How does a Softail rear suspension work?

Softail models feature adjustable rear shock absorbers located beneath the motorcycle. 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. As the shock extends, the bike stands lower.

How to adjust the rear shock on a Harley Davidson Softail?

Lower the motorcycle to the ground and remove the hydraulic jack stand from underneath the motorcycle. The shock absorber adjustment spanner wrench is available from your Harley Davidson dealer. Be careful when placing the hydraulic jack underneath the motorcycle. Do not place the jack underneath the brake pedal.

Where is the Softail on a Harley Davidson?

Softail Shock Adjustment. 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. As the shock extends, the bike stands lower. The rear shock spring preload may be adjusted to the total load,…

Where do you put the shock absorber on a Harley Davidson?

What kind of wrench do you need for a Softail on a Harley Davidson?

You will need a spanner wrench (Harley Davidson part # 94448-82B) and a large 1-1/16″ wrench. The 1-1/16″ wrench is used for the jam nut. It is a good idea to purchase a cheap 1-1/16″ wrench that can be cut shorter to access the jam nut. Typically, a wrench of this size is too long for this application as you are working under the motorcycle.

How much weight can a Softail shock handle?

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. The service manual is a bit vague on how to set the preload. The procedure I use is fairly simple.

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