Rear Shock adjustment help needed
#1
05-13-2008, 11:32 PM
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location:
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Rear Shock adjustment help needed
Hello fellow Sporty gurus. I bought my Sport used and it was lowered. I noticed what appears to be adjustment notches on the shocks and I was wondering how can I raise the rear suspension? It looks as though you turn it, similar to a motocross rear mono shock.
I like it as is, but it bottoms outwhen wife and Iare on. Not that we're overweight, but this is lowered to where there is almost no travel as is.
Before anyone suggests it, know that I will be ordering the year specific manual this week.
I like it as is, but it bottoms outwhen wife and Iare on. Not that we're overweight, but this is lowered to where there is almost no travel as is.
Before anyone suggests it, know that I will be ordering the year specific manual this week.
#2
05-14-2008, 12:09 AM
RE: Rear Shock adjustment help needed
ORIGINAL: 99Sportster
Hello fellow Sporty gurus. I bought my Sport used and it was lowered. I noticed what appears to be adjustment notches on the shocks and I was wondering how can I raise the rear suspension? It looks as though you turn it, similar to a motocross rear mono shock.
I like it as is, but it bottoms out when wife and I are on. Not that we're overweight, but this is lowered to where there is almost no travel as is.
Before anyone suggests it, know that I will be ordering the year specific manual this week.
Hello fellow Sporty gurus. I bought my Sport used and it was lowered. I noticed what appears to be adjustment notches on the shocks and I was wondering how can I raise the rear suspension? It looks as though you turn it, similar to a motocross rear mono shock.
I like it as is, but it bottoms out when wife and I are on. Not that we're overweight, but this is lowered to where there is almost no travel as is.
Before anyone suggests it, know that I will be ordering the year specific manual this week.
or *really* strong hands. 
Crank it up when your riding 2-up, back down for solo.
#3
05-14-2008, 04:02 AM
Road Master
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Grosse Ile, Mi
Posts: 861
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
#4
05-14-2008, 04:57 AM
RE: Rear Shock adjustment help needed
The shock wrenches are good to have. I have one in my saddlebag, thought I don't adjust the shocks much. $10 bucks. bigtop1 idea of padded expandable pliers is more practical, though...it can be used for many other things besides shocks.
The adjustable pre load adjusts the spring tension in the shocks. It doesn't raise or lower the height. At the lowest setting, there is minimal tension on the springs, so as to give you a more "cushy" ride. That's why you are bottoming out while two up. At the firmest setting, the spring tension is greatest, thereby giving less shock movement. The ride will be harsher, but you won't bottom out as much.
The only way to raise the suspension is to get longer shocks. So if you still have trouble bottoming out, or find the ride is too harsh, then let the Mrs. ride the V-Star!
[8D]
Teek
The adjustable pre load adjusts the spring tension in the shocks. It doesn't raise or lower the height. At the lowest setting, there is minimal tension on the springs, so as to give you a more "cushy" ride. That's why you are bottoming out while two up. At the firmest setting, the spring tension is greatest, thereby giving less shock movement. The ride will be harsher, but you won't bottom out as much.
The only way to raise the suspension is to get longer shocks. So if you still have trouble bottoming out, or find the ride is too harsh, then let the Mrs. ride the V-Star!
[8D]Teek
#5
05-14-2008, 06:32 PM
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location:
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: Rear Shock adjustment help needed
ORIGINAL: Teek
The shock wrenches are good to have. I have one in my saddlebag, thought I don't adjust the shocks much. $10 bucks. bigtop1 idea of padded expandable pliers is more practical, though...it can be used for many other things besides shocks.
The adjustable pre load adjusts the spring tension in the shocks. It doesn't raise or lower the height. At the lowest setting, there is minimal tension on the springs, so as to give you a more "cushy" ride. That's why you are bottoming out while two up. At the firmest setting, the spring tension is greatest, thereby giving less shock movement. The ride will be harsher, but you won't bottom out as much.
The only way to raise the suspension is to get longer shocks. So if you still have trouble bottoming out, or find the ride is too harsh, then let the Mrs. ride the V-Star![8D]
Teek
The shock wrenches are good to have. I have one in my saddlebag, thought I don't adjust the shocks much. $10 bucks. bigtop1 idea of padded expandable pliers is more practical, though...it can be used for many other things besides shocks.
The adjustable pre load adjusts the spring tension in the shocks. It doesn't raise or lower the height. At the lowest setting, there is minimal tension on the springs, so as to give you a more "cushy" ride. That's why you are bottoming out while two up. At the firmest setting, the spring tension is greatest, thereby giving less shock movement. The ride will be harsher, but you won't bottom out as much.
The only way to raise the suspension is to get longer shocks. So if you still have trouble bottoming out, or find the ride is too harsh, then let the Mrs. ride the V-Star!
[8D]Teek
Good idea with the Vstar, but its already on Craiglist up for sale. I plan to give the Sporty to the wife while I run out and get a new one!!!!
It's a sacrafice I am willing to make.[8D]
#6
05-14-2008, 06:50 PM
#7
05-14-2008, 07:27 PM
Road Warrior
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Colonial Beach, Virginia
Posts: 1,599
Likes: 0
Received 10 Likes
on
9 Posts
RE: Rear Shock adjustment help needed
You're right, the HD one is so poorly stamped that the little nub that is supposed to engage the notches in the shock is rounded off and would not catch. You have to squeeze the tool so hard against the shock that its not much different than just doing it with your hand. My new 440s do adjust by hand, easily.
Trending Topics
#8
05-14-2008, 09:09 PM
Road Warrior
#9
05-15-2008, 01:40 AM
RE: Rear Shock adjustment help needed
OK, I hear the complaints about the HD shock tool. I have Progressives, and took the HD tool out to my shocks before I bought it. Didn't work. So I got the (I think)Kuryakyn? one they had on the shelf. Though larger, THAT ONE WORKED! So I got it. Still cheap, stamped, made in China, but it works. Not every dealer will let you try it before you buy it,though.
I just simply asked them if I could try it, becauseI had concerns with it. The one I bought, I actually adjustedmy shockswith it BEFOREI bought it. So,"caveat emptor".
Teek
I just simply asked them if I could try it, becauseI had concerns with it. The one I bought, I actually adjustedmy shockswith it BEFOREI bought it. So,"caveat emptor".
Teek
#10
05-15-2008, 03:40 PM
