I've got a 2011 Wide Glide. I am having one issue that I can't figure out with it. When I am riding solo and it speed bumps or potholes she rides pretty smooth,but whe I am riding 2up with the wife it feels like the bike is bottoming out. It just doesn't feel right. Now my wife she is 5'4" right about 100lbs. My question is this a shock adjustment or is it just natural for dynas. I coming from a sportster and never had this issue.

Thanks

 

With the stock shocks, and no adjustment, I was bottoming out on speed bumps (riding over them at 30 mph), and dragging pipes while riding two up. I decided to go with Progressive 440 shocks and those problems went away immediately. I didn't get the "heavy duty" version, as I still spend most of my time riding solo.

I couldn't tell you whether or not the stock shocks can be adjusted to eliminate the issue. I just didn't like the over-all ride. Too springy for my taste.

 

I had to adjust the preload on my shocks for riding 2 up, I am 1 click out from the firmest setting and haven't had any issues with bottoming out.

 

you need to adjust the shocks, factory they are at 1 sounds like you need them on at least 3 when you are riding 2 up without luggage.

if you look in your owners manual it will give the the recommended weights
at each setting.

 

Just change the preload by adjusting the shocks.

Never had this problem when I have my stock shocks on my Bob.

 

I assumed mine were on the middle setting when new but I was wrong. When I checked I found them on the bottom setting. I clicked them up to the top and it handled normal bumps much better. I'm 200 lbs. and the wifes about 110 and I'm okay with the stock shocks.

 

Whats the best way to go about adjusting them never tried I know you just spin the bottom but what do you guys use to do so? Weird wrench ya gotta buy?

 

With a good pair of leather gloves for grip, I adjust mine with no tools..

Just grip hard and turn

 

Or you can buy a tool, HD makes one and some other company too.

 

ok I will give you my 2 cents,

Stock shocks = crap even with adjusting pre load
Order Progressive 440 HD = ok ride still issues with bottoming out now and again
6 months 440 have both got blown seals,

ordered 430 HD progressives today, last chance if these blow I will not buy progressives again

I am no evil kinevil, I dont jump of gutters or anything like that, not enough skills to do wheelies/stoppies, so there is no reason for this, the roads out here are **** and thats all I can put it down to, that and speed, speed as I understand is the shock killer fast changes in conditions is what overloads stock shocks, I often ride at or around 90 MPH, that and road conditions make a bad combination and also our crap streets here in town,

thats my 2 cents, I will report back when I get my 430's fitted (I am current back on the stock ones until they turn up.