Progressive 422 's showed up today getting ready to change out old shocks on my 2015 Fatboy Lo, any tips appreciated . Not sure if I can change them without pulling rear tire off, just going to use my motorcycle jack, hopefully I will have enough clearance to slip old ones out. Bike does have abs so that may be an issue according to service manual .

 

How does the manual say changing out the shocks may cause an issue with the ABS..???

I don't see how that can happen...

 

Man your reading too much into changing the shocks its remove and replace. If you screw this job up never and I mean never touch a motor cycle or a tool again take it to a shop.

 

It's quite a bit different changing shocks on a softail than other bikes. At the very least, the fasteners are much more difficult to get to.

Paul

 

Yep your right

 

manual says to remove ,relocate control unit mounted on bracket

 

Thanks, I didn't realize the ABS unit was attached to the shock mounting bolts on an ABS softail...

After looking at the parts diagram, it doesn't look like the ABS would interfere with the shocks/mounts, but I have never worked on an ABS softail.

Do the progressive 422s supply or suggest an ABS bracket and new location? Or do they leave it up to the customer to figure all that out..??

One tip on the shock removal. Most important on the older Softails, it is a good idea to hit the mounting bolts/screws a couple days in advance with penetrating oil a few times. It gives it time to saturate the mounting bolts/nuts. Because of the location at the bottom of the bike, and the restricted access, those bolts can be tough to get off.

Good luck and report back how it all goes....

 

I've changed shocks a few times on my older Heritage's. It is a P I T A !!

The only trick I remember is, using my lift, I raised the bike up just enough
to take the pressure off the wheel, but not enough so the wheel is hanging.

 

When you get them installed, come back and let us know how you find them as I have ben considering installing these on my Fat Boy.

 

Yes, and it’s a lot easier with a lift, when I needed to adjust the preload on softail the spanner was too long with the bike on the side stand had to lift it up higher. Easier to see what you are doing, used a large mirror to get an idea where all the bolts were and how it’s all laid out .

Also used a trolley jack under the rear wheel to support its weight.



Edit to add video.