upgrade shocks to increase load limit?
upgrade shocks to increase load limit?
I should've read the owner's manual before buying my 2014 Heritage Softail last May. The manual says the bike's load limit is 400 lbs. I weigh almost 300 lbs and my wife weighs at least 130 
, so if we rode 2 up we'd be over the limit even without baggage. Riding 2 up wasn't part of my original plan. I figured to get another bike for her, but that ain't gonna happen cause she flunked the rider's basic course (breaking a bone in her foot in the process) and doesn't want to retry. Now she's bugging me to let her ride as a passenger, load limit be damned! I called Old Glory HD to talk about demo-ing a Road King and what kind of deal they'd give me on a trade-in. The sales manager said maybe we can solve your problem more cheaply simply by upgrading the rear shocks. Does that sound like a good option, or would loading a softail above the manufacturer's recommended limit cause problems even with heavier-duty shocks installed? Somebody from the service dept is supposed to call me tomorrow about this, but what do you guys think?
, so if we rode 2 up we'd be over the limit even without baggage. Riding 2 up wasn't part of my original plan. I figured to get another bike for her, but that ain't gonna happen cause she flunked the rider's basic course (breaking a bone in her foot in the process) and doesn't want to retry. Now she's bugging me to let her ride as a passenger, load limit be damned! I called Old Glory HD to talk about demo-ing a Road King and what kind of deal they'd give me on a trade-in. The sales manager said maybe we can solve your problem more cheaply simply by upgrading the rear shocks. Does that sound like a good option, or would loading a softail above the manufacturer's recommended limit cause problems even with heavier-duty shocks installed? Somebody from the service dept is supposed to call me tomorrow about this, but what do you guys think?
Road Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 762
Likes: 1
From: mission bc canada
just adjust the shocks a little stiffer and you should be fine if not then progressives would an option im sure others will chime in on shock brands.. heres a link go about 3/4's down the page it has shock adjustment with load ratings
http://www.harley-davidson.com/en_US...IL/file-4.comp
http://www.harley-davidson.com/en_US...IL/file-4.comp
Can't increase the load capabilities of the frame without major modification. And don't forget your tires are only load rated to carry so much as well.
But a heavier duty shocks or adding preload to the stock shocks will make riding with that weight on the bike more comfortable.
But a heavier duty shocks or adding preload to the stock shocks will make riding with that weight on the bike more comfortable.
Last edited by 2500hdon37s; Nov 13, 2014 at 04:41 PM.
Can't increase the load capabilities of the frame without major modification. And don't forget your tires are only load rated to carry so much as well.
But a heavier duty shocks or adding preload to the stock shocks will make riding with that weight on the bike more comfortable.
But a heavier duty shocks or adding preload to the stock shocks will make riding with that weight on the bike more comfortable.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 1,238
Likes: 96
From: fort walton beach
http://www.lachoppers.com/catalog/di...635/index.html
you can get the la chopper springs cheap on amazon or ebay, you may want the grey ones
you can get the la chopper springs cheap on amazon or ebay, you may want the grey ones
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,593
Likes: 11
From: Mass/NH
I changed both my front and rear shocks and springs to progressive and it made a HUGE POSITIVE DIFFERENCE in the ride and adjustability. I went with the regular springs in the rear, but I think they had a stiffer level available, both adjustable for ride height and comfort.
I love them both. The front kit I did on a whim, because it was only ninety bucks, but made such a positive impact I kick myself for not doing it way sooner...oh, it also eliminated 2 inches of unwanted sag in the front...no dive, etc....
Good luck and ride safe.
I love them both. The front kit I did on a whim, because it was only ninety bucks, but made such a positive impact I kick myself for not doing it way sooner...oh, it also eliminated 2 inches of unwanted sag in the front...no dive, etc....
Good luck and ride safe.
Last edited by Rodzilla6; Nov 15, 2014 at 06:58 AM.
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Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
Welll,,,, I go almost 300 and the wife is 125 and we have rode our 07 Heritage 2 up since new in 07 at least 80% of the time and we stil have the Stock shocks..... just have the dealer to adjust the shocks to 350 or... I turn from MAX and you'll be fine.
To help your wife out,,, get her the Tourning Pillion seat.. Unless the newer ones are better than the 07's... whick was only about 1'' thick over the curve of the rear fender,, she'll love you when you change it out....
our shocks are still doing fine for 99% of the riding.. Only on the deepest pot-holes or Reallllly BAD RR track's she doens't complain and she has a really bad Tailbone injury from her youth that's makes her a VERY tender rear rider..
8yrs and 52K miles on our 07 Heritage and Still going...
/
To help your wife out,,, get her the Tourning Pillion seat.. Unless the newer ones are better than the 07's... whick was only about 1'' thick over the curve of the rear fender,, she'll love you when you change it out....
our shocks are still doing fine for 99% of the riding.. Only on the deepest pot-holes or Reallllly BAD RR track's she doens't complain and she has a really bad Tailbone injury from her youth that's makes her a VERY tender rear rider..
8yrs and 52K miles on our 07 Heritage and Still going...
/
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