The progressive hand pump has a no loss valve on it so you shouldn't get any oil or air

I ran about 12 -14 in the rears and 10 front on my RK, worked well for me.

 

Should I still suspect the rear shocks being shot if oil discharges with a regular stick type low pressure gage?

 

YES. If oil is coming from the valve at any time, then one of the shocks has a split membrane and must be replaced. The affected shock will be less efficient than the other one and will cause one side of the rear to be damped differently.

Brian.

 

All right you got me sold on the 440's. Now I need advise on which to get. Std. or HD. How much will 12 1/2" shocks lower the bike. I am 5'-11", and have a Mustang saddle so my feet are almost flat on the ground at stops.

Combined rider/passenger weight is around 355# without gear in the luggage. I weigh around 200.
Will HD shocks be too stiff when solo?

Thanks Brian for your help.
Mike

 

Let us know how the new shocks work for you. The uneven dampening theory makes sense until I look at my 92 FXRT. It has, from the factory, an air shock on the right amd a skinny shock with a coil spring on the left. The bike is one of the most stable motorcycles that I have ever ridden. Also, I replaced the air shock because I was getting oil when checking the air and guess what? when filling the new shock I got oil! Hey, I duno, like I said let us know how it works out.

DC.

 

Sounds like you're on the right track,air pressure in the shocks makes a huge difference.
I found that the Dunlops are also part of the problem and have heard the same from others.
Local cops are running Metzlers and so am I.
The Metzler 880's are much better handling tires and far less prone to wobble.
I've got quite a bit of experience with this issue having owned both an '89 Ultra & an '00 Classic.
Between the two I've done about 140,000 miles on Electraglides and been through lots of tires.
My'00 has both air forks & air shocks and adjustment helps a lot too.
Y2K

 

I personally would go for HD shocks. You sound like a big man at 200 lbs. The bike ain't no lightweight either. A bit of luggage.... in my opinion looking towards Heavy duty shocks. Let me know how it rides with them on. This what I am planning to do when the time comes.

Brian.

 

I ordered a set of 13" HD's today from Wally World. I also talked to Progressive, if the HD's are too stiff I can send them in and have them re-sprung.

 

I recieved my HD Progressive 440 shocks on friday, and installed them. Took the bike for a 20 mile loop alone. It was real windy so I dont know if the wobble is corrected or not. Saturday took a 200 mile ride with my G/F. WOW!!!! what a differance!!! 2 up the bike is rock steady, and the ride is amazing. I left the shocks on the softest setting, and figured I'd dial in preload on the ride, but I didd'nt have to. No bottoming what so ever, or harsh rebound, even over rough rail road tracks.

Even If the wobble at 80-85 is not corrected the 440's are worth the investment. Great ride!!

 

Went for a solo ride yesterday. The wobble is still there. I'm thinking front tire is bad or neck is out of adjustment. Now its a process of elimination.......

What has me baffeled is it doesnt wobble with a passenger.