I weigh 250 and always ride alone, I just put on progressive heavy duty shocks, same length as stock and the ride even at soft settings is hard, any advice? On smooth roads it is fine but irregualr surfaces it is pretty hard riding- I was hoping to get a softer more compliant ride- are there any other brands that work better?

 

Penske motorcycle shocks or Ohlin motorcycle shocks. Both are a bit better than Progressive. There are also a bunch of aftermarket air set ups like Legends are Arnott that might work for you too.