Progressive 444-4209 Standard Spring Rate 12.5"

[PEKAY]

I have a 2015 Roadster I'm 6'4" and weigh 235. I'm looking at the above rear shocks and wondering if anyone here has a late model Roadster that has upgraded to these particular shocks. I've read here that some folks felt that Triumph improved their later model shocks over ones on earlier model Roadsters. At first I thought I could live with the stock shocks, but now I have to move on. Progressive shocks (to me at least) are affordable, but will they tame the beast? I'd like to find shocks that smooth out the ride, I ride solo only and most of my miles are commuting miles. Any input is greatly appreciated.

 

[garyclem]

Anyone using Progressive 444 shocks

 

[dougl]

I have them and like them. They have automatic dampening, which is a big deal assuming it works. I have never been expert enough to do manual dampening correctly. At 170 I have the preload set on the lowest of 4 settings with standard springs. At 235, you need to decide on the standard or heavy duty springs. With two up, the standards might not cut it. I have called progressive and they are helpful. Tell them your weight range and see what they recommend. Also, a lot of heavyweights here can weigh in.​

 

[cr0ft]

444 HD on that bike and that bodyweight should be pretty ideal, I'd say. Considering the weight of the bike and your weight you probably want HD, anyway.

Deflective disc valving is top of the line stuff, and their so called FST tech makes a lot of logical sense.

 

[PEKAY]

Thanks for your replies guys. Unfortunately shocks aren't try before you buy items. I put a Corbin Fast Gun saddle on which I feel is a vast improvement over the stock seat. Because of my height it sat me up way too high, like everyone else has said, the Corbin allows you to sit more "in" the bike. I love the Roadster and the only issue I have with it is the jarring rough ride. Other than that it is truly outstanding in every way.

 

[1olbull]

I run the 444/HDs.
They are superior in the twisties and eliminate wallowing which can dig in frame parts mid turn and present serious hazards.
Mine are set up with twisties in mind and set that way they do yield the occasional sudden, back jarring jolt at speed on our POS not maintained highways. The handy hand screw can easily be backed off improve the ride to a "float" - IF I remember to do it!

Perhaps go here and do some reading:
http://www.progressivesuspension.com/pdfs/shocks_shockSprings/3053-028 Inst 444 Install.pdf

 

[dougl]

You can also to a lot better with progressive fork springs.

 

[PEKAY]

I run the 444/HDs.
They are superior in the twisties and eliminate wallowing which can dig in frame parts mid turn and present serious hazards.
Mine are set up with twisties in mind and set that way they do yield the occasional sudden, back jarring jolt at speed on our POS not maintained highways. The handy hand screw can easily be backed off improve the ride to a "float" - IF I remember to do it!

Perhaps go here and do some reading:
http://www.progressivesuspension.com/pdfs/shocks_shockSprings/3053-028 Inst 444 Install.pdf

Thanks For The Link 1olbull..I gave it a read...I think I'm gonna pull the trigger. I haven't read of anyone taking them off because they hated them, so I'll give them a try.

 

[sonny]

I have been looking around and have decided that the 444/HD's are the way to go. The Wilbers just seem to be a bit much for how I ride. Not really into racing sport bikes just want something that improves the comfort level and riding capabilities of the bike.

 

[cr0ft]

Personally I think both the Wilbers and probably Hagon Nitros are better shocks, but really when you get to the $600 a pair range we're talking pretty minor differences in my opinion. Deflective valving is what you want to see. Having more adjustability is great, assuming you also have a motorcycle shock expert on tap who can help you dial that in. Trial and error with no real comprehension of what it should be like would probably cause me to make mine worse than the Progressives...

I too lost any wallowing tendencies, and the 444's eat all the small rough stuff on the road surface completely that would previously rattle my fillings. Still need to do something about the damping up front, I think that's much more of a problem than the spring, but we'll see if the Ricor Intinimators do anything for me there or not, once I get those mounted, I guess.

But unless you're quite light as far as weight goes and don't ever do 2-up, I'd definitely go with the HD on the Rocket, certainly for a 235 lb guy it seems the wisest choice.