416's - What makes them better?

[Strohkr]

I'm sure this has been dealt with many times in the past but...
My 2013 tri-glide rides rough and it's killing my back. I've reduced the tire pressure, lowered the pressure in my OEM shocks, had a lift kit installed, etc. Still rides tough - I realize it's going to ride harder than a IRS system but I didn't think it would ride this rough. A couple of friends told me to go to Progressive 416's and they would help. My dealer said they wouldn't make any difference. So - we're a couple of weeks away from a 2500 mile trip - can anyone tell me exactly why the Progressive 416's will be better than the stock HD air shocks I guess I just don't understand why Progressive air shocks are better than HD air shocks
Thanks!!!

 

[GARYD]

What tire pressure are you running? I have 21 psi in mine and that seems fine - - for me. Do you ride 2 up or solo?

 

[Livin2Ride]

I'm sure this has been dealt with many times in the past but...
My 2013 tri-glide rides rough and it's killing my back. I've reduced the tire pressure, lowered the pressure in my OEM shocks, had a lift kit installed, etc. Still rides tough - I realize it's going to ride harder than a IRS system but I didn't think it would ride this rough. A couple of friends told me to go to Progressive 416's and they would help. My dealer said they wouldn't make any difference. So - we're a couple of weeks away from a 2500 mile trip - can anyone tell me exactly why the Progressive 416's will be better than the stock HD air shocks I guess I just don't understand why Progressive air shocks are better than HD air shocks
Thanks!!!

Since you say "we're" I'm going to assume you are riding 2 up. We have a 2012 model and have always followed the recommendations in the owners manual for all the pressures and we don't find the ride to be rough. We have done several 4 thousand plus mile trips and find everything acceptable, but the 1 thing I did after the first short trip was change the seat from the factory seat to the Air Zep. Everything has been good since then. It will never ride like a luxury car. BTW, I weigh 185 and the other half comes in a bit less.

 

[Gorilla]

Here is what I have done. I was tired of all the air adjusting and not knowing what it is at any given time. I installed Progressive 444 (Black heavy) with a full 3 turns of pre-load. I love them. I installed them upside down to allow getting to the pre-load adjusters easier. I weigh 220 and ride solo. Tour pack and trunk are full.

On my previous trike HD Road King with Champion conversion. I had Ohlins Shocks. They had a 25% pre-load. They also road great

Both ride alot smoother then the stock air shocks on my case