“Progressive Suspension 490 Series: Get A Smoother Ride for Your Harley-Davidson®”
Progressive Suspension’s 490 Series Shocks
Harley-Davidson® motorcycles are iconic symbols of freedom, power, and American craftsmanship. For decades, riders have cherished the unmistakable rumble and classic styling of these legendary machines. However, even the most devoted Harley® enthusiasts often encounter a common issue: the stock suspension leaves much to be desired.
While Harley-Davidson® excels in creating bikes with unmatched character, the factory suspension often falls short in providing optimal comfort and control, especially during long rides or on challenging roads. This is where aftermarket suspension upgrades come into play, and few names in the industry command as much respect as Progressive Suspension.
The 490 Series by Progressive Suspension is a game-changing solution designed specifically for Harley-Davidson® motorcycles. Discover how this 490 Series Shock can transform your riding experience, elevating both your comfort and performance to new heights.
| Key Takeaway | Topic Summary |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Harley-Davidson’s stock suspension often lacks comfort and control, leading riders to seek aftermarket solutions like Progressive Suspension’s 490 Series. |
| Technologies | The 490 Series features a monotube design, deflective disc damping, and high-pressure gas charge for superior performance. |
| Features & Benefits | Key features include Frequency Sensing Technology, threaded body for preload adjustment, and a 5-position rebound adjuster. |
| Stock vs. 490 Series | The 490 Series offers better damping control, adjustability, comfort, and overall performance compared to stock Harley suspensions. |
| Enhanced Comfort | Provides reduced shock absorption, decreased fatigue, and improved riding posture. |
| Improved Performance | Offers increased cornering grip, enhanced braking stability, and better traction. |
| Installation Tips | Recommends professional installation, proper alignment, and following manufacturer guidelines for optimal performance. |
| Adjustability | Allows fine-tuning of preload and rebound to suit individual riding preferences. |
| Conclusion | The 490 Series is a worthwhile investment for Harley-Davidson owners seeking enhanced comfort, performance, and longevity. |
490 Series Suspension
The Progressive Suspension 490 Series represents the pinnacle of Progressive Suspension’s engineering prowess, incorporating cutting-edge technology to address the shortcomings of stock suspension.
Key Technologies
- Monotube Design: Unlike traditional twin-tube shocks, the 490 Series utilizes a monotube construction. This design allows for larger piston and shaft diameters, resulting in more precise damping control and improved heat dissipation.
- Deflective Disc Damping: This innovative damping system uses a stack of precisely calibrated discs to control oil flow. As the shock compresses and rebounds, these discs flex to provide seamless, progressive damping that adapts to various riding conditions.
- High-Pressure Gas Charge: The Progressive Suspension’s 490 Series shocks are charged with high-pressure nitrogen gas, which helps prevent oil aeration and ensures consistent performance even under extreme conditions
Features and Benefits
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Frequency Sensing Technology (FST) | Automatically adjusts damping based on road conditions |
| Threaded Body | Allows for easy preload adjustment |
| 5-position rebound adjuster | Fine-tune the shock’s return speed for optimal control |
| High-quality materials | Ensures durability and long-lasting performance |
| Custom-tuned for Harley-Davidson® | Provides optimal performance for your specific model |
Comparison to Stock Suspension
To truly appreciate the Progressive Suspension 490 Series, let’s compare it to the stock suspension:
- Damping Control: While stock suspension often provides basic damping, the 490 Series offers sophisticated, multi-stage damping that responds intelligently to various road conditions.
- Adjustability: Stock suspension typically offers limited or no adjustability. The 490 Series allows riders to fine-tune both preload and rebound to suit their weight and riding style.
- Comfort: The advanced damping and superior construction of the 490 Series significantly reduce harshness and vibration compared to stock units.
- Performance: Expect noticeably improved handling, cornering stability, and braking performance with the 490 Series.
Benefits of Upgrading to Progressive Suspension's 490 Series
Investing in the Progressive Suspension 490 Series for your Harley-Davidson® can yield a multitude of benefits that enhance every aspect of your riding experience.
Enhanced Rider Comfort
- Reduced Shock Absorption: The sophisticated damping system of the 490 Series absorbs road imperfections more effectively, resulting in a smoother ride.
- Decreased Fatigue: By minimizing harsh impacts and vibrations, riders experience less physical strain during long journeys.
- Improved Posture: The enhanced suspension control helps maintain proper riding posture, reducing back and joint stress.
Improved Performance
- Increased Cornering Grip: The 490 Series provides better tire contact with the road, allowing for more confident and precise cornering.
- Enhanced Braking Stability: Improved damping control reduces front-end dive during braking, resulting in shorter stopping distances and increased safety.
- Better Traction: The sophisticated damping system helps keep the wheels in contact with the road, improving overall traction and stability.
Increased Motorcycle Longevity
- Reduced Frame Stress: By absorbing road impacts more effectively, the Progressive Suspension 490 Series helps minimize stress on the motorcycle’s frame and other components.
- Extended Tire Life: Improved suspension performance leads to more even tire wear, potentially extending the life of your tires.
- Preservation of Other Components: Less vibration and harsh impacts mean reduced stress on other bike components, from handlebars to electrical systems.
Installation and Adjustment
While the benefits of the Progressive Suspension 490 Series are clear, proper installation and adjustment are crucial to unleashing its full potential.
- Professional Installation Recommended: Unless you have experience with motorcycle suspension work, it’s best to have the 490 Series installed by a qualified mechanic.
- Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: If you choose to install the shocks yourself, carefully follow the provided instructions and torque specifications.
- Check Alignment: Ensure proper alignment of the shocks during installation to prevent uneven wear and performance issues.
- Initial Setup: Set the preload and rebound adjustments to the recommended starting points for your motorcycle model and rider weight.
Adjustable Features
The 490 Series offers two primary adjustable features:
Preload Adjustment:
Controls the initial spring compression
Affects ride height and sag
Adjusted via the threaded shock body
Rebound Adjustment:
Controls how quickly the shock extends after compression
Features 5 positions for fine-tuning
Adjusted via a knob at the base of the shock
Fine-Tuning for Your Riding Style
To optimize your Progressive Suspension 490 Series:
Start with the recommended settings for your weight and motorcycle model.
Adjust preload to achieve the proper sag (typically 25-30% of total suspension travel).
Test ride and note any issues (e.g., harshness, bottoming out, wallowing in corners).
Make small adjustments to preload and rebound, testing after each change.
Continue refining until you achieve the desired balance of comfort and performance.
Remember, suspension setup is a personal preference. What works for one rider may not be ideal for another, so don’t be afraid to experiment within the safe adjustment range.
Conclusion
The Progressive Suspension 490 Series is an essential upgrade for Harley-Davidson® owners seeking unparalleled comfort, performance, and longevity. By addressing the shortcomings of stock suspensions, the 490 Series transforms your riding experience, providing smoother rides, better handling, and increased motorcycle lifespan.
For expert advice on these or any other V-Twin performance parts, call Rollies Speed Shop on 07-3252-5381, or click the button below.
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