On my '09 FXDB, I am curious if it is normal that every time I hit a medium to large bump in the road, the rear suspension feels like a hardtail. It literally bumps me temporarily out of my seat. Makes me kinda nervous, especially on turns on the highways. Is this just the way the bike is, or if I loosen the suspension up a bit to the lowest setting, or lower setting using a spanner wrench, will it make a difference. I weigh 160 lbs, anyone have similar problems or input on hopw I should adjust the rear to suit my weight better?

 

gain more weight, harder to bump you out of the seat sorry, had to say it... I am 240 and don't have that problem, but sure someone will provide answers that aren't as smart as mine...

 

I had that problem on my 06 when I had it and I lowered it one notch at a time until it felt better i only had to move it one.

 

This may sound like a ridiculous question, but which way do I turn the ring to lower it?

 

didnt have this problem with stock shocks but when i lower to 11" i get it sometimes.. But all in all i can live with it for the looks

 

counter clockwise to lessen preload.

 

Is that counter clockwise when looking down at the top of the shock, or from the bottom prospective looking up?

 

You can just look underneath also to see which way to turn. I'm 220 and have mine on the second setting. I rode the first month I had the bike on the lowest setting and was fine. I might actually go back to the first setting, but I need a spanner wrench. I used the dealers last time. There's no need to have it on the highest setting unless you are riding two with gear or weigh more then 160!

 

In my personal experience, the Dyna has the absolute worst rear shocks I have ever seen (I currently have 10 bikes). I weigh 200, same experience you describe.

I purchased some new Ohlin shocks, rather expensove, but totally transformed the ride. Any aftermarket shock is likely better than what you have. Get the same (or longer) length. Shorter will just make it worse, if thats possible

jmo,

greg

 

Forks out of a box, whether it's Harleys or aftermarket will not work, unless they are sprung to your weight, because you are lighter than normal, at the least amount of preload, those stock shocks are still probably too stiff for your weight. Too stiff= uncomfortable and loss of traction.