize all the suspension travel provided by these 13" eye to eye units, but provide a 1" lowered ride height. The unique Ultra Touring spring combination not only delivers a lowered ride height while its being ridden, but also while its on the side stand."

they are 13" oval
They give the bike a lower stance when ridden and when its on its stand
So how much travel do they have total?
Whats the lighter spring used for? To me it doesn't seem to serve any purpose...
I may not be seeing the full picture here so please excuse my slowness...
paul

it sits like a 12" the light spring will allow the shock to uncompress the extra inch back to 13" during rebound

Hotrod50 · « **Reply #23 on:** February 27, 2012, 05:27:39 PM »

Quote from: knothead on February 25, 2012, 06:26:44 PM

I installed the 940's a couple of months ago, Progressive advertises it will lower 1'' but the don't....so your leveling will remain the same.

My shocks rubbed the bags, so after riding a few miles make sure you check..

What did you do about the rubbing problem?

ultrafxr · « **Reply #24 on:** February 27, 2012, 05:29:21 PM »

Quote from: Midnight Rider on February 27, 2012, 10:41:56 AM

With the Progressive Monotubes, that is not a good idea. The SE fork oil is a higher viscosity than recommended for the monotubes or any other full cartridge front fork. In a stock fork, the SE oil will indeed take some of the dive out of the front end, but at the expense of overall ride quality. You take away what little responsiveness the stock forks are capable of with heavier weight oil. For example, the ability of the fork to absorb a sharp edged bump in the road, like is so common when going from the road surface to a bridge's surface.

Terry, I don't know how much (if any) difference the oil makes when using the Progressive Monotubes. Progressive told me the cartridges are sealed units with gas and do not use oil for damening. The only function of the fork oil when using the Progressvie Monotubes is to provide lubrication for the moving parts.

JR · « **Reply #25 on:** February 27, 2012, 07:05:52 PM »

I sent an email to Progressive Saturday and asked if I can use the Standard height 31-2500 Monotubes with the 940's on my FLHTCUSE7 without any handling issues or should I go with the lowered Monotubes. Here is his reply:

If you do not need to lower the front end much for your personal interests what I would do is run the 940 on the rear and the standard 31-2500 on the front and leave out the preload spacers. That will drop the front end about 1/2 inch and set it up perfect and it rides really great.

Frank van Es
Inside Sales Manager
Progressive Suspension
714-523-8700 EXT 259

Again it's too late to call but I have some questions. First, when you go to Progressive site and click on "what fits my ride", it shows 13" shocks but it doesn't show Screamin Eagle models. It groups FLH and FLT together, even when I type in my 05 SEEG which I know had 1" lowered from factory. I figured my shocks on my 12 CUSE was 13" some here have said there 12". Does anyone know for sure?

I call Progressive tomorrow and see what he says.

naitram · « **Reply #26 on:** February 27, 2012, 07:13:30 PM »

JR that's the setup i have. the full height front tubes without the spacers. and 940's in the back.

i barley scraped anything on the dragon with that setup. where in the past with lowered front and rear i used to shoot sparks through every curve.

JR · « **Reply #27 on:** February 27, 2012, 07:17:40 PM »

Quote from: naitram on February 27, 2012, 07:13:30 PM

JR that's the setup i have. the full height front tubes without the spacers. and 940's in the back.

i barley scraped anything on the dragon with that setup. where in the past with lowered front and rear i used to shoot sparks through every curve.

Thank ya! Thank ya! That's the info I was looking for!

Fired00d · « **Reply #28 on:** February 27, 2012, 07:25:13 PM »

Quote from: naitram on February 27, 2012, 07:13:30 PM

JR that's the setup i have. the full height front tubes without the spacers. and 940's in the back.

i barley scraped anything on the dragon with that setup. where in the past with lowered front and rear i used to shoot sparks through every curve.

He sure has.

Ride Safe,
Fired00d

sled dog · « **Reply #29 on:** March 05, 2012, 08:57:01 PM »

Jr,

Not trying to jack your thread but can someone tell me if the 940's ride significantly better than OEM's? I'm considering new rear shocks for my 2011 and would appreciate any feedback. Thanks in advance.

Jerry

sled dog · « **Reply #30 on:** March 05, 2012, 09:02:12 PM »

Never mind guys ...just read another thread posted here. 940's it is, If they're good enough for Dood I want'em.

JR · « **Reply #31 on:** March 05, 2012, 09:19:43 PM »

Quote from: sled dog on March 05, 2012, 09:02:12 PM

Never mind guys ...just read another thread posted here. 940's it is, If they're good enough for Dood I want'em.

Hey Jerry! Yes I believe you will be satisfied with them. I had the progressive 440's on my SEEG. When I joined the site I had to wait about 6 months to get my banana. While I was waiting and living on this site, I was hearing all the add ons folks were putting on theirs so I was able to purchase a bunch of them and had them installed on my scooter before I got it. Was satisfied with all of them but as Don (twolanerider) said, it was kind of a shame I had no comparison before and after. I believe any shock you go with would be an approvement! God Bless ya buddy!

geezerglide · « **Reply #32 on:** March 05, 2012, 10:14:31 PM »

Oh Yah, do not hesitate to change out the OEM to Progressive, Bitubo, Ohlins, Works etc. they are 100% better than stock.

Have used Progressive and have Bitubos on the Geezerglide and have used Ohlins on my BMWs R1150 GSA and K1200GT.

geezerglide

FLSTFI Dave · « **Reply #33 on:** March 06, 2012, 06:47:08 AM »

Quote from: sled dog on March 05, 2012, 08:57:01 PM

Jr,

Not trying to jack your thread but can someone tell me if the 940's ride significantly better than OEM's? I'm considering new rear shocks for my 2011 and would appreciate any feedback. Thanks in advance.

Jerry

I know the 940's were MUCH better than the 12" air shock that came on my 09 CVO road glide. There is no comparison.

Midnight Rider · « **Reply #34 on:** March 06, 2012, 12:10:38 PM »

Almost ANYTHING is an improvement over the $10 shocks the bike comes with. Modifying the suspension on a HD is the best money you'll ever spend on the bike.

It only took Firedood 8 years to be convinced...

Fired00d · « **Reply #35 on:** March 06, 2012, 07:13:13 PM »

Quote from: Midnight Rider on March 06, 2012, 12:10:38 PM

Almost ANYTHING is an improvement over the $10 shocks the bike comes with. Modifying the suspension on a HD is the best money you'll ever spend on the bike.

It only took Firedood 8 years to be convinced...

Never claimed to be a fast learner... matter fact my parents sent me to private school so the "short bus" wouldn't stop in front of their house.

Ride Safe,
Fired00d

stanyx · « **Reply #36 on:** March 17, 2012, 04:30:10 PM »

Just went Lowered monotube+940, perfect combo, keeps the geometry stock

FLA Rider · « **Reply #37 on:** March 22, 2012, 04:52:32 PM »

Has anyone went with the 2" lower Monotubes and the 940's? Was wondering if there was any problems on a Street Glide.

Marc

Midnight Rider · « **Reply #38 on:** March 22, 2012, 05:06:07 PM »

Quote from: FLA Rider on March 22, 2012, 04:52:32 PM

Has anyone went with the 2" lower Monotubes and the 940's? Was wondering if there was any problems on a Street Glide.

Marc

I would never lower the front end of a HD 2", at least not on something I was planning on riding. You'd have VERY little travel left, and it would ride like crap. Not to mention that you'd have the front end 1" lower than the rear with the 940's, which is a bad idea from a handling standpoint. And yes, you'd drag all kinds of chit on the pavement in turns, including your butt when the tires got levered off the ground by some hard part of the bike scraping the pavement.

greentp99 · « **Reply #39 on:** April 30, 2012, 05:23:58 PM »

Hello Gents,

New here on this forum but I have a little for you on this topic.
I am riding a 2012 FLTRXSE which is lower in the back from the factory.
I put Monotubes in last month but held off on the rears.(Thought the Premium Shocks would be worth keeping)
After speaking to the Progressive Tech on the phone, He confirmed that the stock height monotube will actually lower the bike between .75 - .90 inches due to thier SAG technology.<- his phrase not mine

The shocks are the same height when measured before weight is applied. the lowered shock is actually 1" lower before weight is applied and then even lower with the weight of the bike and the rider.
It wasnt long before I put the 940's on to even the bike out.
I had put the same suspension on my StreetGlide and can tell you that trading in that bike for a CVO gave me no advantage in the suspention area.
I might have left the suspension alone if Harley had taken the initiative to put Halrey's Monotubes in but since I needed the Monotubes anyway, Progressive was the way to go.
Now I have my cadillac again...

Author Topic: Progressive Monotube with 940's Question (Read 7789 times)