New Performance Works Shocks Impressions

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jul 5, 2010 | 11:48 AM

harley_jeff

Thread Starter

Road Master

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 838

Likes: 35

From: Northern California

New Performance Works Shocks Impressions

I installed my new shocks (street trackers) and took the bike out to find some twisties. It felt to me like the rear end was constantly trying to 'break loose.' Do I need to adjust the sag or the stiffness on the shock some more? Or, am I so used to the crappy stock shocks that the Works shocks will take some getting used to?

Jul 5, 2010 | 11:55 AM

JimmysFXDC

Road Master

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 801

Likes: 0

From: SF Bay Area

First off, which twisties did you "find"? Next bike description, model, tires, mods, etc... And lastly, did your order directly from Works?

Jul 5, 2010 | 11:55 AM

SC-Longhair

Club Member

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 11,483

Likes: 39

From: Passaic County, NJ

You probably need to adjust them.

Jul 5, 2010 | 01:57 PM

harley_jeff

Thread Starter

Road Master

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 838

Likes: 35

From: Northern California

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmysFXDC

First off, which twisties did you "find"? Next bike description, model, tires, mods, etc... And lastly, did your order directly from Works?

'07 Lowrider - note: I ordered the FXD 12.6" version, not the FXDL 12" version,
Metzler tires, no suspension mods; only mods are thundermax, pipes and intake. Yes, I ordered directly from Works.

Jul 5, 2010 | 02:19 PM

JimmysFXDC

Road Master

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 801

Likes: 0

From: SF Bay Area

Since you got them from Works, you should have the proper spring weight. The only adjustment you have on those is preload or spring weight. Prelaod is the onlt one you can make without taking the shocks off. So you're going to have to play with the preload. I would try removing some of the prelaod first. Take the spanner that came with the shocks with you on your next run through the twisties (which I'm still waiting for). Then make SMALL (i.e. 1/2 turns) adjustment as needed. I would HIGHLY recommend doing something to the front, Gold Valves, Ricors, new spring. That way you're balancing the components front and rear.

Hope that helps

Jul 5, 2010 | 03:05 PM

harley_jeff

Thread Starter

Road Master

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 838

Likes: 35

From: Northern California

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmysFXDC

Thanks Jimmy. Yes, they took my weight. Right, I used the spanner that came with it to adjust the "sag" to about 1". I had to back it way off. They said it would be real close out of the box.... Then, there is a lever that corresponds to notches in the top 'cup' of the shock. It is not clear to me if that is threaded as one could simply turn it around and around. Right now I have it set to the softest ride. I definately will replace the front fork springs next.

The twisties I found were in the Santa Cruz mountains.

Jul 5, 2010 | 03:22 PM

JimmysFXDC

Road Master

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 801

Likes: 0

From: SF Bay Area

92 to 35 past Alice's and down to 9?! If so, that's my stompin ground! Not so much now, seeing that I need a new rear tire, unfortunatly. If I'm not mistaken, that lever is for the ARS system on their shocks, which makes for a quick adjustment when going two-up. The threaded one is the one you want to adjust.

Trending Topics

Interview - A Straight-Talking Harley-Davidson Dealer

119

6k
Cam chest noise

42

1.2k
Well Monday will tell

24

375
New Softail Recall on Brakes

53

3.1k
"New" Toll STICKER type placement?

16

447

Jul 5, 2010 | 06:28 PM

harley_jeff

Thread Starter

Road Master

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 838

Likes: 35

From: Northern California

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmysFXDC

Really - you are a peninsula guy - right on. Yesterday I rode across 237 (too cheap to pay $6 bridge toll, or whatever it is now) to 85 to 280 to El Monte, which turns into Moody, past all of those really nice homes, into Alpine/Page Mill. Turned right on 35, but the cops had it shut down for a fire or something. So, I double-backed and turned right on Alpine down the hill towards Pescadero. Dude, that ride was a good work out. Very narrow turns, banked incorrectly, with lots of gravel all over the place. I am still trying to figure out the best way of negotiating a hairpin turn that goes uphill steeply that is banked incorrectly. Anyway, past all of the redwood groves and turned right on Pescadero Rd to 84. Turned right because the whole mission was to get a Boont Amber Ale at Apple Jacks (one of my favorite hang outs). I had a nice conversation with this sweet thing (too bad she did not like motorcycles). After she split, I took 84 back to the East Bay.

Last edited by harley_jeff; Jul 5, 2010 at 06:31 PM.