Trying to find the best shock for our application and use, I did a lot of reading on the VTXOA board. The Progressive system seemed to be the first choice over any other brand.

Progressive recommends if rider weight is less than 200 pounds and limited two up riding, you should go with the standard spring. With rider weight above 200 pounds, added accessories like saddle bags, or two up riding more than 50% of the time, Progressive recommends you go with the heavy duty spring.

Comments and the general consensus from those using the Progressive shocks disagreed. Everything I read recommended going with the standard springs no matter what your weight / passenger weight and use was. The heavy duty springs were too stiff and many went with the HD springs from Progressive’s recommendations and then later had to change the springs out and go back to the standard. After all the reading and comments I followed their advice going with the standard spring.

I found the standard springs were adequate for one up, but with a passenger or any weight in the luggage the standard springs bottomed out. I set them to the maximum preload and still the minor pot holes in the road were a problem for the shocks.

Even though Progressive will swap out the springs at no charge, I decided to purchase the heavy duty springs and install them myself. I had no problems with the spring exchange and it was an easy swap.

I prefer a stiffer ride and don’t care for mushy, but with the HD springs one up they are way too rigid. With two up riding even on the minimum preload setting they are still too stiff and rigid. Only by throwing some weight in the bags do you start to feel the shocks working.

I found some very interesting information after asking a few questions that explained my problem. Maximum weight on the standard spring should be 200 pounds and minimum weight on the heavy duty spring should be 270 pounds. There is no overlap of weight limits and you have a 70 pound dead zone that neither spring covers.

One up I am a bit over 200 and the standard’s are fine but the HD’s are too stiff. Two up at a bit over 300 pounds combined weight the standard is useless and HD’s on the minimum setting is still too stiff.

I really like the ride and handling of the bike with these shocks, and the fork springs are the best on the market. If you have a combined weight of 220 or below, you should go with the standard springs. In my opinion, if you have a combined weight from 220 up to 350 you will find the HD’s are too stiff. If you fall into that dead zone, I would suggest you look at another shock.

Reviewed By: Cliff
For Progressive product information "click here."