Progressive Suspension 416s

[rash_powder]

Hello all, I am looking to upgrade the rear suspension on my 08 R3T. I have been looking for a set of air shocks as I like the easy adjustability of them. On the Progressive Suspension website, the fitment guide for the Rocket is nearly identical to the fitment guide for the Valkyrie. So, this leads me to believe that the shocks are nearly identical, or at the very least interchangeable. The Valkyrie guide lists a 416, the Rocket guide does not. The Valkyrie is a very large bike, as you all know. There is a 416 available for Goldwings, again, very large bike. A Rocket is big too. Why is there not a 416 listed for the Rocket? Why wouldn't a set of these work? I do a lot of my riding single. But my girlfriend does go on the weekend trips with me. I have a trailer that I will be towing also. We are both a little on the heavier side of average - don't tell, but about 225 each. I know the HD440's seem to be the do all recommended shock, but would the 416's hold up? Thanx!

 

[JoseyR3Wales]

Depending on your size and pillion, but us big old boys use the 440's with the Heavy Duty springs at factory length mostly is what I read. Some use shorter to lower the bike. Just about every Rocket site I have been on the 440's are the choice.

 

[PhillyRoc]

The 440's with the heavy duty springs would probably serve you better. You may also want to get them a 1/2 inch longer than stock just to make sure you have the extra ground clearance when you ride 2 up with the wife. Don't let the hevy duty springs fool you into thinking the ride would be too harsh when you ride solo. I am 6'1" and 220# and ride 99% of the time solo and I think the ride is great. It's firm enough to be sporty but not beat you up on long hauls. Hope this helps with your decision.

 

[HellFire]

I tried the standard 440's and they are too light for anything but a bare naked R3.
Manufacturer differences may vary on the eyelets top and bottom. Progressive shocks work on the R3 without shims, but a bag full of varying diameter bolt hole spacers come with the shocks. Your concerns are the length, travel, capacity and of course the eyelet inside diameter.
Personally, when I returned the 440's back to Summit Racing I chose the Progressive Heavy Duty 418's as a replacement. They had the adjustable damping feature I decided was important to me, AND the were much less expensive. (Love the naked look of them too)

 

[saboteur]

Hellfire, it's official. I've been trying to get the 418 HD for almost a month now, and while 418's been discontinued only a week, they have no parts to build any more, none at the factory.
Very sad, yours look mean, and I love the adjustability. I have found a set of the lighter 418-1012.. wondering what you think of those.
I'm thinking I mostly ride fairly stripped down, no passenger, so they might be good for me. If I really want to load it up I can always use the stock springs? I hate having anyone as passenger, so me at 200 or a little less, plus gear...
Should I keep searching for those elusive impossible to find HD 418's? Grrr.

 

[TriumPhil]

Sooner or later you'll find a used pair will come up over here, saboteur: VTX Owners Association

Sign up and monitor the VTX 1800 and the VTX 1300 Classified boards and I'm certain you will meet with success. In most cases they will be the proper size, too! Happy hunting.

 

[HellFire]

Hellfire, it's official. I've been trying to get the 418 HD for almost a month now, and while 418's been discontinued only a week, they have no parts to build any more, none at the factory.
Very sad, yours look mean, and I love the adjustability. I have found a set of the lighter 418-1012.. wondering what you think of those.
I'm thinking I mostly ride fairly stripped down, no passenger, so they might be good for me. If I really want to load it up I can always use the stock springs? I hate having anyone as passenger, so me at 200 or a little less, plus gear...
Should I keep searching for those elusive impossible to find HD 418's? Grrr.

Man that sucks .... did you call progressive and ask them what the replacement is going to be for adjustable damping shocks? Can't imagine they would discontinue them without having something better or at least comparable as an option. This is the first I heard about them discontinued ... I guess I'll have to stop recommending them.

 

[saboteur]

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?

 

[MACS5RDR]

I run a set of 440 HD's, -1 inch and absolutely love them for handling as well as comfort.

 

[saboteur]

MACS5RDR,

Do you mostly ride 1 or 2 up? Carry much gear? Lately I'm feelin' too heavy at 200lbs, and mostly ride solo, limited gear.