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[ultrafxr]

OK, so I'm checking out shocks in the Drag Specialties Fat Book and I come across Progressives.  In additon to the 940s they show a 944 FST Ultra Touring Shock (page 1162).  I check out Progressives website and find nothing so I call their tech support line.  The 944s will be available in about 60 days and will replace the 940s I learn.  This change allows them to bring production in house - so I guess the 940s are being made under contract somewhere else.  The 940s are steel body and the 944s are aluminum for whatever difference that makes.    The 940 uses their IAS - Inertia Active System while the 944s use the (newer??) FST - Frequency Sensing Technology.  So are the 944s an improvement or maybe just a way to bring in house and make cheaper?  Who knows?  Tech, of course, would not come right out and say if one is better than the other.

So just wondering if I do decide on Progressives should I go with the 940s or wait a couple months and see what the 944s are all about.  

[Skillet]

I would at least hear some ride reports before jumping in. I have the 940's on an '08 RK and they work well.

[Midnight Rider]

I'd probably wait and get the latest/greatest.

[mr_magoo]

I have the 940 on my 04 SEEG and they are OK, depending on price I would look at the bitibus I have a set on my 08 SEUC and they are light years ahead of the 940's. Just my 2 cents worth.

[Dead_Reckoning]

It looks like they are in the same price range
http://www.phatperformanceparts.com/Progressive_Suspension_944_Series_FST_Ultra_Tourin_p/944-4020ut.htm

Progressive Suspension 944 Series FST Ultra Touring Shocks - Touring Models (84-UP)

Unique Ultra Touring spring configuration provides the superb ride quality and suspension travel of a 13" shock but the custom lowered look of a 12" shock
Built around Progressive Suspension's new Frequency Sensing Technology (FST)
Allows the shocks to sense the frequency of a bump and automatically adjust damping for superior ride quality
Unique spring combination delivers a dropped ride height while being ridden, but also while the bike is on a side stand
This allows you to better manage your bike at intersections and when parking
Adjust spring pre-load by hand, no special tool needed
Progressive rate main springs specifically designed for touring models
High-pressure gas charged for consistent performance
Made in the U.S.A.

[ultrafxr]

I have the 940 on my 04 SEEG and they are OK, depending on price I would look at the bitibus I have a set on my 08 SEUC and they are light years ahead of the 940's. Just my 2 cents worth.

Have a friend who has the Bitubos on his ultra and hates them - for only one reason.  He has to remove the saddlebag to adjust the preload and when going from solo to two-up that makes a big, big difference he tells me.

[Fired00d]

I'd probably wait and get the latest/greatest.

Only problem with that is will you (end user) be doing the R&D that the manufacturer should have done before the sale (IE: insert name of company we all know).

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 :fireman;

[110tHunDer]

Have a friend who has the Bitubos on his ultra and hates them - for only one reason.  He has to remove the saddlebag to adjust the preload and when going from solo to two-up that makes a big, big difference he tells me.

If they're 330s and he'd entertain selling them so he could get something else (and you don't want them, of course), I'd be interested, if they're in good condition ...

[ultrafxr]

If they're 330s and he'd entertain selling them so he could get something else (and you don't want them, of course), I'd be interested, if they're in good condition ...

I'll ask.

[SilveRT8]

Do you need to remove the saddlebags to adjust the Progressive 940 ?

[Skillet]

Yes you do.

[Skillet]

Yes you do.

Sorry. Thinking about my 940's but probably still have to remove the bags.

[Midnight Rider]

I can't see a way for anyone to make a shock that has a "one setting fits all", and you can't get your hand down there to turn a preload adjuster, so removing the bags is unavoidable unless I'm missing something.  With any spring type shock, you're going to have three basic setting for the spring preload: solo, two up, and two up and loaded.  Solo and loaded would likely be the same as the two up unloaded setting.  Compression damping would be the only other thing that might need to be set differently, but that's pretty easy, at least on the Bitubos.  Rebound damping...you can pretty much set it and forget it, or that was my experience with the Bitubos..

[tazmun]

I can't see a way for anyone to make a shock that has a "one setting fits all", and you can't get your hand down there to turn a preload adjuster, so removing the bags is unavoidable unless I'm missing something.  With any spring type shock, you're going to have three basic setting for the spring preload: solo, two up, and two up and loaded.  Solo and loaded would likely be the same as the two up unloaded setting.  Compression damping would be the only other thing that might need to be set differently, but that's pretty easy, at least on the Bitubos.  Rebound damping...you can pretty much set it and forget it, or that was my experience with the Bitubos..

JC, I thought you went with air suspension on the new bike?

[ultrafxr]

Do you need to remove the saddlebags to adjust the Progressive 940 ?

That's why I just said the heck with it and my new Legends just arrived.  Gotta put 'em on and air it up.