I'm about 210 so we are close in weight. Can you explain what you don't like about the ride? Do you have the 13" version?

 

If you're not liking the mid range offerings you're probably wasting your money on the lower end stuff. The design is not the best from harley ( dual short travel shocks ) and you are not willing to invest in the best which involves alot of adjustment and maybe custom valving. Howard is your only real option there. My second bike isan ohlins clad ducati. You are not repoducing that ride on a harley.

 

I have 12.5" 444 standard spring. I ride solo 185 lbs. Better then stock but not by much. I got them for $464 delivered, I got what I paid for. For $300 more I most likely would had got great shocks.

 

In what way didn't they perform? Handling or just not taking the bumps comfortably?

 

First thing I did was a search and have not found concrete and definitive reviews. So far only one or two posters have responded to this thread and they were negative. I'm sure there are many more people riding with 13", 444's, would love to hear their opinions.

 

I'm 6'2" and 210lbs, on 2009 ultra classic. the air shocks for me solo was 10-20 lbs when I added a passenger I added 20 lbs, remembering that when the bike leans over in a turn it pushes the air out of the lower shock putting it in the upper , so now you straighten up a little pushing it back to the lower one and the cycle begins of back and forth , so I put on the 444 HD have them set at 2.5 turns pre load and have not move them solo,two up add luggage. two weeks later installed the monotubes fork set up. bike rides like a dream straight down the road and smooth in the turns. So imho I Like them. bought second hand with 500 miles on them, guy traded his ride in.

 

Just on single bumps, they are better on stutter bumps. Handling is OK.

 

I have the 944's in the HD version for the wife and I, loaded heavy for touring. One turn and we are all good. Two turns and she gets stiff and jumpy. Way better then stock all day long.

If you are not looking to lower the bike as you state, I would think the 444's would be an excellent upgrade.

As far as Howard and the Ohlins go, probably the best way to go, but your budget is your to work with. I would at least call, have a conversation and do a price check, Progressives are not cheap. If you go for Progressive, might be worth joining the J&P Gold club for a nice discount. Good luck.

 

I'm running the 13" HD 444's. I like them. They are better than stock, but the degree of better is subject to interpretation. The monotubes in the front are the better suspension upgrade.

 

the 444s have almost perfect scores on their reviews on Amazon