First I have read many threads Old and New on the subject. Second I'm not wanting to see a pissing match or I told you so marathon. I want Facts and Informed opinions (I know wishful thinking)
I have an 09 Ultra, 1" Lowered and I like the stance, however the rear bottoms (even with correct 2-up pressure) and the front leaves a lot to be desired. I plan for this to be one of my forever bikes, SO, here goes;
I'm looking for the best options front and rear - comfort and performance, for $1500 or less.

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I've ran Progressive 940 , Ricor , JRi and Ohlins in the rear and Progressive monotubes , Ricor Intiminators and Ohlins up front . My opinion Ohlins #3-#3 in the rear and Ohlins 25mm cartridges up front , this will cost you about $1700 , if you have to stay within your budget run monotubes up front with the Ohlins #3-#3 in the rear total about $1200

 

I just installed a set of Ohlins yesterday on the rear of my bike and can say for sure they are standout in performance. Cost me 775 shipped. I am impressed enough to now do the front end too. The front end will run around 900. I do the r&r and take a drive to south Fl. More than 1500 but not by much. I feel they are worth every penny but we all are not the same. Wife and I like to tour once or twice a yr and long road trips take their toll on us older folks. Hope this helps.

 

Before you ditch the stock shocks, try a drain and refill with new oil. You can play with the oil viscosity and increasing the level (gradually) will reduce the tendency to bottom. Same thing up front.

 

Thanks - Good info so far. That's the kind if feedback I'm looking for. I've worked with the oil up front but hadn't done it on the rear - I will experiment.
Yes another $200 won't break me, I just can't see tying up $1200+ on the back and even more on the front as some say, is the do or don't bother. I ride a lot alone and when I do I'm a little aggressive and about 10% of the time we ride 2-up, but I'm not running Laguna Seca and I don't live on the bike so Good to Best works. I don't need the Ultimate.

 

I have Ohlins rear shocks and am installing Ohlins front, with the intention of matching up the benefits of the rears, which I've had for 5 years or so. TSheff, you indicate that you ride 2-up, which IMHO requires extra investment over getting a decent solo set-up. That is partly due to the extra weight back there (no disrespect to Mrs TS intended!), but also because a passenger's riding experience is different to that of the rider.

Mrs B and I have travelled extensively with our #3-3s and hit every horror that roads can present and have never bottomed out! It took quite a while for us to stop bracing for the thump that never came. In addition the ride quality is just smoother and more relaxing, so we are less weary at the end of a long ride and happy to carry on the following day. If it costs you a little more than your stated budget, don't hesitate. You and Mrs TS will be over the moon with the improved ride!

 

This is the prices I found for Progressive shocks and mono tubes.

I'm looking to install over the winter, hate how the bike bottoms out on the *** end.


Numbers on progressive
944-4002UT. $572.40

31-4001. $394.60

 

Check Ebay - if that's the direction you wish to go save $85 on rear and $30-$40 on the front.
Yes Progressive is an option, but if I can get the bang for the buck for $500 more I'll do it.

 

I too am doing the suspension on my "forever" bike. The question I asked myself was "do I really want to leave something on the table and second guess my decision?". My answer was no. It seems almost unanimously touted that the Ohlins rears and the 49mm swap up front with 30mm cartridge is the best thing possible. It's a big chunk to swallow up front for sure, but Howard gave me a nice discount on his advertised price without me even saying anything, so get a quote on his 3-3 rear shocks. I bet you'll be surprised.

I've got a 2002 Road King in great shape I picked up for a song. Motor work was done to my liking so I went brake upgrade first and am now getting to suspension. From what everyone has said the Ohlins radically improve ALL aspects of riding, not just canyon carving or bottom-out defense for 2 up. For me, if I don't do it, the question will always nag at the back of my head "but what if....". I'm doing it once and doing it right. Even that can be done for a reasonable price in the rear, and that's what I'd suggest for you. The front....well I've just decided to scrap the plans I had for buying a second bike for the fun riding stuff :-D I feel like my RK will be up to the task and a much better do-everything ride with the legit front suspension.

 

I just put a hair over 1100 into mine.
820 shipped for ProAction rear, your choice of 11, 12 or 13 inch, and 298 shipped on sale progressive monotubes from Hog Pro.
About 700 miles on the rear, about 100 miles on the front.
Unreal difference.

Tons and tons of guys here are Ohlins fans, I just wanted to try something different.
ProAction has been around since the 70's in the MX off road world.
Happy so far and as the rear settles in it gets better and better.