Suspension Guy's Blog

http://motorcyclesuspensionblog.com/

suspensionguy — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 02:46:48 +0000

Did you know we make a Damper for HD Springer forks?

suspensionguy — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 16:20:55 +0000

The beloved Springer is often overlooked when it comes to high performance suspension components. Not by Progressive Suspension, though! We’ve been happily building a replacement shock for years!

Designed to reduce front end bounce, dive and the inherent softness of the stock setup. MultiStage Velocity Sensitive Damping increases cornering stability, as well as ride quality. The Springer front end has never worked so well! http://www.progressivesuspension.com/springer/index.html

New for 2011 – 465 Series Monoshock with Hydraulic Ride Height Adjuster!

suspensionguy — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 17:59:32 +0000

Suspension tuning can dramatically improve the ride quality, handling and comfort of your motorcycle and the more tools available to work with, the better the results. With that in mind, Progressive Suspension has added a Hydraulic Ride Height adjuster to their 465 Series line of high performance monoshocks. The 46mm bore shock is also stuffed with features like deflective disc damping, threaded body and a 5 position rebound adjuster. Setting it up to perfectly match your bike, weight and riding style is now a few clicks away. Includes remote mounting bracket. Stock height and lowered applications for Road Star, KLR650, Raider, ST1300, V-Strom, M109R and more.

Check it out on their website, or contact your local Progressive Suspension dealer for more information.

465 Series Monoshock with Hydraulic Ride Height Adjuster MSRP: $745.90

440 Series Inertia Active Shocks – The Inside Story

suspensionguy — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 22:14:42 +0000

PSI 440 Series - The inside Story

The 440 Series shock has been in our roster for a number of years and continues to be a top performer. Why is that? Well, street-going bikes are for the most part cursed with a limited amount of total suspension travel (generally 4” or less) and maximizing that travel is what the 440 Series shocks do best. Incorporating an I.A.S valve (Inertia Active System) that separates chassis input from road input and adjusts the damping curve on the fly, they help isolate the rider from the often harsh road below. What’s really inside these things? Take a look at this image to better understand what happens inside a shock and check out this brief video of how we make them!

More info on setting suspension sag

suspensionguy — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 17:02:08 +0000

No matter the quality of your suspension upgrade its true performance potential can not be realized until it is properly set up. Progressive’s Scott Hodgson walks us through a detailed setup on a Harley bagger, although the same applies to most twin shock bike. You’ll be amazed by the difference a little tuning can make!

940 Series shocks – Installed by Hot Bike Baggers Magazine

suspensionguy — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 19:03:51 +0000

Ernie from Hot Bike Baggers swung by and let us add a set of our 940 Series shocks to his Road King. Check out the install on their site!
http://www.baggersmag.com/tech/1006_hrbp_2004_hd_road_king_progressive_suspension_upgrade/index.html

Touring Link Install Video – It’s pretty easy!

suspensionguy — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 22:39:59 +0000

Finally an inexpensive and easy to install solution to the handling challenges faced by many touring models. Does not hang below the frame or impede ground clearance.
Keeps motor/swingarm assembly aligned with chassis without introducing unnecessary vibration to the rider and it’s pretty easy to install. Take a look!

What the hell is suspension sag and why would I want any?

suspensionguy — Mon, 17 May 2010 15:39:14 +0000

OK, so now you know your shocks can be adjusted to fit your bike and weight, but where do you start? http://www.motorcyclepartsandaccessoriesblog.com/2010/03/10/jp-tech-tip-suspension-and-bike-fitment/ Naturally from the beginning and with an understanding that shocks work in both the up and down movements of the bike. If all pavement imperfections where bumps, shocks for the most part would focus on compression. Unfortunately, there are pot holes and other sorts of gaps that require a shock to function in the other direction, as well. To achieve this, a shock compresses a small amount under the weight of the bike and the rider, before it has even been asked to do any work. This is called Sag, and is adjusted via the handy Preload Adjusters we include on each PSI shock (as well as on most stock equipment). There are two key Sag measurements, the first is Free Sag, ideally measured from the center of the rear axle to an arbitrary point directly above the axle (a fender bracket, for instance). This is done off the stand and with a helper holding the bike straight up. A solid lift of the rear end (simply pick up the bike by the fender or rack as far as you can) will unladen the shocks and a Free Sag measurement can be taken. The next critical measurement is Rider Sag and this is done with the rider on the bike (hands on the bars and feet on the pegs) and a helper or two supporting it. A measurement is again taken from the center of the rear axle to the same point as before. The difference between the two measurements is your final Sag and for cruiser and touring bikes is generally expected to be .75” to 1.25” (depending on application). If your number is less, then the bike will require less preload, and if it is higher, more preload is needed. Twin shock bikes should always be adjusted with the equal preload on both sides. Turns out sag is not always a bad thing and a correctly set up bike will ride far nicer, deal with road imperfections better and reduce rider fatigue!

What shocks best fit my Dyna?

suspensionguy — Mon, 03 May 2010 18:26:06 +0000

The Dyna is a one the the best all around riders in the HD lineup. Lighter than the baggers, handles better than the Softails and not afraid of eating up big miles. The one thing it lacks? Decent suspension, of course! Not a problem, we’ve always loved this model and have a comlete line of shocks and fork springs to transform it into the machine it was meant to be!

http://www.progressivesuspension.com/drpatdyna.html

Progressive’s Pat Lovro explains the new 940 Series shock & Monotube fork kit

suspensionguy — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 17:40:13 +0000

Shot at the recent V-Twin Expo, Garage Girls Sara Liberte talks to Progressive’s Director of Sales, Pat Lovro about the newest of the new from Progressive Suspension.