OK, I did do a "search" before posting, but now I am even more confused. I an not particularly happy with the factory air shocks on my '09 RKC. Thinking of going with Progressive 440's. I want to keep the rear height as is. Suggestions/comments? Thanks!

 

how long have you had the bike ? Have you tested your air shocks with differant pressures ?

 

I started out with 440s and was amazed to find out how much better they were than the stock units. I ended up replacing them with Works shocks, and they are even better. The 440s went to my brother, who thanks me every time we ride. Stick with stock height, and you won't regret putting the 440s on. It is truly an upgrade.

 

How wide a weight range will; the 440's take without having to re-set them (I understand it is a pain since you have to take the bags off)? Hint, My SO weighs about 200lbs

 

Sounds like you would need the 440HD. Discuss the details with Progressive. I can remove a bag, adjust the shock, and remount the bag in less than a minute. No pain.

 

If you are heavy, or ride 2-up a lot, take your time over making your choice of shocks. What I came to realise from spending a lot of time going through HDF posts on shocks is that not many writers tell us those details. It seems to me that riders who ride mostly solo will be happy riding with any half decent shock, but when rider weight goes up, especially 2-up, only the best shocks shine. Don't buy new shocks in a box off the shelf, go to a supplier who will adapt them for you, with suitable springs, for example.

 

Good points. Currently I can get acceptable performance with just myself with the shocks set at about 18/20 psi. When the SO gets on i have to go up to about 32/33. This is very close to the max. Hence my interest. (New shocks will be a lot easier to deal with than suggesting weight loss to SO!)

 

I have Progressive 440's and love them, easy to adjust and once you figure out the dial ins for the old lady and girl friend it is easy to set the rear preload up for whoever is riding with you that day.

Now.... As much as the 440's will improve your life, the real difference is when you get rid of that crap SHOWA front suspension and drop in some Progressive fork cartridges.

If you are going to go after suspension upgrades go for the whole package. My 03 with 12K on the clocks rides and handles like a BMW now that I have done Progressive front and back.

I know I have said this before but HD uses the cheapest and worst suspension parts on the planet. Replace them and you will be very happy

 

Ohlin's

Howard at

Howard G. Messner
1-954-449-6173 E.S.T.
http://motorcyclemetal.com/

call him for a FREE consultation

he will educate you for FREE - real nice guy - no hard sell

read on - Ohlin Fan Club:

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...-fan-club.html

Really - call Howard, and mention your a Forum Member !

 

I did not care for the stock air shocks or my 440s. I worked with Howard to configure a set of Ohlins. The difference was amazing for handling and comfort. I had hesitated to spend the money on the Ohlins and ended up spending much more because my six months with the 44Os did not work for me. I know many like their 44Os, I did not. The Ohlins take some time to set up. While you do that you learn how to tweak them for touring, or two up, etc.