I was talking to my brother-in-law today about doing this. I am still on the fence as I ride 2 up with the wife 80% of the time. And with my bad back I certainly don't want to be bottoming out at all.

Anyone do this mod and still like riding 2 up with the bolts installed???

 

We just did this exact mod to my buddy's 2009 fatboy. I couldn't agree more with the O/P that it was a very well spent 16 bucks. He has been riding two up with no issues at all. Remember, you can also tighten the shocks up a couple turns just to be safe. I also posted a big thread about these bolts and was surprised at all the people who were against them. But after actually doing it, its a great mod. Especially to a fat tire fatboy, that at least IMHO.... looks down right silly at the stock height.

 

I have mine lowered almost to the max and ride 2-up quite often. I set my preload up and haven't bottomed out yet. I'm weigh in around 260 and the wife is around 125.....just to give some perspective.

 

You got you a good woman there Sage!

 

+1. Now I feel like I'm in the bike instead of on top of it.
Just have to adjust my preload, as I bottom out on bumps.

 

Ok dumb question (and I did search first) can you adjust the preload on stock softtail shocks if so how? I have mine lowered with bolts and would like to adjust if possible.

 

Yup. Think I'll be doing this with the method you posted after I get back from Daytona. Don't want to lower the ride a few days before riding so much in case 1) I don't like the ride of it lowered... And 2) In case I do some serious damage trying to do the mid myself

 

Yes the stock shocks are adjustable. If memory serves me correctly there was a good video on YouTube that explained it.

 

Ya, there's a special spanner wrench you use to turn the back of the shock counter clockwise for a stiffer ride, or heavier load. About 10-20 bucks. Adjust them equally (same number of turns). Just do a search for proper technique.

 

I'm impatient. Decided to try this tonight and the shocks actually came off pretty easy. The rear bolts were on there tight as hell as others have said so to get them loose I put a wrench around the bolt, placed a 25lb dumbbell against the other end of the wrench, and pushed against it with my feet while bracing myself. Loosened right up.

Tomorrow I'll try and use the makeshift press idea from this thread and swap out the bolts.