Triumphrat

Haket2000 · 03-04-2008, 03:13 PM

I bought my R3 in 06 used (from this board) and was quite surprised how poor the rear shocks were, the former owner has replaced the stockers with Progressive 412s and under hard bumps especially 2-up the rear would be spine-crushingly bad.

Also with spirited riding in the twisties my Rivco floorboards would grind out and then the engine mounts soon after (especially if a bump was encountered mid-corner). None of this I was happy with but was too cheap to replace the 412s.

Fast forward 2 years later and my RHS shock springs a leak and dumps suspension fluid all over the brake disk/rear tyre. So this time I bought a set of 440s, std spring in stock length.

Initial impressions are great, the bike handles harsh bumps much better although may not be quite as smooth on flat ground. The rear does not squat in fast corners anymore and dramatically increases ground clearance when the bike is loaded up. Its just a much better setup than before and I cant wait to try them out on a longer trip.

dougl · 03-04-2008, 05:54 PM

Progressive recommended the 418's to me because I'm well under 200 lbs. If your load is over 200 lbs., you got the right shocks with the 440's. The 412's have only pre-load adjustment and no dampening adjustment. The 418's have manual dampening and pre-load adjustment while the 440's have automatic dampening and manual pre-load adjustment.

bkrbil · 03-04-2008, 08:41 PM

I weigh less than 200 lbs, and the 440's work great for me.

Perdurabo · 03-05-2008, 01:35 PM

I agree the 440s are a huge improvement on stock. I have the HD springs as I'm a FB.

Thinking of trying Wilbers (front and rear) on my new one though.

trumpete · 03-05-2008, 05:32 PM

My weight is about 210lbs. I have 440progs set on middle position. Dont scrape as much as i used to, but still scrape. Bottom out once in a while in big dips. If i set them any stiffer the ride gets harsh. Am satisfied for the most part, but now with 440's i notice how crap the front springs are. Maybe time to see about a change in the front..... All it takes is time and money right!!

dougl · 03-06-2008, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trumpete

My weight is about 210lbs. I have 440progs set on middle position. Dont scrape as much as i used to, but still scrape. Bottom out once in a while in big dips. If i set them any stiffer the ride gets harsh. Am satisfied for the most part, but now with 440's i notice how crap the front springs are. Maybe time to see about a change in the front..... All it takes is time and money right!!

My stock front springs have gotten a lot softer after only 12K miles. I'm having Progressive springs put in now with heavier weight oil than stock (I believe it's going to be 15 wt.).

trumpete · 03-07-2008, 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dougl

My stock front springs have gotten a lot softer after only 12K miles. I'm having Progressive springs put in now with heavier weight oil than stock (I believe it's going to be 15 wt.).

How much do you weigh dougl? Let me know if you feel diff. with new springs. Be nice to put them in with the standard oil to begin with , just to see if springs make lots of diff. What is stock oil weight?.......pete

Haket2000 · 03-07-2008, 01:50 AM

I agree 100% on the front forks, its only now I can feel their limitations. I'm interested in your new setup too.

dougl · 03-07-2008, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trumpete

How much do you weigh dougl? Let me know if you feel diff. with new springs. Be nice to put them in with the standard oil to begin with , just to see if springs make lots of diff. What is stock oil weight?.......pete

I weigh 170. One of the mechanics compared my front end to that of a new R3 and mine was a lot softer (after 4 years). I've always thought the front end takes too much of a dive when I hit the front brakes hard. I think this unweights the rear end and makes it easier to lock the rear wheel. I talked to Progressive about this and they said to put a heavier weight oil in than stock. I believe the stock weight is 10. Two of the guys in the shop have Tigers with 15 wt oil in the forks. It's a pretty big deal to change the oil. The consensus in the shop was that since the R3 is so much heavier, 15 wt would be a good place to start.

TallRocket · 03-07-2008, 03:05 PM

Following the post, are you intending to just replace the oil moving to a 15 or are you also installing a new front spring kit?