We have installed the Progressive 944 rear suspension for Harley on quite a few bikes over the years and we love them. Because we've used them for quite some time, we recommend them and carry them in the Law Abiding Biker Store. In this video, we show you how to install the 944 rear shocks on a Harley and how to adjust things so you have the proper sag.
Adjusting Proper Sag
Darryl here at Law Abiding Biker Media was not happy with the overall ride of his 2016 Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited, which came with the outdated air-shock system Harley used for so many years on many of its touring models. The stock Harley air shock system leaks over time, which becomes a big frustration for many riders.
Darryl not only wanted to get rid of the air suspension, but he also wanted to lower his Ultra Limited a bit, so he would sit more flat-footed when stopped. The Progressive 944 rear suspension for Harley was certainly my answer for him. That's because the Progressive 944's Ultra-Touring model lowers certain models like the Ultras by an inch without losing great rear shock performance. They don't lower models such as the Harley Street or Road Glide Specials as they already sit an inch lower than Ultras.
Progressive Ultra-Touring & Ultra-Low 944 Series Shocks for Harley
There are also several different models of the Progressive 944's and it will depend on how much riding weight you'll actually have, so make sure you select the correct model for your needs. You'll want to take into consideration how much luggage you'll load on and whether you're going to ride with a passenger often.
Another option is the Progressive 944's Ultra-Low model, which lower some Harley models such as Ultras two inches. That means models such as Street and Road Glide specials would be lowered one inch since they are already one inch lower than an Ultra.
For more details about fitment and lowering, head over to the Law Abiding Biker Store.
After we installed Progressive 944 rear suspension on Darry's bike, he went for a ride and that's when the true test began. Changing your rear suspension on your Harley to the Progressive 944's is an unbelievable change in the overall ride and Darryl is now flat-footed when stopped. He is really enjoying how these shocks handle and give his Harley a new feel!
Make adjusting your suspension sag easy, with this Tusk Sliding Sag Scale!
I put these on my 14 ultra limited about 4 years ago i absolutely hate them i have adjusted them all over the place and the ride sucks. Emailed progressive twice and never got any type of response.
That’s too bad, Kevin, sorry to hear that. Squid here at Law Abiding Biker Media is loving them on his 2016 Ultra! Popeye ran them for years riding cross-county on his Street Glide and loved them.
I have to go with Kevin on this one. Hated them on my 2017 SGS! Way too stiff no matter what the setting. I bought them primarily to lower the rear by 1 inch. That goal was achieved but I never expected the ride to be so hard. I could feel every bump and road imperfection. I’m not a big guy, 5’7″ and 180. I generally have about 20 pounds of stuff in my bags, so 200 lbs of load and the ride is terrible. I got rid of them but unfortunately the stock shocks were thrown out. Now I have a pair of after market $250 shocks that tend to bottom out on the big dips/holes. Still lookin for that smooth ride.
I have 14 Ultra Limited. 6’3” 230 + wife + saddle bags, tour pak and Harley luggage on top. Don’t know weight but has to be a lot. We bottom out a lot. What 944’s do I need?
Bill,
Hard to say without knowing the total weight, but you’ll need at least the Heavy Duty or perhaps the Super Heavy Duty.
Ride Safe & Ride Often!
~ Matt Couchman
Law Abiding Biker™ Team
Helping & connecting as many bikers as we can worldwide!
So what are the weight ranges for the different 444’s?
Tony,
444 Series shocks are available in 3 configurations: Standard Weight, Heavy-duty (250+ lbs) and Super Heavy Duty (Touring Models only – 350+ lbs).
Ride Safe & Ride Often!
~ Matt Couchman
Law Abiding Biker™ Team
Helping, connecting, entertaining, and inspiring as many bikers as we can worldwide!
I am anticipating a change to these, I want the standard length (444) series. After reading some of these comments I am getting confused. Does anyone have any favorable comments and or experience with
the 444 series