[PeeDubYa]

I'm confused here, probably read too much info on the board.

I have an 2005 1800R Spec 3 like the looks and the power but don't like the ride. Its way too rough for me one up. I had a 1300R before this and one up with the stock shocks on 3 - was fine. I'm about 270 and have a 30" inseem. I've given the shocks on the 1800 a try at 2, 3, 4 one up and 5 on the two up.
Two up at 5 is a nice ride. Single I usually are at 3, although the same bumps on the same roads that I hit on the 1300R lift me out of the seat on the 1800R, & 2 doesn't seem much better.

So I'm considering purchasing the Progressive suspension items to try and better the ride.

The progressive fork springs are simple enough - order, pay etc...

The rear shocks are where I'm coming into my confusion. If I purchase the 12.5" length those are the same length according to Hal's site info. From what I understand I need to go with the HD springs. As I understand it the 440's have more than 5 set positions. One post suggested for two up equaling around 430 lbs. (if I recall) the rider set it on 3.5.

Right now I'm almost flat footed on the 1800R, if I drop down to the 12" shock length - or lower am I screwing myself because I am cutting off an inch or more of travel? Or would I be better set up to be flat footed on the X?

I ride two up 30% of the time, also with a larger passenger (she would kill me if weight was mentioned) usually for longer trips.

It seems that the 418's don't have as much adjustment but aside from that come in the same lengths and spring offerings.

Got that credit card ready to go - but just don't know what way to go...

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Phil

 

[H-Town X]

I am in a simmiliar situation, I purchased a 04 Retro spec 3 and really dont like the way the bike rides, I have ridden friends Retro's and their bike seems a lot smoother than what I am currently experienceing. I have progressive 412's and have changed the front springs and am still not satisified. I have done a bit of reshearch and from all I have read suggest that the 440's are the way to go. Most that have purchased the HD have complained that the ride is to stiff, dont think I woud go with the HD especially at 30% 2up. I dont know much about the 418's but I would recommend that you bite the extra cost and get the 440's, they are the top of the line shock for these bikes. Just my 2cents worth.

 

[scup]

I'm 240 & have the 440's 12.5" std spring... I wish I bought the HD springs

 

[tros66]

I am you - 270 and 30 inch inseam. I have a 2005 Neo with a 1300 FD, a 206-60/16 Bridgestone Potenza CT and most of all I have 440's 12.5 HD and they give me the best ride yet. Easily adjustable and fun to experiment with.

440's, 12.5, HD. You won't be sorry :wink: :wink:

 

[mevbo]

Progressive told me that if you're over 225 solo, to go with the HD's.

I'm 240 & have the 440's 12.5" std spring... I wish I bought the HD springs

You can call progressive and get the hd springs. If you ship them to them, they will install. Not too $ either, like $30 per spring and you get your old ones back.

 

[dave shady]

Im on the 440 12.5" HD's now and a bit larger than you are. Work nicely they really have 3 lines on the shock for setting them. low med and high but you can stop anywhere inbetween. I keep then on the HIGH line.

I had the 418's looks nice but they leaked after 2 weeks on the bike, sent them back and paid the diff on the 440's that was 2 years ago. still good.

 

[el mucho grande]

I am 6'5" 295lbs. I have the 440 hd set a min. and they are still too hard I need to send them back for new seals and will have std. springs installed. My wife rides her own bike so I don't ride 2 up that much but when she was riding with me I still kept the preload at min. and that was a nice ride.

 

[hipshot]

I'm 240 & have the 440's 12.5" std spring... I wish I bought the HD springs

Scup, I have 12.5" 440 HDs and would be interested in swapping springs. PM sent.

 

[PeeDubYa]

Thanks everyone - looks like its time to give the credit card a workout. Its a shame that I have to spend $600 +/- to get a good suspension on a new bike.

I think I'll go with the fork springs and the 440 12.5" HD. It appears that if I do find that the HD is too much I can always get Progressive to swap out the to the standards.

Thanks again,
Phil

 

[hipshot]

Thanks everyone - looks like its time to give the credit card a workout. Its a shame that I have to spend $600 +/- to get a good suspension on a new bike.

I think I'll go with the fork springs and the 440 12.5" HD. It appears that if I do find that the HD is too much I can always get Progressive to swap out the to the standards.

Thanks again,
Phil

More like $500. And that's cheaper than replacing the OEM components.

 

[latj]

I have the 412sstd 11 1/2s i am 225 keep them set on the #3 setting they are great i thought until i put the progressive springs in the forks WOW what a difference. Just my 2 cents.

 

[PeeDubYa]

More like $500. And that's cheaper than replacing the OEM components.

Dunno where I was pulling $600 out of....

This is why you gotta like HDL & the Sales they offer. After the sale prices on the already nice prices.

Sub-total: $454.46
Tax: $0.00
Shipping: FREE!
TOTAL: $454.46


Thanks Hal - :mcrider:

 

[Paulstoy]

Hi Phil,

I'm 240lbs, ride solo much, have the 440HD set on softest, have progressive front springs and it's all much better than stock.

Try Morotcycle Warehouse for good prices too.

Hope this help,
Paul

 

[Spaggs]

I'm 190. With cloths, gear and extra chrome, I'm more like 210-215. If I get the 440 HDs and it's too stiff, Progressive will swap out the springs for free? :?

Spaggs :blkc:

 

[Paulstoy]

Hi Spaggs,

Progressive told me they would sell me the standard springs at dealers cost after I send my HD springs to them. I found I didn't have mine set right but after doing so, I decided to keep them.

Paul

 

[jwhok]

I'm 230, 29" to 30" inseam. Ride two up 50%+, so I got the 12.5" HD 440s.
Together we run about 370. Have them set on softest setting all the time
and we are good. Solo riding I thought might be a little stiff until I started
riding my 109 solo on factory setting. Didn't realize how good the 440s were.

 

[Littlefoot]

Something else to be aware of.

For standard springs see below:
The 12.5 440's have a 120/170 spring.
The 12.0 and shorter 440's have a 210/250 spring.

For heavyduty:
12.5=210/250 spring
12.0 and shorter=270/315 spring.

So in essence if you order a 12.0 standard shock you are into the HD spring.
Could explain the different experiences of 440 shock owners with standard springs.

Charlie

 

[Spaggs]

Littlefoot,

Thanks a bunch for the spring rates. I think I'm going to get the 12.5" HD. This sounds like a middle of the road spring. :wink:

Spaggs :blkc:

 

[alxduv]

Something else to be aware of.

For standard springs see below:
The 12.5 440's have a 120/170 spring.
The 12.0 and shorter 440's have a 210/250 spring.

For heavyduty:
12.5=210/250 spring
12.0 and shorter=270/315 spring.

So in essence if you order a 12.0 standard shock you are into the HD spring.
Could explain the different experiences of 440 shock owners with standard springs.

Charlie

Wow! Wish I had that info when I bought the 12.0 units. Thanks for posting. Always thought the shocks were a little on the stiff side with just me on the bike. Rides like a dream with a passenger. Probably gonna sell the 12.0 440's and buy the 12.5 model.

 

[PeeDubYa]

Just a follow up. I did purchase and install the fork springs and the 440 with the HD springs. Now I've only had about 60 miles on the bike since, but what a difference. The posts that refer to this being a night and day difference type mod - believe them!



Had a friend help and Bares fork spring instructions were very helpful.

So if you are thinking about purchasing the Progressive suspension parts - YES they are well worth the $$$$..

Thanks everyone that chimed in and helped me make this decision.

Cheers,
Phil :mcrider: