I have secreted a Progressive 465 home in my checked luggage. Yesterday I whacked it onto the K100RS at the same time as fitting Sidecar Paul's eagerly anticipated lower shock stud support. In a coupla hours I'll be wending my way towards Cunninghams Gap via Beaudesert and Boonah, the perfect roads to test the new suspension's mettle over those irregular surfaces. The front 'S' forks and steering head bearings have been serviced and the Michelin Pilot Road tyres are relatively low mileage.

A nice little burble down the Mt Lindesay Highway today to meet Rick G for lunch and hand over his US-sourced spares. The sun was warm, but with a cooling breeze. I had a look at Wyaralong Dam - fair bit of water in there for an extended drought. The rear shock performed admirably, tho' I started out with the preload a bit taut. Twice I 'softened' it and the ride improved from jiggly to supple, which means I've heaps of room to adjust for load and road conditions. I never fiddled with damping from my initial setting of number two of five clicks available.  

Is it an improvement over the Italian-built Bitubo I've had on the bike since 2012? Yes, due to that shock's much heavier spring tension and more limited range of preload adjustment. It would be ideal for a heavier K75 or K100 rider who also carried a load. The Bitubo has a greater range of damping choices as compared to the Progressive, however.


The one irritation that stands out about the Progressive is that it comes only with a preload spanner that requires a 3/8 ratchet. Who wants to carry one of those on a sporting ride, or even a tour? Using the original factory tool almost works, but the Z frame is in the way and one must remove the right hand pannier to gain adequate access to adjust preload. Points taken away.

Progressive specify the shock be mounted 'piston up' which places the locking collars at the bottom, and the damping adjustment top rear, so it's an access issue, one which I'll overcome or adapt to. The shock does ride nicely over smooth bitumen and respond quickly over dips and on gravel.

Wyaralong Dam.

I've had one of these for a couple of years. TWB accurately describes its drawbacks but it holds the line riding over washboards in gravel and keeps me in the saddle over pothole fields too—not that I need to go looking for those features. My town taxes conveniently supply them.

Laitch wrote:I've had one of these for a couple of years. TWB accurately describes its drawbacks but it holds the line riding over washboards in gravel and keeps me in the saddle over pothole fields too—not that I need to go looking for those features. My town taxes conveniently supply them.

So, seeing as you have been riding with one of these a while out in the country do you recommend it as an all around good shock for a guy like me who loads up his bike and goes traveling on long trips? Reason I ask is that I'm looking to replace the unit that is on my  1988RS which is probably the shock it was built with before I head out west next summer.

yamaguzzi wrote:So, seeing as you have been riding with one of these a while out in the country do you recommend it as an all around good shock for a guy like me who loads up his bike and goes traveling on long trips?

When there's just me at 180lbs and another thirty pounds in the cases, the five-position rotating rebound wheel is on #1 or #2. When I add another 180lbs or so, the wheel is set to #5. I'm satisfied with the control over patched pavement with speed and gravel washboards with caution on Metzeler Sportec Klassiks. I use 7.5 oil in the front. I keep a light grip on the bars and like a firm ride on a stock K dual seat.

Progressive has a mixed reputation for durability out in the world. I have one because I got a good deal on a new one when I needed a replacement. I've had it three years using it six to eight thousand miles in a six month riding season—maybe 25% of that mileage with gear and a passenger both. My experience is limited. The only other shock I've had was the basic 20-year old OEM version. It was completely beaten up when I replaced it.

I've got 2000 kilometres (about 1200 miles) on this Progressive thus far on Australia's quite rough outback two lane highways and urban areas round the Gold Coast. It's a heavier spring than I expected but with me and gear at 90 kilos (<200lbs) with possibly another 25 lbs in camping gear, tools, etc., the spring works best for me when slack at the bottom range of its tension, with the preload on 2 of 5. It's quite supple and responds quickly without being harsh, or worse, wallowing. Having not added heaps of weight yet I'd say it'd only be better because I've got so much room to adjust up as required. Also, it's rebuildable down the track if needed, according my local (Tacoma) suspension specialist.

Thanks for the reviews on this shock.It really helps me to hear about something like this by guys that are actually riding with them.You know,the salesman will tell you just about anything he thinks you need to hear to make the sale and at 400 + USD I want to be somewhat informed before I jump in and buy it.My OEM one did ok on this trip I just returned from but I doubt it could do it day after day for 3 months loaded with all my gear to live off the bike and there is no living off the bike without gear unless you have real deep pockets.

I replaced the OEM shock with that model Progressive on my now-departed 1985 K100RS.  I put about 20K miles on the unit and liked it fine.  However, with the highly recommended RAM shock offered at roughly the same price, I may well try that one when next I replace a shock.  That may be a while, as the K1100LT has few miles on the original unit.  One of the factors that has me inclined toward the RAM suspension is the willingness of the firm to deliver it with the spring weight you desire.  It's really a nice looking piece as well.   That said, I don't think you'll be disappointed with the Progressive if you go that route.