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[RoadKingHog]

I'm considering replacing my OEM rear shocks on my 2008 Road King.  I have discovered at 175 lbs (5' 7") I don't weigh enough to compress and get the full travel on the 13 inch OEM shock (and I hear they're not very good anyway.)  (I want to remain conservative and change the bike geometry and have to also fool with the front forks.)

I'm in touch with the folks at Progressive and am told the two options are the standard 13 inch 940's with softer springs, or the 440 standard. 

Sounds like either will give me a better ride - at a stop with a little lower drop at the rear, and also with cornering.  I get up to Sturgis every 2 or 3 years and also to NC US 129 the Dragon every couple of years.  Up in the mountains the current bike feel is not too bad becuase the sharp turns help to compress the bike suspension, etc., but down here in Florida it's a different feel cornering on flat roads.

I'll appreciate any feedback anyone can provide.  I'm looking to "feel" the bike better, especially in tight turns, etc.

thanks, Dan

[digga25]

Dan I put the 440 s on my roadglide and it was night and day difference from the stock air shocks. No bottoming out, smooth over the bumps.You will like the Progressives.I hear that the 940 s are even better. If you have a lot of money to burn go with Bitubos they are supposed to be the best.

[RoadKingHog]

Thanks Digga.  I hear the 440's 12 inch will drop the rear approximately one inch but not have any affect on the front suspension.  In my comment I meant to say I don't want to fool with the front end and affect the geometry of the bike.  I ride solo except for an occasional added travel bag.

I'm curious to see if anyone has had experience with both, the 940's and 440's and can compare the difference.

thanks,
Dan

[Skillet]

I have the 940's on my 08 RK along with the swing arm brace and it handles good. Nice and comfortable.

[Rio]

Same size, 5lbs heavier than you.  I ride an 11 SERGU with progressive 940's on the rear and monotubes on the front.  Rides nice, flat footed with boots, very comfortable controling 950lbs of motorcycle.  Had a Road King, this bike sits higher too with the padded saddle.

[Fired00d]

Thanks Digga.  I hear the 440's 12 inch will drop the rear approximately one inch but not have any affect on the front suspension.  In my comment I meant to say I don't want to fool with the front end and affect the geometry of the bike.  I ride solo except for an occasional added travel bag.
I'm curious to see if anyone has had experience with both, the 940's and 440's and can compare the difference.

thanks,
Dan

With what I have highlighted in red above are you aware of the following from the Progressive website regarding the 940 Ultra Touring Series?....

"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."

I have the 940's on my bike and think they are great!!! Haven't had any experience w/the 440's but going from stock to the 940's the difference was out of this universe. I also did the Progressive Monotubes at the same time and my bike came one inch lowered (front/back) from factory so I used the lowered Monotubes also.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[petewerner]

I have the Arnott Aldan shocks with 11 way adjustable rebound and are 11.6" extended and 9.6" compressed. They work best with the airbag about 1/2 full as do any airshock system. I find these to be very comfortable, and at a 5 or 6 setting are firm enough to do some canyon carving, while, when I'm just cruising on long smooth roads or freeways, a setting of 1 or 2 is smooth! When I am really trying to keep up with a couple of riding buddies on their FXR's I turn it to 9 or 10 to get it firmed up and get the shock back in position for the next compression/rebound cycle. I have tried the cheaper versions of the Arnott's as well as the AEE shortened and revalved factory style air shocks and these r better than most, but the Arnott Aldans make it low, handle great and when I want to change ride highth to walk my bike or what ever short people have to do with tall bikes... And change it on the fly instantly. Works for me on a RG.

[FLSTFI Dave]

I had the 940's and the mono tubs up front on my 09 SERG.  Huge improvement in ride and handling.  I am a lighter weight guy and ride solo so I had the lighter weight springs put in the 940's.

I will be putting the 940s in my wifes street glide very soon.

[Supershooter]

I'd echo FireDood's comments, if you go to the 940's you will be changing the geometry of the bike, so in order to keep the geometry intact you'll need to add a set of mono tubes.

I ride a 10 SEUC and the Mono tubes and 940's are a great addition. I would encourage you to make sure you get the 940's set correctly, it will make a huge difference on how the bike handles. We were in Sturgis and and the boys at the PS booth helped up get our shocks set perfect.

I'd encourage you to add a set of monotubes they are a great addition to your bike and the way they change its handling.

Supershooter

[SERK3]

The 940's are next on my list 

[dont57]

940s and monotubes, great setup, helped stability and handling, very large improvement over stock.

[hdctss]

I have the 440 HD and love them.  About 225 and ride about 50/50 solo/double.  2 rounds for solo and 6 rounds for 2 up.  If I were you I would probably go with the 440 standard.