rear shock adjustment : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

PatriotARK · 07-12-2003, 06:17 PM

I need to adjust my shocks and all the factory sm says is to mark so you can make equal adjustment. Is there a limit built in where they will only adjust out so far?? I'm a big guy and need all the swingarm I can get. Thanks!

Ed Y · 07-12-2003, 06:56 PM

I've never tried it to take them all the way but there probably is. I'd just go 1 complete turn and try. If it's still too soft, go another full turn. I've never seen anyone have to go more than about 2 1/2 turns from stock setting.

Deuce442 · 07-13-2003, 09:52 AM

I adjusted mine to the softest setting, and there was a point when they stopped. On my bike it was only about 1.75 turns from the factory setting.

PatriotARK · 07-13-2003, 08:09 PM

Thanks for all the help guys! Just got back from my maiden voyage!

Clive · 07-17-2003, 08:49 AM

My lowered deuce bottomed out under 185lbs. Cranked them out 1 turn and it made a big difference.

DrHeathenScum · 07-17-2003, 10:13 AM

as a side note... I bought one of these:

comes in pretty handy

http://hometown.aol.com/jqdw/tailwrench.html

Warlord · 07-17-2003, 10:16 AM

Hello

Does anyone know how soft or hard are the factory settings? On a scale of 1 to 5, 1 being softest and 5 being hardest???

Ride free!!!

Deuce442 · 07-17-2003, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DrHeathenScum
as a side note... I bought one of these:
http://hometown.aol.com/jqdw/tailwrench.html

Wow, thats much nicer than the HD tool! However, the HD one is only $4. Just curious what is the other end used for?

DrHeathenScum · 07-17-2003, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Deuce442

Wow, thats much nicer than the HD tool! However, the HD one is only $4. Just curious what is the other end used for?

one end fits the 1 1/16" locknut and the other fits in the adjuster holes.

"Serious Motorcycle riders adjust the suspension of their bikes to take into account riding conditions or just as a matter of preference. Now it will only take one tool instead of three to adjust your Softail shocks* with the newest tool from J.Q. Design Werks. No more jacking up your bike or fumbling with the wrong tool or a flimsey spanner. The "Tail Wrench" is PRECISION CNC machined from rugged 1/4" thick American steel...sporting the large locknut wrench on one end...and the adjusting spanner on the other.
It's custom, compact design easily swings under any Softail 1989 to present with the bike simply leaning on it's side stand. Also, using a typical frame lift only gets in the way of the shocks and makes adjustments impossible.
"Soften your shocks for that low look or wind em' down for that heavy ride.Easily fits in your tool roll for on the road convenience.

*The Tail Wrench also fits aftermarket shocks and American others."

yellowFatboy200 · 07-18-2003, 08:32 AM

Very cool Dr. Thanks
I'll have my bud cut one out in the shop for me. Press in a couple pins and there ya go. Might even add the brass knuckle look to it.

You Serious Motorcycle rider you.

DrHeathenScum · 07-18-2003, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by yellowFatboy200
Very cool Dr. Thanks
I'll have my bud cut one out in the shop for me. Press in a couple pins and there ya go. Might even add the brass knuckle look to it.

You Serious Motorcycle rider you.

If you make one, don't add the brass knuckle look to it. that's the only thing I don't like about it... sucks on the hands if you have to push hard on it.

OldMiC · 02-21-2004, 03:15 PM

Dr. H.,
That looks like a nice tool. I see the guy who makes them only takes checks or MO. His site also refers you to Ebay, but I couldn't find any there. Not asking you to vouch for the guy, but how long ago did you order yours?

Thanks

100THFLSTFI · 02-22-2004, 02:17 AM

I tip the scales at 280 Lbs on my Fatboy. When I went to my local dealer for the 1000 mile checkup, I told them I was bottoming out on some speedbumps and when making turns at speed. They said they would adjust the shocks all the way stiff. When I picked it up they said take it for a spin and if it needed to be softened up to bring it back and they would take care of it. I no longer bottom out on those same speed bumps and don't drag the footboards on right hand and U-turns. The ride is still quite nice. No need for anymore adjustments. The bonus was that they did not charge me for the shock adjustment.

duhast · 02-23-2004, 08:24 PM

with the shocks at full soft. I bought the wrench, and have put 4.5 turns on them, though I have no idea how close that is to full hard.