I have a 06 Wide Glide and wanted to know what the 4 settings are for the rear suspension and when best to adjust?

Thanks

 

Tony, not sure I am reading your post correctly, but I'll take a stab at it.

If you are speaking of the settings on the rear shocks, the adjustments are dependant on the needs and preferences of the rider. Typically the larger the rider, the stiffer the rear shocks need to be. If you ride two-up, you may wish to stiffen up the rear shocks when carrying your passenger. Lastly, the ride quality changes as you stiffen or loosen up the shocks.

If you add some details as to your situation, someone may be able to offer you better infomation here.

Welcome to the forum.

 

I guess he wants to know what tool to use and which way you turn them to soften/harden the ride...me too lol(SB owner)

 

On the lower portion of the shock, there is a cam. Turning the upper portion of the shock body to the left will make shock stiffer. Turning it to the right, softer.



Here is the wrench designed for shock adjustment. They are available at the dealer for less than $15.00. They can be found cheaper on the web.



Someone with a good grip may be able to rotate the shock body by hand for adjusting.

 

Almost any shock wrench will work. I use an old bmw airhead wrench but my old honda wrench also works. I weigh 250# and ride at a setting of 5 (full preload).

 

Yes thats correct jmpancoast the rear shocks, the settings are 1 through to 5, would 1 be a hard ride where 5 would be a soft ride and maybe used for 2 up?

Tony

 

The higher the number, the stiffer the ride.

 

A Sears strap wrench is all that is needed to adjust the preload on the rear shocks. JMPANCOAST is correct - the higher the number the stiffer the ride. Turn either side clockwise to make the ride stiffer. Turn clockwise to stiffen the ride and counterclockwise to soften the ride. When adjusting your shocks, they will audibly click when you reach the next highest or lowest level. If you are unsure what level you are at, or that your right shock setting may be different from your left, there is a failsafe way to make sure. Loosen or turn counterclockwise (anti-clockwise for Brits) each shock untill you can not physically turn them anymore. When this is accomplished, both sides will be at level one. Now that both sides are at setting 1, turn each side clockwise until you hear a click and that will be level 2 and so on untill they are both at the level you desire.

 

does setting it softer lower the bike at all? My bike was set up for 2 up, but I never carry a passenger. i would prefer a little more flat-footedness.

 

If you weigh 150# or less, go for it. If not, you'll just bottom out the shock on bumps which isn't good.