I posted earlier about going with a taller set up on my 2016 fxdl. I decided that I would go with Progressive 444 series with 13" black shocks. Anyone using these? I am still waiting on my bike. Thunderheader is currently back ordered and I was told today that it might be a couple of weeks. They finished installing the t-sport fairing, big sucker and are currently waiting on 13" forbidden risers. The shocks are to be delivered to me home so I will have to wait to put them on. Are these great shocks?

 

Great? No. Will they do? Sure.


Progressive shocks are much better than stock shocks, for sure. But Progressive shocks are the absolute worst aftermarket option. I'd look into Ohlins, Works, Hagons, or Sway-A-Ways, with the former being best option in my opinion. Either way, you'll notice a difference over the stock shocks.

 

One thing flawed about progressive is their shocks cannot be rebuilt while all the other ones listed above can. seems like a good shock, just not a great shock when to u compare it to the above brands.

 

I have a '14 FXDB with 13" 444's. (the back ones looks good!) I've never had anything else so i can't compare. I think they are OK and are a huge improvement over stock shocks.

Sure they are better shocks out there, like ohlins/race tech piggys etc...
But you gotta ask yourself if you're really going to push the ohlins to the limit? 99% of all harley riders won't.

I can assure you though that my 444's have dramastically change the ride of my bike and its feels a lot more on track. For what i do, it serves me well and i ride somewhat agressive.

Don't get me wrong, if i'd have an infinite budget i'd probably get the ohlins piggys, they look awsome but i'm building my bike on a budget, so the 444's that it.

Good luck.

 

Hagon Nitro's are much, much better shocks than anything Progressive makes and they cost about the same as Progressives.

I have had Progressives and I currently have Hagons....The Hagons are far superior.

 

I have black 444's 12.5" they are much better than stock,and for the price are hard to beat. also they do have a limited lifetime warranty.

 

Same here, but mine are 12".

 

I have the 444-4038B , 12.5 inch black on my 01 FXDL. I am 5'10" @ 150 lbs, Leather Pro 3100 saddlebags on all of the time, preload set at 1 notch and it is not too firm. For a light passenger up to 130 lbs, 2 notches and 130-150 lbs, 3 notches.

Stock tapered exhaust, no dragging. My feet fit flat on the ground.

I have experimented in the past and I installed a set of 13.5" 440's with a 1/2 inch lowering block and I was very happy with the height and the ride. That setup did not work with saddlebags because of the angle. So, I decided what I wanted was a set of 13 inch shocks and I came across a deal that I could not pass up on the 12.5" 444's. I'm satisfied.