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[tlr]

I am putting together my winter mod list and I want to change out my front suspension. I have read all the very positive reviews regarding Progressives Monotubes but very little regarding HD's similar product, Premium Ride Double Cartridge Fork Kit.  If anyone has a comparison or general opinions on how they differ that would be very helpful. 

Similarly, I am looking at swapping out the rears as well.  I had Ohlins 3-3's on last ride and liked them alot but also thinking about the Progressives 940/944. 

Thanks

[16HD117]

Send 110THunder a PM.  He recently had the HD kit installed.  Also, you may want to consider the Traxxion Dynamics AK-20's for the front and Bitobo 330's for the rear.

 http://www.traxxion.com/AK-20AxxionCartridgeKit_Harley-Davidson.aspx

http://www.traxxion.com/bituboshocksforharley-davidsonmotorcycles.aspx

[110tHunDer]

 
I think I'm only one of a handful of guys on here that has the H-D double cartridge front suspension, so a direct comparison to the Progressive Monotubes might be tough to find.  Coming from the AK-20s on my '04 SEEG, I'd give the H-D kit a 6, maybe 7, tops (AK-20s being a "10" and stock being a "1").  From what I've read of other's experience with the monotubes, they are similar in performance.  Still too much dive and harshness for me versus the AK-20s.  I had free labor on the install, so just have the $400 investment in parts, which was my reason for trying the H-D stuff.  I don't know that I'll ever change it out, but it is definitely a compromise coming from the gold standard AK-20s.

Do a search on "monotubes H-D cartridges." there is a thread or two where there was some concern about the longevity of the monotubes.  Some have had to replace them, others have 30,000+ miles and no trouble.  But that could be a deciding factor for you.  After having a couple junk sets of Progressive 440 shocks, I didn't want any troubles from the front end.  I am also not a fan of ride from the 940s, but as with all this stuff, it's a matter of personal opinion.  I have the Bitubos Tommy pointed you to.  I love their adjustability and ride and handling, one-up or two-up.  I would think the 940 or 944 would be a step down from the Ohlins you're used to.

[ultrafxr]

Never had Progressives to compare to but like 110tHunDer I have Traxxion AK20s (on my '07 CUSE2) and simply did not want to spend the $$$$ required to upgrade my '12 CUSE7 and I went with the H-D Premium Ride Cartridges.  I think I was the first who did so to post about it.  

Anyway, I like them.  While not as good as the Traxxion for my needs they are just fine.  In fact I think the ride quality is better.  The Traxxion's give unsurpassed control but I don't ride aggressively enough to need that much and I think the ride is a bit harsher - but then that compares my '07 to my '12 and old vs new style frames which may be like comparing apples and oranges.

I elected to not go with the Progressive monotubes for a couple reasons:  The cartridges are gas charged and there have been some (maybe not a lot but enough for me to find out about them) of leakage.  Only remedy then is to pull and replace.  While Progressive would warranty the part they do not cover the labor which can be considerable.  And Progressive themselves told me the service life of the cartridge is only 50k.  I ride a lot and would not want the expense of replacing them at that interval.  The H-Ds and the Traxxion AK20s are not gas charged and avoid these issues.  They can be serviced with more modest cost of just replacing any worn parts.

[Midnight Rider]

I cannot speak to the Ohlins, but I know for a fact that the Bitubo shocks are top notch if you don't need to lower the bike because of being vertically challenged.  I have the Legend Air Ride on my '11 SERGU, and had them on my '06 SEUC as well.  They are improved over the earlier models (larger air boot), but if I were buying a straight up shock for the rear end, there's no doubt about what I'd pick...Bitubo.  I can't imagine anything better.

Front end?  I have the AK-20's.  They are a 10 on a scale of 1-10, as Brian mentioned.  My second choice would likely be a tie between the HD and the Progressive.  Handling is a big thing for me though...I will put money into suspension before I will put money into cams and other related stuff.  I'd rather be able to ride the bike in curves and twisties fast than go fast in a straight line.  If somebody wants to outrun me in a 1/4 mile, I could give a chit...But, I'll catch ya' in the turns, I promise.    But that's just me.  Of course, if you live in Corn//Wheat country, that may not be a deciding factor.  The AK-20's are firm, but not harsh, if that  makes any sense.  It's maybe like riding a Porche compared to a newer model Cadillac.  I prefer the Porche feel, while other's like the Caddy.

[tlr]

Gentlemen,

You are all a wealth of useful information.  I called a couple of service departments at some dealers and none of them could tell me if the HD Fork kit or Progressive Monotubes were worth it.  Basically they told me that there probably isn't a difference so save your $$.  Oh well.  based on the info here I am going to go with the HD kit.  I have now narrowed the shocks between the Ohlins 3-3 or the BiTurbos which are actually cheaper.  The 330's are mentioned and they are 13".  as I have the 2012 SESG, will that raise the bike.  I am thinking that standard shocks are 12".  I am nicely flatfooted now but dont want to give up any space there.  I am also assuming that the BiTurbos are easy to install and adjust.  I have installed shocks on my previous rides.  Thanks for all the help in making the right decision and spending some cash.

Ted

[110tHunDer]

 
You can get the Bitubos in 300mm.  I had those on my SEEG.  Really transformed the ride quality of that bike, which was lowered on both ends from the factory.

Good luck with your decision and keep us posted.

[110tHunDer]

 
Re: Bitubo adjustment, Traxxion should send them to you already adjusted.  I checked the ones I got for my SEUC against the procedure outlined in the manual and it was spot-on.  Once you get the initial set-up correct, all I've ever had to do on either bike is adjust the compression dampening dial a few clicks firmer when carrying a passenger or load.  With the canister mounted on top, this can be done easily by simply opening the saddlebag lid to gain access.

[tlr]

sounds awesome.  I wonder if Rebecca at Tri County would extend her discount for these.  worth a try.  I sent Traxxion an email to help decide what size to get.  I dont want to get lower, but I also dont want to be much higher.  decisions....

[110tHunDer]

 
Not sure on the Tri-County discount, but Traxxion offers a 10% discount to site members if you end up going directly to them.

[SDCVO]

I have the Ohlin 6's in the rear and the HD Premium's in the front and it rides amazing if that helps

[VaEagle]

I like my H-D Premium Fork kit with Suspension Technologies USA shocks.
Info in this thread :

http://www.cvoharley.com/smf/index.php?topic=76154.0

[tlr]

I emailed Traxxion yesterday and received a prompt response. I had asked what size shock would be best (330 vs 300) for my 12 SESG.  The response stated that they have had some issues wit the fitment for the 12's and that they are looking into a solution. Anybody here have any insight or experience with this issue? 

[110tHunDer]

 
I'm not sure if there would be anything different about a SESG (doesn't really seem like it), but here is how I mounted them on my '12 SEUC.  The grommet where the bag lock wires come out did touch the top of the canister, so I shimmed the front bag mounting bracket slightly to relieve the tiny bit of pressure that was on it, but other than that, no problems.

"Black Diamond" had 300mm Bitubos on his '11 SESG.  Might want to check with him to see if he had any fitment issues.

[tlr]

thanks for the pic.  I think I see what you are referring to.  I dont think that anything has changed from 09 forward so I am not sure either.  I was going to give them a call to discuss further.  I will let you all know once I find out.

T