Hagon vs. Progressive shocks?

[NC Steve]

My '82 R65 is woefully in need of new shocks, so I turned to Dave Quinn's site and his trusty Hagons, which I've used on 4 bikes in the past, and  been very satisfied with. However, Dave is closed for the day, so in looking around the innerneck a bit, I've learned that I could get Progressive 412s for the very same price, and maybe just a few bucks less, since many Progressive sellers offer free shipping. And, using my Amazon accumulated points plus a gift card I recently got for my birthday, I could actually get a pair of Progressives for around $40 less than the Hagons.

I've always loved ol' Dave Quinn, and have been a faithful Hagon user, on the BMWs and Guzzis all, but I'm wondering if maybe I should make the change. I'm not really wild about the Progressive's appearance, looking all chubby and Harleyesque, but they would stay covered most of the time by the saddle bags. Progressive makes a black shock too, if I could find find a pair, which would suit my tastes much better.

So, does anyone here have experience with both Hagon and Progressive?
Anyone with advice or an opinion- I know that's a guarantee!  
Any help would be very much appreciated!  [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

[nhmaf]

So as not to disappoint you, Steve!
 

I don't have both, though I did ride an airhead with Hagons once - it was a pretty good ride.   I have the Progressives on my R65LS as they were cheaper (by alot at the time) and more available when I was shopping to replace the sacked out OEMs that were still on the bike when I bought it back in 2003.   The progressives were also black, not chrome, and I thought that fit in better with the no-chrome look of the LS.  I think one of the reasons that people prefer the Hagons is that the US vendor will get info about how your ride, your weight, etc. and set you up with some with the best spring rate of several available.   The Progressives I think just come with 1 set of springs, and for a number of riders, are pretty stiff for the useful settings of preload.  As I am over 200 lbs, and ride the little R65 "briskly" from time to time, it works pretty well for me.   And, I've got the progressive springs in the front too, so both ends are similarly matched.

I've got an OLD set of air filled Works PErformance shocks on the R100/7 - I'm still trying to figure out what works best for them - but that bike is getting setup with a sidecar so more fiddling is bound to happen there.

[montmil]

Steve, I'll echo NH Mike's comments regarding Dave Quinn's service and the Hagons. I have Quinn-tuned Hagons on both R65s -dialed in at no cost.

Progressives -the chunky, ugly ones mentioned- were on my '81 R65 when purchased. Pretty danged stiff. I found out what 'good' rear shocks felt like after I worked with The Quinn Man.

Give Dave a chance to eat a bite and sleep once in awhile. You do know that he's basically a One-Man Band?

[NC Steve]

Hi guys, thanks for your suggestions. Yes, this would be my 5th set of Hagons purchased and set up via direct telephone conversation with Dave Quinn. I though it was funny the last time I called, ordering shocks for a Guzzi, and his wife answered the line. She said Dave was "out back in the other building", then said "just a minute" and laid the phone down like you would in pre-cell days, and hollered, "Dave, it's for you". I heard him yell in the background, "I'll be there in just a minute"; it was pretty cool to feel that small businessman, family run operation.

But, I was tempted by the fruit of another (Progressive), especially when I learned I could buy a much more recognizable, quality brand for less dough. After doing a bit more online research though, I found users who felt the spring rates were much too stiff, as you mentioned, Mike, and that Progressive (and many other) shocks were sold as a "one size fits all".

So, I believe I should stick with what I know, Dave Quinn and the Hagons, and have him dial me in another pair. I think I'll call him in a few minutes, and see if I can catch him not "in the back", no doubt working on another customer's order. Thanks guys.

[NC Steve]

I just got off the phone with Dave Quinn-what a great guy! I had almost forgotten how upbeat and friendly he is! Anyway, I ordered a new set of Hagon shocks that should be delivered next week. I've dropped a few pounds since buying the last pair, and hope to lose a bit more still, and wasn't sure what spring rate I should go with. Dave reminded me that his Hagons are sold with 2 spring exchanges, free, so if the lighter springs don't suit me I can always ship them back for a pair rated heavier. He actually encourages this, so his customers can dial in their shocks to better suit them and be satisfied with the product, and asks that they provide him with feedback on how the Hagons are working out.

So, since I know that Hagons are quality shocks, and dealing with Dave is such a fine experience, what was I thinking about when considering going with Progressive shocks?   I believe I'll have to claim temporary insanity on that one!  

[Justin B.]

I have Hagons on the Dawg and Progressives on the Boss' '84 and I really can't tell any difference.  That being said I don't have as finely tuned a "butt-ometer" as some around here...