How difficult is it to change rear shocks?
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,410
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From: Palm Desert,CA
How difficult is it to change rear shocks?
As the title says! I've so far done my own exhaust, and air cleaner. I'm pretty handy and take my time, have access to plenty of tools but not a lift.
My stock shocks are set as light as possible and I still find them fairly harsh. Thinking of making this my next upgrade. Any suggestions for a comfortable plush riding shock that's reasonably priced (I weigh about 160 fully loaded)?
Would like to do this on my own if possible though.
My stock shocks are set as light as possible and I still find them fairly harsh. Thinking of making this my next upgrade. Any suggestions for a comfortable plush riding shock that's reasonably priced (I weigh about 160 fully loaded)?
Would like to do this on my own if possible though.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,518
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From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
I weigh about 160 fully loaded ... I always weigh myself sober, scared I'll fall off the scales otherwise! ( Sorry, I just couldn't pass up the opportunity ) ... Good luck with your project.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,384
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From: Out on Deranged
It's very easy to change rear shocks, if you have already done pipes this will be a breeze. You just need to jack the rear up with a bottle jack or a floor jack.
Sadly when it comes to shocks you only get what you pay for. Now alot of guys have bought shocks for 200$ to 400 $ range and say they are super satisfied, I don't know but if I ever got new shocks they would be really high quality shocks. I used to have progressive 440 shocks which in their day was about their top of the line shock paid 444$ on sale, but hated them --- waaaaaaaaaayyyy stiff.
Best advice I can give you is buy longer shocks if anything, the longer the shock the more travel they have = lesss bottoming out more room to absorb the shock.
Sadly when it comes to shocks you only get what you pay for. Now alot of guys have bought shocks for 200$ to 400 $ range and say they are super satisfied, I don't know but if I ever got new shocks they would be really high quality shocks. I used to have progressive 440 shocks which in their day was about their top of the line shock paid 444$ on sale, but hated them --- waaaaaaaaaayyyy stiff.
Best advice I can give you is buy longer shocks if anything, the longer the shock the more travel they have = lesss bottoming out more room to absorb the shock.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 287
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I am heavier than you , but I threw the 12" touring air shocks on and the ride is noticeably smoother, and you can adjust the stiffness with the air pressure. You can usually pick them up used for around $100 or so.
As long as you have access to something that will allow you to lift the rear end of the bike enough to get pressure of the shocks, changing them is as easy as undoing 2 bolts, 2 nuts, sliding the old shock off, and sliding the new one on.
As long as you have access to something that will allow you to lift the rear end of the bike enough to get pressure of the shocks, changing them is as easy as undoing 2 bolts, 2 nuts, sliding the old shock off, and sliding the new one on.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,761
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From: Out West
The easiest way for me was to have the bike on my jack and then a common lug nut wrench with the angled pry end between to pieces of 2"x6".
Slide that under the rear tire and after you unbolt the shocks you just use one foot to raise or lower the swing arm/wheel to line up bolts as needed.
Your weight won't matter as the force on the end of the jack does the work.
Slide that under the rear tire and after you unbolt the shocks you just use one foot to raise or lower the swing arm/wheel to line up bolts as needed.
Your weight won't matter as the force on the end of the jack does the work.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,174
Likes: 492
From: Northern CA
you don't need a jack--do one at a time unless maybe your trying to go with 14" or something taller than stock. I consider my riding fairly agressive and use the air shocks harley provides for street glides with 15psi-- 6' at 196 pounds-- ride solo
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 536
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From: California
Changing shock's..........
It is about a 30 minute job.
I felt the same issue's with my stock Fatbob rear shock's, so I purchased the Progressive 970"s cost me 700.00 plus tax with free shipping from SpeedAddict's here in California Santa Clarita area I believe Ventura County.
Received them the next day.
You can adjust these as soft as you want and they are a 12 1/2" shock with about 2 3/4" of clear travel.
If you go that route call them up and ask Schad for his best price, that is what I did..........
Live Free = Ride Free..........
Last edited by californiafatbob2013; Jul 31, 2014 at 01:30 PM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,501
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From: Sheboygan,Wi
Replace on shock at a time. Each shock has 2 bolts, remove them take old shock off. Put new shock in place replace the 2 bolts. Refer to service manual for proper torque specs. 15-20 min job.