Premium Rear shocks note
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 5,817
Likes: 7,850
From: SE Louisiana
The instructions for the premium shocks should read,
Jack up bike with the rear wheel just off the ground,
remove saddle bags,
remove both rear shocks,
place oem premium pos rear shocks in nearest garbage container,
install aftermarket rear suspension.
note:Separate purchase of LOCTITEŽ 243 Threadlocker and Sealant - Blue (99642-97) and two real shocks for proper installation of this kit.
The ride on my '90 and '09 are more than acceptable, the '17 RG two up is awful, anything more than just a small bump or dip is like being kicked in the ***.
Jack up bike with the rear wheel just off the ground,
remove saddle bags,
remove both rear shocks,
place oem premium pos rear shocks in nearest garbage container,
install aftermarket rear suspension.
note:Separate purchase of LOCTITEŽ 243 Threadlocker and Sealant - Blue (99642-97) and two real shocks for proper installation of this kit.
The ride on my '90 and '09 are more than acceptable, the '17 RG two up is awful, anything more than just a small bump or dip is like being kicked in the ***.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 366
Likes: 59
From: Houston, TX
There is nothing to fix. The shocks can go either way and it has NO effect on ride and performance Putting them on springs down allow a proper fit of some add ons. No HD did not fxxx up and install them upside down. Find the real answer rather than the automatic HD fxxx up stuff.
https://serviceinfo.harley-davidson....document/45417
Based on that...they did install it wrong. If HD won't fix it, I'm happy to pay to have it fixed.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 23,003
Likes: 11,441
Read the documentation before you shoot off your mouth. Yeah yeah yeah I've read by others that "orientation doesn't matter". But this document indicates the orientation it's supposed to be.
https://serviceinfo.harley-davidson....document/45417
Based on that...they did install it wrong. If HD won't fix it, I'm happy to pay to have it fixed.
https://serviceinfo.harley-davidson....document/45417
Based on that...they did install it wrong. If HD won't fix it, I'm happy to pay to have it fixed.
Very simple job to flip it. no lift is really needed not even a jack if you put a little effort int lining bolt up.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,522
Likes: 351
From: Holly Springs, North Carolina
There is nothing to fix. The shocks can go either way and it has NO effect on ride and performance Putting them on springs down allow a proper fit of some add ons. No HD did not fxxx up and install them upside down. Find the real answer rather than the automatic HD fxxx up stuff.
^^^This. The back rest may not fit unless you flip it over. I've seen a dealer have to do this.
Last edited by BigDawgQC; May 17, 2017 at 02:28 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 23,003
Likes: 11,441
If you do it with no jack . You may need to lift on the frame a bit to get bolt in. Lifting on frame a touch will expand the distance. I changed shocks twice with out a jack Alone . The first time I expected it to be a big deal by the time I was done I had not even finished my coffee. The second time I did not even take any in the room.
Just for the heck of it I checked my 2017. The right shock is installed springs up.
Just for the heck of it I checked my 2017. The right shock is installed springs up.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,258
Likes: 114
From: Jackson, Ohio
'16 RGS mounted incorrectly. I noticed it when I upgraded the rear suspension and thought, maybe it would have worked better installed correctly but too late, already had the Progressives in hand........
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Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 519
Likes: 83
From: NC
The orientation of the shock has nothing to do with how well the bike rides. It works equally well either way. I had to flip mine to allow clearance for the backrest. What will make a difference is to ignore Harley's suggested settings and experiment yourself. I've found I get a better ride by setting the shock at a higher setting than what Harley recommends.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,016
Likes: 277
From: East Tn Foot of The Dragon
Thanks for posting, I figured I was not the only one. Yeah...bust their chops some about it but it is a simple mistake if not paying attention. Ask me I know.
Old Mike, thanks for posting the link to the instructions, I need to learn how to do that.
I can tell you that mine rode better, your's should also. The way I figure it is if the main fluid housing is upside down, the valving inside is probably exposed to any trapped air volume inside. If so, that would render the compression dampening less effective. Mine bottomed out easily even with the left shock set at 12 turns. It does not do that anymore.
I would like to see a cutaway of the right shock.
Old Mike, thanks for posting the link to the instructions, I need to learn how to do that.
I can tell you that mine rode better, your's should also. The way I figure it is if the main fluid housing is upside down, the valving inside is probably exposed to any trapped air volume inside. If so, that would render the compression dampening less effective. Mine bottomed out easily even with the left shock set at 12 turns. It does not do that anymore.
I would like to see a cutaway of the right shock.
Last edited by checkers; May 20, 2017 at 08:15 PM.