Hard rear suspension....
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,012
Likes: 2
Hard rear suspension....
On my '09 FXDB, I am curious if it is normal that every time I hit a medium to large bump in the road, the rear suspension feels like a hardtail. It literally bumps me temporarily out of my seat. Makes me kinda nervous, especially on turns on the highways. Is this just the way the bike is, or if I loosen the suspension up a bit to the lowest setting, or lower setting using a spanner wrench, will it make a difference. I weigh 160 lbs, anyone have similar problems or input on hopw I should adjust the rear to suit my weight better?
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,012
Likes: 2
This may sound like a ridiculous question, but which way do I turn the ring to lower it?
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,012
Likes: 2
Is that counter clockwise when looking down at the top of the shock, or from the bottom prospective looking up?
Trending Topics
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 5,120
Likes: 17
From: Indiana
You can just look underneath also to see which way to turn. I'm 220 and have mine on the second setting. I rode the first month I had the bike on the lowest setting and was fine. I might actually go back to the first setting, but I need a spanner wrench. I used the dealers last time. There's no need to have it on the highest setting unless you are riding two with gear or weigh more then 160!
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 577
Likes: 4
In my personal experience, the Dyna has the absolute worst rear shocks I have ever seen (I currently have 10 bikes). I weigh 200, same experience you describe.
I purchased some new Ohlin shocks, rather expensove, but totally transformed the ride. Any aftermarket shock is likely better than what you have. Get the same (or longer) length. Shorter will just make it worse, if thats possible
jmo,
greg
I purchased some new Ohlin shocks, rather expensove, but totally transformed the ride. Any aftermarket shock is likely better than what you have. Get the same (or longer) length. Shorter will just make it worse, if thats possible
jmo,
greg
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 949
Likes: 1
From: Pacific Northwest
Forks out of a box, whether it's Harleys or aftermarket will not work, unless they are sprung to your weight, because you are lighter than normal, at the least amount of preload, those stock shocks are still probably too stiff for your weight. Too stiff= uncomfortable and loss of traction.