Preloading only the right side shock?
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 20
Likes: 28
From: Florida
Preloading only the right side shock?
Can someone explain how preloading the right side shock and not the left side doesnt cause some type of imbalance? My last bike (2014 road king ) had air shocks so it wasnt an issue. My previous Dyna had progressive shocks and you had to adjust preload equally on both sides. I understand the procedure for my 2024 street glide and Im not questioning that its correct Im just wondering why it doesnt cause an imbalance.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 605
Likes: 313
From: Colorado
It works, but barely. As an engineer it makes no sense. And yes, it does put more strain on the right side shock, but I've never felt like it was imbalanced. On a Standard Electra Glide in just plain sucked. It's just a way to save money.
I've had the air ride suspensions on past E-Glides and a Road King. Preferred them much over the latest E-Glide standard I just got rid of due to the suspension. I wasn't willing to put $3K into it for a Legends system.
I traded straight up for a Sport Glide that has a soft tail single shock system on it. Much better, and much easier on my beat up knees with the weight reduction.
I've had the air ride suspensions on past E-Glides and a Road King. Preferred them much over the latest E-Glide standard I just got rid of due to the suspension. I wasn't willing to put $3K into it for a Legends system.
I traded straight up for a Sport Glide that has a soft tail single shock system on it. Much better, and much easier on my beat up knees with the weight reduction.
Last edited by Check6; Apr 7, 2025 at 03:18 PM.
Road Master
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 851
Likes: 703
From: Near Memphis
I still question why only one side is for preload. I'm an engineer and agree that it seems like it would introduce a lateral bending moment (frame twist), but I've never noticed any issues so I just keep riding. Like you, I'd be very interested in a detailed response from someone who understands suspension dynamics <cough...Kevin Cameron...cough...cough>
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,675
Likes: 11,463
From: State of Confusion
start by reading your OM description and explanation of their intended purposes..if you need more than that to satisfy your curiosity maybe call an aftermarket suspension tech support person, like Progressive, etc. Companies like that that only do suspension and have for decades are subject matter experts.
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 20
Likes: 28
From: Florida
The OM doesn’t answer my question. I think it’s perfectly acceptable to ask a question like this in this forum. In fact I think the purpose of this forum is to bring owners of twin cooled motorcycles together to share experiences educate each other and help one another out. If no one has an answer that’s fine but it doesn’t hurt to ask because Ive found a wealth of knowledge is possessed by members of this forum. And the best part is if someone doesn’t know and doesn’t want to answer they can just scroll on by….
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,675
Likes: 11,463
From: State of Confusion
The OM doesnt answer my question. I think its perfectly acceptable to ask a question like this in this forum. In fact I think the purpose of this forum is to bring owners of twin cooled motorcycles together to share experiences educate each other and help one another out. If no one has an answer thats fine but it doesnt hurt to ask because Ive found a wealth of knowledge is possessed by members of this forum. And the best part is if someone doesnt know and doesnt want to answer they can just scroll on by
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 176
Likes: 162
From: Virginia
They must have really beefed up the swing arms. I've ridden several customer bikes (Pans, Shovels, Evos) that had a blown shock on one side and it created horrible flex and handling.
Some bikes now have the front suspension set up with comp damping on one side and rebound on the other. This also struck me as odd but it works🤷♂️
Some bikes now have the front suspension set up with comp damping on one side and rebound on the other. This also struck me as odd but it works🤷♂️
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,606
Likes: 6,439
From: Honah Lee
Swing arm is one piece. They work together. Shocks work together as a unit. No different then the front sliders working together as a unit.
The carring capacity and damping is based on total of two.
The carring capacity and damping is based on total of two.
