Looking to upgrade the harsh rear stock air shocks. What brand and why?

 

I am thinking progressive 944's, look to be pretty adjustable.

 

There are zillions of shocks threads - we've been discussing them for eons! The same shocks will fit any touring model going way back to the first rubber mounts, including yours. Do you ride solo or two up?

 

Ohlins. Don't have and others than stock to compare it to. Night and day. But the ride is awesome. Pricey but awesome. There are a lots more but the ones on the forums talked about the most are. Ohlins MotorCycle Metal, Progressive 944's and Legends. I would think in most cases your wallet will lead you to some degree. Good luck..

 

Two up and under 500 lbs.

 

I asked because it makes a difference. When riding solo most of us will be pretty happy with many of the shocks out there, however when riding 2-up, our favourite passenger gets a different experience back there, sitting directly over the rear wheel. It is worth going to the extra expense of good quality shocks so that Mrs M is really comfy and enjoys the ride too!

 

Local shops say Progressive 944, another Legend Revo A...... I don't want to fork out big bucks and be dissapointed...

 

Local shops will only suggest what they have available. You're in a forum here, where all this research has been done and dusted countless times and we have looked far further afield than the local shops. I live in the UK and bought my shocks from Florida! If you fork out big bucks on say Ohlins you won't be disappointed and Mrs M will be absolutely thrilled! Be bold.....

 

If your willing to spend $750 plus the Ohlins and the like will all serve you very well. Keep in mind with those there's a million different settings for sag and damping you'll have to fiddle with to get them dialed in.

Try to find a set of used 13" HD hand adjustables. Adjustments are easy. Should be able to score a set for $300.

I hated the progressives had several sets. Different models & spring combinations. All rode like a truck.

 

I went with Progressive 412's. The air ride shocks for me were unbearable. I only weigh 160 and ride solo most of the time so the 412's work. The price played a big part of it and for the money the 412's are good enough.