Progressive 440s

[diggitydogg]

Took my new Rocket out for its first ride today, and it was great. The only disappointment was the stock rear suspension. I didn't enjoy being jostled by every highway seam and bump in the road â€â€

 

[hawg dawg]

440

diggity----plenty of info on 440's in tech section of forum. most everybody i have read say it is a hell of a difference between stock and 440's. best mod. most have made is usual comment. check it out.---john

 

[Chrispy294ss]

Hello diggitydogg,

I'm 240 6-3, I ride both single and two up. I'm still with-in break-in period and I'm really hating these orginal shocks too. Even on preload 1 with my wifey on they suck.

My riding partner from last year just changed to 440's and loves them. But there has been so much rain here that he hasn't got his wife on the back yet. I'm told there is a HD 440 which is recommended for guys our size and for two up riding.

I'm probably going for the 440HD after break in period is over, before we start to many long distance rides.

Nice black beauty ride you got there too.

Cheers,

Chrispy

 

[diggitydogg]

Just got back from the garage.

Question 1: the bottom of the shock has the numbers 1 through 5 on it. How do you know which setting you've chosen? Is it where the number lines up with the bottom nut that holds the shock onto the bike (in other words, facing the side of the bike)?

Question 2: i'm assuming it was at 1 before, as the manual states. to attempt to resolve my issue, i should try it at 5, right? that would make the bumps softer?

Sorry to be such a dumbass.

 

[Chrispy294ss]

I'm new to this too,

The book says:

Suggested suspension setting:
Position 1 Rider Only
Position 2 Rider and Passenger
Position 5 Rider Psgr & luggage.

So this would mean that 1 has the least amount of preload and be the softest setting.

"How do you know which setting you've chosen?"

The book states "adjuster setting are counted from position one with position one being with the adjuster turned full anti-clockwise.

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You know, I've never tested to see if it is all the way fully anticlockwise on my bike. When I asked the dealer he looked and said yes... it's on number one. Hummmm, I guess I gonna have to check this out tomorrow.

Cheers,

Also Neubie Captn' Chrispy

 

[DCRocket]

You got it - factory setting is one, so crank em down. I ran at 3 till I changed mine out for 412s, but I'm only 170 and 5'10"

I'm guessing 4 or 5 will definitely be an improvement for you - but nothing's gonna beat upgrading your shocks

I think someone here has changed the front springs, which I'm sure can't hurt - but mine seem fine

 

[houkster]

If your problem is you hit bumps too hard, you don't want to crank the shocks to 5.
I got the 440's too, the standard spring (vs heavy) version, weigh 235 and ride solo. Let's say it has 5 settings (doesn't exactly work that way - you'll see if you get some). I have mine essentially at 2, 1 being softest and it has worked great.

 

[diggitydogg]

"You don't want to crank the shocks to 5."
"Guessing that 5 will definitely be an improvement."

Confused.

I realize that replacing the shocks will make a difference, but in the meantime, what setting will soften the bumps most?