Ricor or Progressive 444's - 117" FXD touring

[splitting_lanes]

I thought I'd see if anyone had any experience with the Ricor shocks on a Dyna, or any comparison to the new Progressive 444 shocks.

I have a 117" Dyna with bags & T-bag, etc.. and go on plenty of long rides with my girl on the back. This Summer we did a 2,700+ mile ride and plan to do more next summer.

I have some Progressive 412's on it now, and they are worn out after 60k miles on them.

Any input on what my next rear shock should be?

Me: 195, her: 118, gear: 50 - standard springs seem to be fine, but would like better action from the shocks for unknown roads.

thanks!

[Dave in Texas]

Ohlins is the shock brand I finally went with. I did install Ricor Intiminators in the forks. That suspension combination made such a huge difference.

[splitting_lanes]

Originally Posted by Dave in Texas

Ohlins is the shock brand I finally went with. I did install Ricor Intiminators in the forks. That suspension combination made such a huge difference.

Dave, which model of Ohlins did you install?

[speedfoos]

While I have no experience with the Progressive 444s, I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night. Good thing I rode there on my Dyna that has Ricors in the rear and their Intiminators up front.

Love them. I upgraded from stock shocks and it was a world of difference. My wife occasionally rides with me and I know she noticed a difference even after the short (hour) ride she was with me - she doesn't like to ride much. I thrash the bike pretty hard every day on my commute to and from work - lots of twisties, plenty of spaces where the road forces me to 40 and coming out of the turn its on the throttle again to 70 and the bike is completely stable now. It was dicey when running the stock suspension, but I have little fear now. Bike is more predictable and comfortable.

I put in a vote for Ricor, but can't compare them to Ohlins or the 444s Progressives. I've put about 1000 miles on them since June when I put them on while on my R&R and have continued to ride the piss out of the bike since I got back for good three weeks ago.

[Dave in Texas]

Originally Posted by splitting_lanes

Dave, which model of Ohlins did you install?

#2 #2(A) Photos taken just after I completed the install and before doing the sag adjustments.

[splitting_lanes]

Yeah, I was planning to do something, either Racetech or intiminators in the forks -- to match up with the new rear suspension.

so, we have one vote for Ricors, and one for Ohlins (those are rebuildable, midrange, $900 Ohlins, right?)

any more info would be helpful. I've been through all the shock threads in the dyna section on the forum, and I want to get it really good (read: great) this time around....


ps. My next ride in a couple weeks is going up Highway 1 past Fort Bragg, I believe

[Dave in Texas]

No, not $900. Just a little more than half that. If they ever need service or a rebuild job, the seller is also the dealer and can do the job. Ohlins are built according to individual specifications given by the buyer.

[y2kflhr]

I just got a pair of JRI's probably from the same place as the ohlins came from, they are pricey, and I only just got them installed and the sag set, they are good out of the box, but should be great once I dial them in...

pm me if you want more info, I don't wan't to step on anybody or any sponsor toes....

[anubisss]

Ohlins or JRI's will stomp all over any progressive shock. Spend a little more and get the best, it is worth the extra money. i am going to be getting some of the piggy back JRI's from Howard at Motorcycle Metal when the cash comes in. Give Howard a call and we wills pend hours with you on the phone explaining everything about suspension, how it works and why one is better than the other. I work for a shop and send every suspension customer I have to Howard. I am yet to get a complaint regarding his service or products.
http://www.motorcyclemetal.com/gpage17.html

[splitting_lanes]

I called Howard, didn't get a chance to give him details yet, but I'm in no rush -- just preparing for this winters suspension/brake/wheels and cosmetic stuff.

Thanks for the input

[y2kflhr]

I have about 200 miles on the jri's so they aren't broken in yet, need about 1000, but I played a little with the dampening on some really bouncy beach roads this weekend and it was pretty amazing, they had gotten to the point where I had to run the road about 50 or I would get tossed off the bike, I ran it at 80-85 and only once did I leave the seat....granted with was with a lot of dampening just so I could feel the change but I can see these being great shocks.

[splitting_lanes]

Ironically, the shocks i'm considering now aren't even in the title of this thread....

JRI's or Ohlins.

[y2kflhr]

the one thing that I think I have left out of the conversation is that ohlins or the jri's can be rebuilt, which means that it pays to transfer the shock to another bike instead of just leaving it on and selling it with the bike when the time comes, a progressive you will just toss or sell.....that was a big factor for me

[speedfoos]

To throw another one out there for Ricors, they can also be rebuilt/revalved.

[C-Cat]

Originally Posted by splitting_lanes

Ironically, the shocks i'm considering now aren't even in the title of this thread....

JRI's or Ohlins.

Must be works shocks? I 've got them in my 124ci. Dyna along with their fork springs, big difference from stock. Eliminated nose dive on decel and braking, and the rear shocks were great for my weight and riding style right out of the box. Also got true track stabilizers, they help too. Can't comment on how they stack up against the others, but have heard great things about the Ohlins, and race tech emulators.