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Softail shock preload adjustment

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  #1  
Old 11-09-2012 | 02:45 PM
reservoir dog's Avatar
reservoir dog
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Default Softail shock preload adjustment

Before I start , I have read all the threads and my FSM about softail preload. Seems they all say turn adjuster plate CCW to increase preload . I adjusted mine today on my lunch break and if you turn the adjuster CCW it moves away from the spring toward the back of the bike , this would be unloading the spring not preloading it , Right? am I missing something here ? The bike did seem to ride softer after I went 2 turns CCW . Anyone got any thoughts , Thanks ,BTW its a 1997 heritage
 
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Old 11-09-2012 | 03:57 PM
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Do what feels right, try it 2 turns the other way too.....Softie shocks are quite confusing things to adjust because you are upside down to start with....the manual may be referring to CCW but looking from the front of the bike....which would work.
 
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Old 11-09-2012 | 11:02 PM
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..........
 

Last edited by IronWright; 10-03-2013 at 02:20 AM.
  #4  
Old 11-10-2012 | 02:14 AM
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Originally Posted by IronWright
if spanners39 is too bizzy chasin kiwis, try this....

Softails's come from the factory with the lightest setting for the rear shocks, 180lbs

1) Jack the bike up so the rear tire is off the ground. The more clearance you have the easier it is. Don't forget to strap the bike down. You don't want it falling on you while your wrenching underneath it.
2) Loosen the jam nut all the way out. Its a 1-11/16" nut. If it doesn't want to loosen easily (which is often the case), soak it in some penetrating lube.
3) With a spanner wrench (HD p/n 94448-82B) turn the adjuster plate counter-clockwise (so the shock housing moves towards the front of the bike) until its up against the jam nut.
4) Then take a light colored paint pen, or a piece of duck tape, and mark the 6 o'clock position on the adjuster plate to use as a reference point when doing your adjustment. Don't worry if they're not in exactly the same position on both shocks. Thats normal.
Now your ready to adjust the shocks to your weight/load.
5) With the spanner wrench, turn the adjuster plate clockwise no more then 4 complete turns by counting how many times the mark from step 4 crosses the 6 o'clock position. 0 turns is the stiffest setting, and 4 turns is the softest setting.
6) While holding the adjuster plate in place with the spanner wrench, tighten the jam nut up against the adjuster plate by turning the nut clockwise.
6) Now repeat the exact same process on the other shock. The key is to adjust both shocks equally.
The general rule of thumb I use is:
4 turns for load <= 180 lbs
3 turns for 180lbs < load <= 235lbs
2 turns for 235lbs < load <= 300lbs
1 turn for 300lbs < load <= 375lbs
0 turns for 375 < load
Examples:
235lbs solo rider: 3 full turns
235lbs solo rider + 32lbs pack: 2.5 turns
235lbs rider + 150lbs passenger + 32lbs pack: 0.5 turns
I like a slightly stiffer ride when running solo (3 turns for my 235lbs fat booty), but run a softer ride when my girlies on the back (1 turn). Adjust your shock to taste by 1/4 turn increments till you get it dialed in for you and your riding style.
Note: you may be tempted to skip step 1 and not jack the bike up. Resist the urge. A stock ride height with the bike on its kick-stand, you may be able to use a crowsfoot or similar to get the jam nut loose, but you will have little to no room to use the spanner wrench. So take the time to do it right and jack the bike up. It only takes a minute (including strapping the bike down).

I am gonna print these instructions off and laminate them for the workshop....about as clear as it can get.

Cheers dude....and I was out fishing, not chasing Kiwis
 
  #5  
Old 11-12-2012 | 07:29 AM
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Thanks Guys, I had already read those instructions and my FSM and both say to increase preload turn CCW. Here's my logic , slide a spring over a bolt and tighten down with a nut , that loads the spring . But like you say softail shocks work backwards . I just went 2 turns so its in the middle , works for me .Thanks
 
  #6  
Old 03-18-2013 | 07:29 PM
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My 2013,slim owners manual says to go clockwise until it stops thats the lowest setting then go counter clockwise 1 turn for 185-235 2 turns for 235-285 3 turns for 285-340 and 4 turns for 340 pounds to maximim added weight allowed. *pasenger/cargo for every 35lbs increase preload one turn the jam nut on mine was 1-1/16" this is real confusing any suggestions
 
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Old 03-19-2013 | 09:44 AM
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Originally Posted by reservoir dog
But like you say softail shocks work backwards .
If it makes it easy to understand: all the "normal" shocks are being compressed when they absorb a road bump, softail shocks are being stretched.
 
  #8  
Old 09-30-2017 | 08:22 PM
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Originally Posted by Nypd10183
My 2013,slim owners manual says to go clockwise until it stops thats the lowest setting then go counter clockwise 1 turn for 185-235 2 turns for 235-285 3 turns for 285-340 and 4 turns for 340 pounds to maximim added weight allowed. *pasenger/cargo for every 35lbs increase preload one turn the jam nut on mine was 1-1/16" this is real confusing any suggestions
This is correct
 
  #9  
Old 09-30-2017 | 09:04 PM
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Originally Posted by Keith455
This is correct
Seeing as how he posted that 4 years ago I figure he's doing fine now.
 
  #10  
Old 09-30-2017 | 10:31 PM
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Originally Posted by texashillcountry
Seeing as how he posted that 4 years ago I figure he's doing fine now.
Time traveler.
 


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