FXDL shock adjustment
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 626
Likes: 125
From: Reading, PA
I use a rubber strap wrench, you can get them anywhere (Sears, auto parts stores), they are inexpensive and in my humble experience, work better than the HD wrench, and don't scratch the chrome shocks.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,411
Likes: 22
From: Connecticut
Sammi
Stage II
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Southern Indiana
Reviving an old post
I know this is an old post but I came across it looking for information on how to adjust the shocks on my FXDL. I just bought the 08 FXDL from my brother - he weighs about 185 and I weigh about 275 so I knew I needed to adjust the shocks, just didn't know how.
Interesting how the owners manual doesn't mention squat about this.
Got online and found a bunch of conflicting information - could've just been correct info. on differing years/models but anyway...
On my 08, it is clearly marked on the lower cap of the rear shock - preloading spring and has 1,2 3,4 & 5 clearly printed. On the mount, directly below, there is another label with an arrow pointing up to the cap, corresponding to the current setting. I've read people mentioning changing this by hand. Unless you take the weight off the bike, I don't see how this is possible. The lower cap has a series of holes around its perimeter. I have NO idea why HD would suggest using a spanner wrench for adjustment. This is only asking for scratches. Use a strap wrench and it is very easy. 1 is the lowest setting (CCW to get to 1) with 5 being the highest (more weight). Turn CW to increase setting. Make sure both are set the same for obvious safety reasons.
Just passing this along for all the newbs like me who weren't sure and who may get conflicting info. From what I've found, there is no set weight limit that corresponds to each "click" just trial and error. If you bottom out, go to the next higher setting. Obviously, if you'll be riding 2 up, go to a higher setting.
Interesting how the owners manual doesn't mention squat about this.
Got online and found a bunch of conflicting information - could've just been correct info. on differing years/models but anyway...
On my 08, it is clearly marked on the lower cap of the rear shock - preloading spring and has 1,2 3,4 & 5 clearly printed. On the mount, directly below, there is another label with an arrow pointing up to the cap, corresponding to the current setting. I've read people mentioning changing this by hand. Unless you take the weight off the bike, I don't see how this is possible. The lower cap has a series of holes around its perimeter. I have NO idea why HD would suggest using a spanner wrench for adjustment. This is only asking for scratches. Use a strap wrench and it is very easy. 1 is the lowest setting (CCW to get to 1) with 5 being the highest (more weight). Turn CW to increase setting. Make sure both are set the same for obvious safety reasons.
Just passing this along for all the newbs like me who weren't sure and who may get conflicting info. From what I've found, there is no set weight limit that corresponds to each "click" just trial and error. If you bottom out, go to the next higher setting. Obviously, if you'll be riding 2 up, go to a higher setting.
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
I know this is an old post but I came across it looking for information on how to adjust the shocks on my FXDL. I just bought the 08 FXDL from my brother - he weighs about 185 and I weigh about 275 so I knew I needed to adjust the shocks, just didn't know how.
Interesting how the owners manual doesn't mention squat about this.
Got online and found a bunch of conflicting information - could've just been correct info. on differing years/models but anyway...
On my 08, it is clearly marked on the lower cap of the rear shock - preloading spring and has 1,2 3,4 & 5 clearly printed. On the mount, directly below, there is another label with an arrow pointing up to the cap, corresponding to the current setting. I've read people mentioning changing this by hand. Unless you take the weight off the bike, I don't see how this is possible. The lower cap has a series of holes around its perimeter. I have NO idea why HD would suggest using a spanner wrench for adjustment. This is only asking for scratches. Use a strap wrench and it is very easy. 1 is the lowest setting (CCW to get to 1) with 5 being the highest (more weight). Turn CW to increase setting. Make sure both are set the same for obvious safety reasons.
Just passing this along for all the newbs like me who weren't sure and who may get conflicting info. From what I've found, there is no set weight limit that corresponds to each "click" just trial and error. If you bottom out, go to the next higher setting. Obviously, if you'll be riding 2 up, go to a higher setting.
Interesting how the owners manual doesn't mention squat about this.
Got online and found a bunch of conflicting information - could've just been correct info. on differing years/models but anyway...
On my 08, it is clearly marked on the lower cap of the rear shock - preloading spring and has 1,2 3,4 & 5 clearly printed. On the mount, directly below, there is another label with an arrow pointing up to the cap, corresponding to the current setting. I've read people mentioning changing this by hand. Unless you take the weight off the bike, I don't see how this is possible. The lower cap has a series of holes around its perimeter. I have NO idea why HD would suggest using a spanner wrench for adjustment. This is only asking for scratches. Use a strap wrench and it is very easy. 1 is the lowest setting (CCW to get to 1) with 5 being the highest (more weight). Turn CW to increase setting. Make sure both are set the same for obvious safety reasons.
Just passing this along for all the newbs like me who weren't sure and who may get conflicting info. From what I've found, there is no set weight limit that corresponds to each "click" just trial and error. If you bottom out, go to the next higher setting. Obviously, if you'll be riding 2 up, go to a higher setting.
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