2025 FXLRS rough ride
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Stage III
Joined: Apr 2026
Posts: 3
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From: Norcal
2025 FXLRS rough ride
Question for any owners of '25 or '26 Low Rider S bikes. I just recently bought a still brand new 2025, and I'm wondering how accurate the preload settings are? My bike feels very stiff at the recommended settings, also when set for two up riding...my wife says it's like a hardtail. I also have a bagger, have had Dyna's and Sportys and have ridden a wide cross section of Harleys. Does everyone's S or ST feel like this? I test rode an ST not all that long ago, and I don't remember coming away feeling it was a rough ride. I've also taken quite a long ride (with and without my wife) on a friends '25 Heritage, and my take away wasn't "what a stiff ride". Is it possible that the preload isn't working correctly (or at all) ? Does the rear shock "loosen up over time...I'm still under 500 miles at this point.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,056
Likes: 953
From: Sarasota Florida
There are settings for the rear shock, that are based on rider weight(s). Chances are the settings on your bike are wrong. I guess the dealership's pre delivery process did not go over the settings. The owners manual has a settings chart
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Stage III
Joined: Apr 2026
Posts: 3
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From: Norcal
Nope...not that simple of an answer. I had long since studied the manual well before I purchased the bike, and knew exactly how to adjust the preload settings. I had it adjusted before I left the dealership, and adjusted it for 2 up riding and back to solo since then. It's been adjusted exactly as specified all along.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2024
Posts: 55
Likes: 50
From: St George, Utah
Question for any owners of '25 or '26 Low Rider S bikes. I just recently bought a still brand new 2025, and I'm wondering how accurate the preload settings are? My bike feels very stiff at the recommended settings, also when set for two up riding...my wife says it's like a hardtail. I also have a bagger, have had Dyna's and Sportys and have ridden a wide cross section of Harleys. Does everyone's S or ST feel like this? I test rode an ST not all that long ago, and I don't remember coming away feeling it was a rough ride. I've also taken quite a long ride (with and without my wife) on a friends '25 Heritage, and my take away wasn't "what a stiff ride". Is it possible that the preload isn't working correctly (or at all) ? Does the rear shock "loosen up over time...I'm still under 500 miles at this point.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 1,119
Likes: 779
From: France
I find my 2025 Low Rider S a bit sstiff too, the preload is at the minimum and my weight is 180 lbs, I have seen that the rear shock on a Heritage is not the same
2025 Heritage shock part number 34000394
2025 Low Rider S part number 34000393
If the length is the same, what is rhe difference, is the the Heriiatge shock more smooth ?
I will certainly upgrade to an aftermarket one...
2025 Heritage shock part number 34000394
2025 Low Rider S part number 34000393
If the length is the same, what is rhe difference, is the the Heriiatge shock more smooth ?
I will certainly upgrade to an aftermarket one...
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Stage III
Joined: Apr 2026
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Norcal
Better...not dialed yet, though
I'm closer to 200 than 180, but the ride was definitely harsh on setting 1. I backed it down to .5 while I was out crossing over the first 500 (and getting the first rain on the new bike...enough to get water into lace up waterproof boots...from my pant legs. I had to pour it out of engineer boots before, so not that bad. The bike is a mess though. I was in twisties for most of it, and gave the "rain" mode a try.
Yeah, .5 was better...but I might try .25 next.
Yeah, .5 was better...but I might try .25 next.
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Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 574
Likes: 263
From: Spokane, WA
Harley only provides one tire pressure spec regardless of load weight. I'm in the habit of reducing the rear tire air pressure by 2-4 psi when riding solo and not carrying baggage. The ride and handling are improved.
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I find my 2025 Low Rider S a bit sstiff too, the preload is at the minimum and my weight is 180 lbs, I have seen that the rear shock on a Heritage is not the same
2025 Heritage shock part number 34000394
2025 Low Rider S part number 34000393
If the length is the same, what is rhe difference, is the the Heriiatge shock more smooth ?
I will certainly upgrade to an aftermarket one...
2025 Heritage shock part number 34000394
2025 Low Rider S part number 34000393
If the length is the same, what is rhe difference, is the the Heriiatge shock more smooth ?
I will certainly upgrade to an aftermarket one...
Last edited by $tonecold; Yesterday at 12:23 PM.