Anybody upgrade to progressive 444's ?

[Robm422]

Just finished a 5 hour ride on my '14 R3R and had a blast but am thinking about upgrading to the progressive 444's, has anybody done this yet? Is their a marked improvement in ride/ handling? Has anyone tried their progressive springs for the forks?

 

[Idaho Red Rocket 3]

Definitely do the fork springs. Increase oil weight to 7. 430, 440, or 444 all good. Some say get the 430 and save some money. Many will chime in and say Hagon and Wilbers. All good stuff too. Your choice. If you and/or passenger/gear are heavy, over 230 lbs. regularly, definitely order the heavy duty springs on the Progressive rear shocks.

 

[Watcher]

I would be one for the Hagon myself but definitely do the fronts and the same time its well worth it

 

[Joesmoe]

Just looking through the manual at what it takes to redo the springs makes me shudder, not to mention the special tools required (or such understanding of the process one would know what kind of work-arounds would substitute).

If asking someone else to do it, what would replacing the fork springs run ?

I presume also that replacing the rear shocks/springs is at the other end of the DIY spectrum, being relatively exposed and minimally connected.

And is there as much advantage on a sanely ridden Touring ?

Thank you.

 

[CanberraR3]

Just looking through the manual at what it takes to redo the springs makes me shudder, not to mention the special tools required (or such understanding of the process one would know what kind of work-arounds would substitute).

If asking someone else to do it, what would replacing the fork springs run ?

I presume also that replacing the rear shocks/springs is at the other end of the DIY spectrum, being relatively exposed and minimally connected.

And is there as much advantage on a sanely ridden Touring ?

Thank you.

Joe, I think if you look through the many threads in which suspension is discussed you find many examples of very happy campers who have spent a couple of thousand $ and are really pleased with the results. You'll also find numerous examples of unhappy souls who wish they'd left well alone. My advice is that unless you're really unhappy with what you have, don't change it. It really does get down to how and where you ride and it seems to be very easy to throw your money away.

Having said that, changing the fork springs won't disappoint you. It's a relatively cheap mod, especially if done in conjunction with a fork service/changing seals etc. The springs are well under $100.

As for the rear, I'm very happy with the Roadster shocks I put on my Standard to replace the originals I had with 50,000km on them. You'll get plenty saying the Roadster shocks are rubbish, but I say they should try the Standard ones! Roadster shocks are plenty good enough for all the riding I do - mostly solo and around town on relatively good roads but also done a lot of highway and no-so-good travelling with them and some 2 up. Maybe spending a couple of grand would be an improvement but I doubt it would be huge and in any case, I don't really care (or feel I need it).

 

[1olbull]

Just finished a 5 hour ride on my '14 R3R and had a blast but am thinking about upgrading to the progressive 444's, has anybody done this yet? Is their a marked improvement in ride/ handling? Has anyone tried their progressive springs for the forks?

I have done the Hagon Nitro and now run the 444. Both are excellent shockies!
I give the Progressive the nod because of the hand adjustability on the fly and the automatic damping.
Handling was improved immensely over the stock garbage.
I also recommend the Progressive front springs as well and a good 140 front tire to compliment the Rxcedramax on the rear.
PS: recommend no shorter than 320 mm.

 

[Robm422]

I'm assuming that 320mm is the length of the front spring?
Also did you go with 12.5" rear shocks, or did you bump up a little for more ground clearance?

 

[CanberraR3]

@Joesmoe by the way, rough estimate of paying someone to do the front springs would be $300 (+/- $100) plus the cost of the springs. Changing the rear shocks is far easier but they do cost a lot more. The only Touring I've ridden had stock shocks and it rode much softer and smoother than my bike. I didn't push it so can't comment on high speed handling.

 

[1olbull]

I'm assuming that 320mm is the length of the front spring?
Also did you go with 12.5" rear shocks, or did you bump up a little for more ground clearance?

Oh Nay, Nay Brute!
320 mm is the shock length = 12.6 inches.

 

[Robm422]

Ok, got it