Softail Not So Soft. Help!
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 39
Likes: 9
From: Langley, BC
Softail Not So Soft. Help!
Just recently purchased a used (1999) Fatboy. I was loving this, as I did my first back in 95, up until I had an entire weekend to ride. Been barley able to walk for 2 days and I'm convinced it's because there is no, zero, nothing in the way of bounce off the rear suspension.
I asked about this from the dealer when I bought it and he sort of looked at me like I was an idiot and I never did get an answer. I suspect the previous owner wanted the lower look and adjusted accordingly.
Now with my rambling complete my question is, do these factory softail suspension cylinders wear out to the point of absolute collapse, or is it more likely that they've just been adjusted down to nothing and hence the hard tail effect? I'm not terribly mechanically inclined so some guidance from the forum experience would be helpful.
By the way, the bike has 45,000 miles on it if that helps.
Thanks,
I asked about this from the dealer when I bought it and he sort of looked at me like I was an idiot and I never did get an answer. I suspect the previous owner wanted the lower look and adjusted accordingly.
Now with my rambling complete my question is, do these factory softail suspension cylinders wear out to the point of absolute collapse, or is it more likely that they've just been adjusted down to nothing and hence the hard tail effect? I'm not terribly mechanically inclined so some guidance from the forum experience would be helpful.
By the way, the bike has 45,000 miles on it if that helps.
Thanks,
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 816
Likes: 10
From: Southern, MD
If the tire is tucked pretty far up in the fender then more than likely it's slammed with no rebound. You can adjust them with ease but I'd suggest either some air ride or progressive shocks. Also look at the shocks and if there is a lot of thread showing it means it's lowered. Remember on a softail that to "lower" the rear wheel means extending the shocks pushing the tire further up into the fender.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 100,455
Likes: 19,811
From: Centennial, CO
Welcome to the Forum from Colorado!
Sounds like the preload has been backed off completely and possibly a set of lowering bolts has been installed. This would explain the harsh ride. There are a couple of threads in here that show how to adjust it, and you will need a special spanner wrench to do so, which is available from the dealer.
A Harley service manual should be your next purchase, it'll be the best $60 you spend on your bike.
I will see if i can find a thread that expalins how to adjust them.
Here's one:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/softa...me-doable.html
Here's another:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/softa...-question.html
Sounds like the preload has been backed off completely and possibly a set of lowering bolts has been installed. This would explain the harsh ride. There are a couple of threads in here that show how to adjust it, and you will need a special spanner wrench to do so, which is available from the dealer.
A Harley service manual should be your next purchase, it'll be the best $60 you spend on your bike.
I will see if i can find a thread that expalins how to adjust them.
Here's one:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/softa...me-doable.html
Here's another:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/softa...-question.html
Last edited by QC; Apr 11, 2017 at 06:21 PM.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 39
Likes: 9
From: Langley, BC
chrome-dome-dave
It would appear both the fender sitting lower and nearly an inch of thread exposed would confirm what you said regarding the suspension being lowered.
Not sure if the photos will show up here but regardless your insight is appreciated.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 39
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From: Langley, BC
Dave
Based on your comments, it would appear that both the fender sits lower on the tire and the thread is nearly an inch exposed. Not sure if the photos will come through well on this but we'll see. Thanks much.
Thanks also QC, I'll definitely check out the web for these adjustments.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,332
Likes: 3,873
From: Upstate New York
there are "bump stops" on the Softail frame (behind the battery box), which limit the rear wheel travel and keep the wheel from hitting the fender. Lowering the rear has the effect of decreasing the available wheel travel. In your case, it looks like you have almost NO travel.
Better shocks and a reasonable ride height will fix it. Many here will recommend the Shotgun shock, but I have no experience with that setup. I have had good luck with Progressive shocks (I'm on my third set of them-lots of miles on my bike).
Better shocks and a reasonable ride height will fix it. Many here will recommend the Shotgun shock, but I have no experience with that setup. I have had good luck with Progressive shocks (I'm on my third set of them-lots of miles on my bike).
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 497
Likes: 187
From: Dallas area
Definitely lowered.
+1 on the Progressive shocks. I've had them on for about 12k miles. Nice upgrade over stock and you have adjustment built in if you want to lower the ride height. Due to the design and access to the various adjusting bolts, you'll probably end up with about 1/2" below stock height. I don't have any problems with bottoming. The ride will soften up a little after the shocks break in.
Here are some notes I added to the Progressive installation diagram. My notes are in blue.
+1 on the Progressive shocks. I've had them on for about 12k miles. Nice upgrade over stock and you have adjustment built in if you want to lower the ride height. Due to the design and access to the various adjusting bolts, you'll probably end up with about 1/2" below stock height. I don't have any problems with bottoming. The ride will soften up a little after the shocks break in.
Here are some notes I added to the Progressive installation diagram. My notes are in blue.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,830
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From: Lorain Ohio
You can try to adjust the shocks on it to see if it helps. The lock nut is showing in the pic you posted. the more threads between the lock nut an an eye bolt the lower it's set. crank it in about half the way from where it is an lock it down.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 816
Likes: 10
From: Southern, MD
Originally Posted by gtmalone
Definitely lowered.
+1 on the Progressive shocks. I've had them on for about 12k miles. Nice upgrade over stock and you have adjustment built in if you want to lower the ride height. Due to the design and access to the various adjusting bolts, you'll probably end up with about 1/2" below stock height. I don't have any problems with bottoming. The ride will soften up a little after the shocks break in.
Here are some notes I added to the Progressive installation diagram. My notes are in blue.
+1 on the Progressive shocks. I've had them on for about 12k miles. Nice upgrade over stock and you have adjustment built in if you want to lower the ride height. Due to the design and access to the various adjusting bolts, you'll probably end up with about 1/2" below stock height. I don't have any problems with bottoming. The ride will soften up a little after the shocks break in.
Here are some notes I added to the Progressive installation diagram. My notes are in blue.
