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Progressive Shocks ...990 or 440

Discussion in 'Projects' started by NeilP, Oct 15, 2019.

  1. NeilP

    NeilP Active Member

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    My bike 2004 Harley 1200 Sportster
    Old rear shocks getting a bit rusty and am sick of them bottoming out and banging on big road bumps, even when wound to max
    So am looking at getting new rear shocks plus front springs.

    Now Progressive do these fancy 990’s with external reservoir and linear springs, and then the 440 series that are traditional shape and Progressive springs
    I weigh in at about 200lbs
    I often ride solo.
    But I do often ride two up, with panniers and rear bag. That puts all up weight in to the 380 lb area.
    Anyone here any thoughts on these Progressive shocks... what if any benefit will I see in spending nearly $900 more on a set of 990’s over the 440 ?
    thanks
  2. charlie46

    charlie46 Well-Known Member

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    I've had Progresives on my S.Gide. And loved them. There standard replacement shocks, I would expect to outperform your originals by far.
  3. NeilP

    NeilP Active Member

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    Yes, this is why I thought I’d go with them.
    it is the choice of which to choose that I am looking at.
    The 990’s are going to be nearly $1500, whereas the 430’s around $500.
    I was trying to find out if anyone knew what the extra $1000 is paying for.
  4. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    I ran the 422 on my Heritage, they really improved the bike over the
    stock shocks, rode mostly one up, however wife would ride from time to
    time and they did well, they were adjustable as well.

    If you really need all the adjustability and built in gas reservoirs systems
    then 990.... You could chat with their techs online and get a good analysis

    https://www.progressivesuspension.com/products/harley

    There in the contact us box is a chat option, of course you'll have to
    be up at an odd hour due to the time change...
  5. NeilP

    NeilP Active Member

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    Well, I had given up on speaking to them to be honest
    sent e-mails, left messages on their FB page and commented on their YouTube videos, and no replies
    This is why I thought I’d try on a few forums.
    maybe 3 posts on different HD forums, and only reply is from you.
    seems the question is something no one knows the answer to
  6. charlie46

    charlie46 Well-Known Member

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    The less expensive ones are so much better than stock I'd go with them

    Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk
  7. NeilP

    NeilP Active Member

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    Did think of that
    But I often ride solo, and weigh in at about 200lbs
    But when I go off on the bike, 2up, with saddle bags and bag on rear rack, it can go up to 370-380 with passenger and bags.
    Was hoping the more adjustments if the 990 might cope better... but 990’s do have linear rather than progressive springs...

    Just don’t know..
  8. Fatboy128

    Fatboy128 Well-Known Member

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    A grand is a grand. Go with the standard Progressives you will be very happy and then spend the grand on your wifes desires and she'll be even happier. I've used progressives on several of my bikes over the years and they ALL work a hell of a lot better than stock Metric bikes included, as well as two up AND sidecar attached on a full dress Goldwing.
  9. NeilP

    NeilP Active Member

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    Or then spend the grand on a Mustang seat !
  10. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    I like the way you think lol

    Odd they are not responding progressive is a pretty good company
  11. NeilP

    NeilP Active Member

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    Holiday maybe ...
  12. NeilP

    NeilP Active Member

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    Got through on the phone
    think I’ll go in the middle
    The 444’s in black with the heavy duty springs,
  13. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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  14. NeilP

    NeilP Active Member

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    I have used him before, always a good deal.
    But being in Jersey UK, shipping etc, import duties, often easier to buy in UK and get shipped to me in Jsy.
    Though, TBH, I get quicker shipping and better service from USA than generally I get from UK suppliers
  15. NeilP

    NeilP Active Member

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    Think there is a conspiracy against me. Someone does not want me to buy these shocks
    Phil’s e-mail address I had from years ago... no reply
    The one on his Facebook page, wrong address... bounced back
    No reply from FB message.
    tried for 3 quotes from UK suppliers... no replies either.
    Progressive too, ignore FB messages and e-mails
    business must be so good for everyone at the moment, they can all afford to ignore custom !

    Just have to keep trying , but *%^^ frustrating
  16. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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  17. NeilP

    NeilP Active Member

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    Cheers
    But no need
    Parts ordered
    444 rears, 13.5 inch standard spring
    Front mono tubes
    Mustang Wide Touring seat
  18. Fatboy128

    Fatboy128 Well-Known Member

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    I put the mono tubes into my '05 Fatboy Best thing I have done to the bike!!!!
  19. NeilP

    NeilP Active Member

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    My front forks currently have standard OEM springs plus 1 or 2 inch turned alloy slugs in them on top to preload and give a bit more height
    I believe these mono tubes are adjustable ?
  20. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    californiaphil@sbcglobal.net

    I sent him a message, while he has a FB page he's
    not really into FB, kind of a Have To deal for him
    he doesn't have FB messenger app install

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