Progressive Suspension 416s

Used 12" 440s over on the VTXOA site for $275, I think...

The standards are fine for most average sized folks. that's what i have on my beast and I go about 200-205 fully geared up. The few times I've carried a 125-160 lb passenger, i've been more tan pleased. The HDs are necessary if you run over about 275 lbs a (I think) or regularly ride 2 up. The Progressive site has good guidelines for type of shock/weight rating and their tech support people are very helpful, too.

What I received from where I had hoped to get a set of 418 HD's:

The 418-1019C shocks are discontinued. They offer a replacement 430-4219C.

I don't know if anyone's tried them or not for the Rocket.

Progressive rep said when we spoke that I'd like the non-hd set at my weight and solo riding style. The difference is all in the springs. He did caution that if a problem came up with a set of discontinued shocks, there's little they could do to repair blown damping.

saboteur said:

I talked with progressive, and they said that while they sold like gangbusters when they first came out, they dwindled till sales were almost nill. Guy said black was discontinued in 07, chrome last week, though parts aren't there to build any more, or fix. Was told if damping problems do come up, they might (read probably) not be able to do repairs, and would opt for selling a different set at a lower price. Good will gesture out of warrantee.

What does anyone think about the standard set? I'm gonna be leery about buying a used set of a shock that there's just no parts for in the factory... Thanks for the heads up, Phil.

Guess I should consider 440's after all? Hellfire, you say your 440's were NOT the HD ones? Were you thinking you'd just use your stock shocks for that kind of riding?

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I got the standard 440's because I figured I wouldn't need the extra duty springs ... I was wrong. Just one up was requiring that I turn the adjustment nearly all the way. Even if hadn't gotten the 418's I would have exchanged them for the HD's. Whatever you get, be it used, new, 440's 418's whatever ... this is a heavy bike. If you ever want to put another ass on the back or even load your saddlebags ... standard shocks won't cut the mustard. Now if you plan to run naked and are under 200lbs yourself ... then it's a judgment call ... just remember that it's easier to turn the preload down than up past the max. And yes, I did have to switch back to the stock shocks when the wife rode with me just before I exchanged them, if fact she rode back from Delmarva Bike Week in a friends car because of the shocks.

If you are worried the Progressive HD's are going to be too much like the stockers ... don't be. There isn't much out there that is as harsh as stock R3 shocks ... ****ing things are like a dump truck compared to anything else.

saboteur said:

He did caution that if a problem came up with a set of discontinued shocks, there's little they could do to repair blown damping.

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What ... ? ... do they think we jump these things over cars like the Fonz?

HellFire said:

If you are worried the Progressive HD's are going to be too much like the stockers ... don't be. There isn't much out there that is as harsh as stock R3 shocks ... ****ing things are like a dump truck compared to anything else.

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You've expressed my concerns quite well, lol.