FXDF bottoming out
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 593
Likes: 7
From: Wausau, WI
FXDF bottoming out
So, I have an 09 FXDF that HAD lowering blocks on it with stock suspension. The previous owner was a little lighter than me (180lb vs 210lb) and he rode 2up most the time, I do not. He said he only bottomed out once and it was a HUGE pothole - he actually ripped his tail light wiring out as well.
Anyway, I never noticed any bottoming out with just me on it. Then, in the matter of 5 miles one day I'd hit a little sharp bump and I'd hear a little metallic click/scrape sound and it seemed to be coming from directly below my *** - as if the frame or something was rubbing just in front of the swingarm. But, through corners nothing was ever dragging and upon inspection, I could not find any scrape marks.
I guess my question is, when a FXDF is lowered and you may bottom out in a straight line, what will usually hit first? Tire to fender? Some part of the frame? Pipes (I have VH BR 2-2)? I'd like to figure out exactly what is making that noise and if it is even bottoming out or maybe something else.
For the time being, I have the lowering blocks out, but I'd love to try and get them back in because I liked how the bike sat. Also, as for the stock shocks - what provides a stiffer ride? lower number or higher number?
Anyway, I never noticed any bottoming out with just me on it. Then, in the matter of 5 miles one day I'd hit a little sharp bump and I'd hear a little metallic click/scrape sound and it seemed to be coming from directly below my *** - as if the frame or something was rubbing just in front of the swingarm. But, through corners nothing was ever dragging and upon inspection, I could not find any scrape marks.
I guess my question is, when a FXDF is lowered and you may bottom out in a straight line, what will usually hit first? Tire to fender? Some part of the frame? Pipes (I have VH BR 2-2)? I'd like to figure out exactly what is making that noise and if it is even bottoming out or maybe something else.
For the time being, I have the lowering blocks out, but I'd love to try and get them back in because I liked how the bike sat. Also, as for the stock shocks - what provides a stiffer ride? lower number or higher number?
So, I have an 09 FXDF that HAD lowering blocks on it with stock suspension. The previous owner was a little lighter than me (180lb vs 210lb) and he rode 2up most the time, I do not. He said he only bottomed out once and it was a HUGE pothole - he actually ripped his tail light wiring out as well.
Anyway, I never noticed any bottoming out with just me on it. Then, in the matter of 5 miles one day I'd hit a little sharp bump and I'd hear a little metallic click/scrape sound and it seemed to be coming from directly below my *** - as if the frame or something was rubbing just in front of the swingarm. But, through corners nothing was ever dragging and upon inspection, I could not find any scrape marks.
I guess my question is, when a FXDF is lowered and you may bottom out in a straight line, what will usually hit first? Tire to fender? Some part of the frame? Pipes (I have VH BR 2-2)? I'd like to figure out exactly what is making that noise and if it is even bottoming out or maybe something else.
For the time being, I have the lowering blocks out, but I'd love to try and get them back in because I liked how the bike sat. Also, as for the stock shocks - what provides a stiffer ride? lower number or higher number?
Anyway, I never noticed any bottoming out with just me on it. Then, in the matter of 5 miles one day I'd hit a little sharp bump and I'd hear a little metallic click/scrape sound and it seemed to be coming from directly below my *** - as if the frame or something was rubbing just in front of the swingarm. But, through corners nothing was ever dragging and upon inspection, I could not find any scrape marks.
I guess my question is, when a FXDF is lowered and you may bottom out in a straight line, what will usually hit first? Tire to fender? Some part of the frame? Pipes (I have VH BR 2-2)? I'd like to figure out exactly what is making that noise and if it is even bottoming out or maybe something else.
For the time being, I have the lowering blocks out, but I'd love to try and get them back in because I liked how the bike sat. Also, as for the stock shocks - what provides a stiffer ride? lower number or higher number?
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 593
Likes: 7
From: Wausau, WI
ok. I'll have to look and see what they were set at.
Just seems odd that sometimes something is hitting, most of the time its fine...but not in the corners and I can't find where its hitting...
Just seems odd that sometimes something is hitting, most of the time its fine...but not in the corners and I can't find where its hitting...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,960
Likes: 26
From: Sonoma County, CA
Best thing to do is get down and look under the bike. If something is hitting / scraping the ground, you'll see it. If no scrapes are observed, look inside the fender and see if you can see where anything is rubbing. If the original owner hit hard one time and it took out the tail light wiring, I'd be looking around to see "how" he fixed that situation. Double check exhaust mounts, shock bolts and other suspension / moving parts to ensure they are tight and properly installed. Double check the jiffy stand to see it it's bouncing on impact. If you have a lift or jack, you could jack it up and take the shocks off and move the swing arm through its range of motion and see if you hear anything there as well. It's best to get familiar with your ride. Lie on the ground and look at stuff, wiggle things and see what's what. Good luck.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,115
Likes: 69
From: Bay Area, NorCal
In addition to Eric's suggestions, might check to see if the top edge of your upper belt guard is making contact with your rear fender. Not likely, but doesn't hurt to look. Hope you figure it out.
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Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 593
Likes: 7
From: Wausau, WI
Thanks guys. I did give it a good look over a few times, but I'll take another run at it. As for the wiring, he redid it, and I redid his again - Just ran in along the inside edge of the fender instead of down the middle of the fender. Doesn't seem like its coming from back there - seems like its right below me. I would think if I'm going 40 mpg and hit a sharp bump and the frame bottomed out I'd notice it more than just the noise, right?
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 377
Likes: 63
From: South Carolina
Most likely the fender tapping the belt guard. My slammed wide glide does it just about every ride. It will sound like a small metal tap. No harm no foul. My shocks will bottom out before the tire hits the fender and trust me. You will know when that happens.
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Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 593
Likes: 7
From: Wausau, WI
Hmm - never thought about the belt guard! I was thinking frame the whole time. And yes, I would expect a "holy ****" moment if the frame hit the ground or tire hit the fender...
As a side note, the PO must have really hit hard - theres a dent in the fender from the caliper bleeder. His wife was a little tiny woman too and he said it was never a problem, but this pothole he hit sounded more like a crater.
Maybe I'll pop my shocks off and raise the swingarm up and see what contacts first.
FISH- what shocks and length you running? I'd rather have the shocks bottom out and physically stop before other things make contact...
As a side note, the PO must have really hit hard - theres a dent in the fender from the caliper bleeder. His wife was a little tiny woman too and he said it was never a problem, but this pothole he hit sounded more like a crater.
Maybe I'll pop my shocks off and raise the swingarm up and see what contacts first.
FISH- what shocks and length you running? I'd rather have the shocks bottom out and physically stop before other things make contact...
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