Recently purchase a set of "pre owned" 440 HD's and installed today on my 06 R3 Classic. After the install and short ride, I have the following comments/observations:
1. Install goes very easy. I used stock length (12.5") instead of going up or down.
2. Adjustment of pre-load is a pain in the ass. Progressive offers no real guides such as a starting point for one-up riding, two-up riding, with luggage, etc. I contacted Tech support and all they could say was "start out at the lightest setting and adjust from there....". While I understand that each rider will have their own preference, it really would not be that difficult to offer a pre-load guide.
3. Speaking of adjusting the shocks, it is nearly impossible once the shocks are installed....and is impossible if you have bags as they will have to be removed to make any adjustments. There is no spanner wrench or tool to adjust the pre-load once the shocks are installed...you do so by turning the top cap by hand. However, this is difficult because there is no room to grasp the cap and gain enough leverage to turn. So....I had to purchase a rubber strap wrench to adjust the shocks, and again...cannot make adjustments with the bags on the bike (have Corbin hard bags that must be removed each time shocks are adjusted).
4. I set my initial preload at 4 turns (1st adj line showing), which was 4 turns from lightest setting. Felt stiff and not much different than stock (I'm about 300 lbs and rarely ride 2-up). So, adjustment made "down" 1 full turn...then rain set in and cannot test shock ride further for the time being.
I have high expectations for the 440's, but rather disappointed at the lack of forethought by Progressive to make adjustment easier via use of a spanner wrench, tool, or more clear adjustment settings. Will just have to see how it goes....
1. Install goes very easy. I used stock length (12.5") instead of going up or down.
2. Adjustment of pre-load is a pain in the ass. Progressive offers no real guides such as a starting point for one-up riding, two-up riding, with luggage, etc. I contacted Tech support and all they could say was "start out at the lightest setting and adjust from there....". While I understand that each rider will have their own preference, it really would not be that difficult to offer a pre-load guide.
3. Speaking of adjusting the shocks, it is nearly impossible once the shocks are installed....and is impossible if you have bags as they will have to be removed to make any adjustments. There is no spanner wrench or tool to adjust the pre-load once the shocks are installed...you do so by turning the top cap by hand. However, this is difficult because there is no room to grasp the cap and gain enough leverage to turn. So....I had to purchase a rubber strap wrench to adjust the shocks, and again...cannot make adjustments with the bags on the bike (have Corbin hard bags that must be removed each time shocks are adjusted).
4. I set my initial preload at 4 turns (1st adj line showing), which was 4 turns from lightest setting. Felt stiff and not much different than stock (I'm about 300 lbs and rarely ride 2-up). So, adjustment made "down" 1 full turn...then rain set in and cannot test shock ride further for the time being.
I have high expectations for the 440's, but rather disappointed at the lack of forethought by Progressive to make adjustment easier via use of a spanner wrench, tool, or more clear adjustment settings. Will just have to see how it goes....
