05 FXDLI rear shock adjustment?

[tawd77]

I just bought a 05 Lowrider. I am about 280lbs, and wonder if I should stiffen/raise up the rear to compensate? Any ideas if I should, how much, and how do I do it? Any help would be great, Thanks!

[Pikeslayer]

My brother has an '05 Low Rider. He weighs about 225. We set his shocks at max stiffness, big improvement.

Oh yeah, welcome to the forum. Plan on stayin' awhile?

[gunnysgt]

I have a 09 Street Bob. They have the same length shocks as low riders. I weigh 240. The stock shocks were marginal even on the stiffest setting. I replaced them with Progressive 412s that had the Heavy Duty spring. Big difference.

[tawd77]

Probably a dumb question, but how do I set the shocks to "max"? Thanks for the help!

[Pikeslayer]

You'll need one of these:


Just turn the spring perch until it is compressing the spring the most.

[tawd77]

only available locally from the harley shop i would assume? How much is that little spanner? Thanks

[Pikeslayer]

I don't know, do a google search. With 2 people you might be able to do it by hand.

[tawd77]

I went to the HD shop and got one. It was $14 - Not too bad. When it quits raining I will go see if I can get it adjusted. Thanks for the help!

[tawd77]

Anyone know what a good progressive shock number would be for my bike/my fatness? Thanks

[Hedghog]

Hi,

I have a 2000 DWG. When I bought it in May of this year, it had Progressive #412's on it. I don't know how big the fellow was that had the bike originally, because he passed away 5 years ago and I bought the bike from his wife. When I bought the bike, I also bought the service manual ($60) but well worth it. To check if they are adjusted properly you will need another person to help you and you do it as follows.

1. Straddle the seat with the jiffy stand up and no weight on the seat, have someone else push up and down on the seat to make sure the shock is moving freely.
2. Have someone pick a spot at both ends of the shock and measure that distance and write down that distance (mine was 11 1/4")
3. I had my brother help me, so he kneeled down next to the bike with the ruler and then I sat on the seat using his shoulder to balance myself, he then took another measurement. It was 10 1/2".
4. The difference was 3/4".
5. According to the service manual the shock travel should be between 1/2" and 1", so mine was perfect 3/4".
6. If the distance is less then a 1/2" they are set to high or tight, if the travel is more then 1" they are set to low or to soft.
7. Adjust with the spanner wrench accordingly and remeasure.

I hope this helps.

Hedghog

[tawd77]

Originally Posted by Hedghog

Hi,

I have a 2000 DWG. When I bought it in May of this year, it had Progressive #412's on it. I don't know how big the fellow was that had the bike originally, because he passed away 5 years ago and I bought the bike from his wife. When I bought the bike, I also bought the service manual ($60) but well worth it. To check if they are adjusted properly you will need another person to help you and you do it as follows.

1. Straddle the seat with the jiffy stand up and no weight on the seat, have someone else push up and down on the seat to make sure the shock is moving freely.
2. Have someone pick a spot at both ends of the shock and measure that distance and write down that distance (mine was 11 1/4")
3. I had my brother help me, so he kneeled down next to the bike with the ruler and then I sat on the seat using his shoulder to balance myself, he then took another measurement. It was 10 1/2".
4. The difference was 3/4".
5. According to the service manual the shock travel should be between 1/2" and 1", so mine was perfect 3/4".
6. If the distance is less then a 1/2" they are set to high or tight, if the travel is more then 1" they are set to low or to soft.
7. Adjust with the spanner wrench accordingly and remeasure.

I hope this helps.

Hedghog

Thanks Hedghog. I will do that!