Progressive 442 are excellent. From OEM, Air to the 442
At first I ordered the 'heavy duty' series because that's all that was available. After putting the shocks on I realized very quickly that they were way to stiff.. like no give at all and needed to have the springs replaced with standards. This was completed by Progressive and the shocks are perfect now.<br /><br />Let's start the overall review with, I'm 5'11, 185 and don't ride 2 up. Bike is a Harley Softail Slim<br /><br />Over the past year I've run the bike with the original shocks, a 'Shotgun Shock' and now running on the 442 standard spring. When I was looking for something softer than the OEM shocks I had to give the air ride system of the 'Shotgun Shock' a try. Though this has an incredible ride the slow air leak of 2 units (I had the first one replaced but ran into the same issue) caused concern and I moved to the 442's.<br /><br />I ended up running into two real issues with the 'Shotgun Shock'. The main being the slow leak of air which would cause the shock to soften and then bottom out while riding. It would take a few hours before this became real noticeable while riding as well as each morning I would be required to readjust the shock because of the leak. At first I was living with this, after all the air ride is amazing and the look of the bike 'slammed' when parked was sweet. This brings me to the second issue, the slowing failing switches. On a 1600 mile trip I started having what seemed to be a short in the switches. This meant I had to hit the switch a few times before the compressor would engage. Considering the shock was leaking and the possibility of not being able to raise the shock was real, I just couldn't continue using the product. This is when I moved to the 442s.<br /><br />While waiting for the springs in my 442s to be swapped I decided to go back to the OEM shocks. These aren't bad but my rear would get tired quickly. Once I received the newly springed shocks I put them on (pretty easy) and once I started riding I found I got twice the ride time before getting tired when comparing the OEMs. As for the difference in the 442s and the air ride, well I would say the air ride allowed for 3 times the ride before getting tired with the OEMs.<br /><br />The 442s are excellent and at half the cost of the air ride unit and no worries it's perfect. Sure it's not riding on a cloud but it's far better than stock and without any more worries, I can focus on the ride.<br /><br />If you're not sure about these shocks you shouldn't be, get them, your rear will thank you.
If you take the time and follow the instructions as far as pre-load and set up the shocks are amazing. Not only are they comfortable but handle very well as I am an aggressive rider.
Great Investment!<br />My 2003 Fatboy kept bottoming out.<br />I installed the Progressive 422 RAP shocks myself in about two hours. They solved the problem and it rides great. <br />Thanks Progressive!
Yes, you should get these
The Progressive 422 with RAP improved my '17 FatBoy S ride dramatically. No more back jarring bumps. Recently did 2000 miles in less than a week and felt great afterwards. Combine these with Progressive's mono-tube front end and you will have a new bike whose ride is better than the new softails.
Paired with the front suspension, these 422s are amazing! I dialed my to the lowest setting and then tightened it up 9 full turns before it was perfect for my total riding weight. I can take my FatBoy lo over bumps and into curves about 10 mph faster with the same level of comfort and safety. The RAP made dialing it in a breeze and I can easily adjust for added weight when needed. Highly recommend this upgrade!
Progressive 422’s: Great for Heavier Riders with Adjustable Settings
As a heavier rider at around 265 pounds, I’ve had great success with the Progressive 422’s. I opted for the Standard Duty Springs and set the non-RAP shock to 3 full turns, while adjusting the RAP to about halfway. This setup has provided me with a comfortable ride.<br /><br />For heavier riders, like myself, the adjustability of the shocks is key. I’m even considering increasing the non-RAP shock to 4 full turns and backing off the RAP for more flexibility when carrying an occasional passenger. So, in my experience, these shocks aren’t just for lightweight riders — they work well for heavier riders too, as long as you fine-tune the settings.
AWESOME! Worth the investment. So much better than stock. Don't wait. Buy them now!
I ride a 2003 FLSTF Fatboy and have been struggling with the suspension since new. First went with the Airtail which makes the bike look sick when lowered however the ride was similar to a hard-tail. Went back to stock then picked up some Works shocks which were better than stock but had no ability to adjust preload or dampening, only ride height. Contemplated buyer a new bike but the cost is just out of range, so decided to make mine a better riding bike. Since I already installed the front Monotube cartridge inserts decide to try the 422 with RAP. Yes they are expensive but it is seriously the best money I have ever spent on my 12-year old bike. Having a rear suspension that actually works is so incredibly refreshing I can't even begin to explain how satisfied I am with the ride. Just suck it up and buy these suckers, after the sting of paying for them wears off, you're gonna be a happy SOB!
Great shocks just installed today. Had to get new stock mounting bolts only. Used Blue Loctite and off down into the wind. After a good hour Purposely went down rough roads. Just floated over the bumps . as opposed to my old set of Progressive 9 years old. Was a bit hesitant on buying these .But Hands Down glad I did.
The difference is night and day between OEM shocks and the Progressive RAPs. Simply the best shocks I have owned. Super easy install (make sure you have a 19mm ratchet head box wrench). Even easier adjustments.
Ok... was a bit skeptical that this Progressive Shock could be that good. However, bought it and figured I would let Harley install it.<br />Well, the Harley mechanic ( a good friend) came out and said it was the best shock he had ever put on a bike He said it was easily 5 times the quality and build of the stock Harley shock. <br />The ride... absolute difference. Small road bumps that I would tense up for before.... now, just a smooth glide. Perfect choice!
By far and large, the BEST money you can spend to imprive the ride quality of your bike! Pop the extra for the adjustability, you and your passenger will thank me later!
Big difference between this and stock. It's nice to be able to adjust in seconds. Glad I made the purchase.
422 with RAP
Top product, very pleased
Great performance upgrade
Great performance. External preload adjustment makes it easier to adjust for two up riding.
Good product and was received one time.
The first set of these shocks i recieved were defective. The line fell out of body. So far the second set have been great. We will see in a couple months how they hold up.
this product is simply amazing the ride and handling of my Harley is superb .works beautifully with the progressive suspension fork cartridges.
One of the best mods I have done. The ability to change preload for solo or two up riding and the fantastic feel of the rear suspension are great reasons to do this upgrade. Did both shocks and monotubes in my garage. Two hours apiece. Heat gun, penetrating oil and some gentle persuasion release the rear shock bolts. The front forks are a piece of cake.
Like a new bike!
Had the original suspension on my 2014 Heritage, and my back and butt were complaining loudly! Found myself aiming for potholes after I had them installed because I couldn’t believe it was that smooth. Love having the adjustment for when I load up or have my daughter on the back. Had trouble installing as my floor jack didn’t give me enough room to get a breaker bar on the swing arm bolts. Best to have a lift (or a friend with a lift!).
Like them so much got a set for the front end
When the shock absorption travel can be adjusted and the seat height is lower than the original car, the support is also good, but it feels a little bit hard
Installed these bad boys on my 2014 FLSTN since I lowered the front end and the ride is amazing! They look great and quick adjustments are easy to do...I have gotten a lot of comments. Great product!
Love this part
