Appreciate this thread. Keep real world experience coming as I've been looking at the 944's for my RK. The air shocks SUCK. After reading this I'll research other options like Pro Action.
I switched from the stock air shocks to 944s last summer, and the ride is significantly better. On hard bumps (RR tracks, etc.) the bumps are much smoother.
Progressive 944 Heavy Duty are recommended for >250lbs which is pretty much the minimum for 2 up riding. I have them on my TriGlide and they're a very significant upgrade from the crappy HD OEM air shocks.
I have the Progressive 412s on mine and it was a significant improvement over the Harley air shocks. I would imagine that the 944s would be much better.
You can pay more and get Ohlins, but at twice the price, I'm not convinced you get twice the shock. In fact, after reading the reviews, at twice the price, I feel you get a marginally better shock. Check DK Customs if you think I'm wrong???
I would highly recommend checking out Pro Action shocks. Search the forum for their name for several threads from people who have switched over. The ride and the customer service are both top notch. My Street Glide became a completely different bike.
I never had air shocks so I can't comment on that. From what's been said in the forums, my understanding is that anything's better than air shocks. The 944s were really hard and I never managed to find a good settings for them. They are not a bad shock by any means, but the pro-actions ended up giving me a far better ride (and they came already dialed in). By the way, I had the Ultra Low 944s (with standard springs), the regular length ones might be better.
Originally Posted by FNGonaRK
I would highly recommend checking out Pro Action shocks. Search the forum for their name for several threads from people who have switched over. The ride and the customer service are both top notch. My Street Glide became a completely different bike.