How do you adjust preload on shocks?
If the percentage comes out to less than thirty percent, you need to reduce the amount of preload, which you can do by spinning the retaining collar on the shock upwards. If you have over thirty percent, then you will need to turn the collar downwards to increase the amount of preload.
How does a Softail suspension work?
The Softail® has rear wheel suspension hidden away under body panels held in place with a swingarm. They’re soft on your tail, hence the name. Models produced between 1984 and 2017 have shock absorbers along the bike’s axis. On 2018 and later bikes, the shocks are under the seat.
What do I need to adjust the shocks on a Harley Davidson?
Always adjust shocks with the motorcycle resting on the jiffy stand and always adjust both shocks the same number of turns; equally. You will need a spanner wrench (Harley Davidson part # 94448-82B) and a large 1-1/16″ wrench.
How is the rear shock spring preload adjusted?
The rear shock spring preload may be adjusted to the total load, or may be varied to suit your own personal comfort. The more preload you add, the stiffer the ride will feel. Your service manual will help you determine the correct number of preload turns (adjustment) for your estimated total weight.
Do you need an adjustment for a Softail shock?
Makes it very easy to have the adjustment you need. These are not my words but is the most complete Softail shock adjustment I have read. Softails’s come from the factory with the lightest setting for the rear shocks (for <180lbs solo rider). However, they can handle well over 400lbs with no problems with a simple preload adjustment.
Where are the shock absorbers on a Harley Davidson Softail?
Softail models feature adjustable rear shock absorbers located beneath the motorcycle. They function opposite of a conventional shock, as they are inverted. Positioned horizontally under the motorcycle, the shock is mounted to the frame in the front of the bike and to the swing arm in the rear. As the shock compresses, the bike gets taller.
Makes it very easy to have the adjustment you need. These are not my words but is the most complete Softail shock adjustment I have read. Softails’s come from the factory with the lightest setting for the rear shocks (for <180lbs solo rider). However, they can handle well over 400lbs with no problems with a simple preload adjustment.
Always adjust shocks with the motorcycle resting on the jiffy stand and always adjust both shocks the same number of turns; equally. You will need a spanner wrench (Harley Davidson part # 94448-82B) and a large 1-1/16″ wrench.
How to adjust rear shock preload on V-twin?
Again, note that the lowering effect is more as the weight on the bike increases. For example it will sit much lower with two people that weigh a total of 400 lbs as opposed to a single rider that only weighs 170 (if the preload is the same for both cases that is). Rather than “….Jack the bike up so the rear tire is off the ground..”
What’s the softest setting for rear shock preload?
5) With the spanner wrench, turn the adjuster plate clockwise no more then 4 complete turns by counting how many times the mark from step 4 crosses the 6 o’clock position. 0 turns is the stiffest setting, and 4 turns is the softest setting.