Progressive Suspension HELP !
I just bought a 98 softail custom, the bike is amazing but with in minutes of my first exilleratingride i noticed how rigid the rear suspentionwas. The rear suspension was bottoming out even some small bumps. If it bottoms out justwith me on it, I cant imagine how bad it will be when I take the girl out for a cruise.
I knew the bike had been lowered in the rear. I took a look andthe bike has a Progessive Suspension with the model numbers 413-4035 on the two gold canisters. I looked at the website but cant seem to find that exact model number, (do any of you know how this kind of suspention is adjusted?)
Any information would be greatly appreciated !
Thanks Guys
Hey Fellas
I just bought a 98 softail custom, the bike is amazing but with in minutes of my first exilleratingride i noticed how rigid the rear suspentionwas. The rear suspension was bottoming out even some small bumps. If it bottoms out justwith me on it, I cant imagine how bad it will be when I take the girl out for a cruise.
I knew the bike had been lowered in the rear. I took a look andthe bike has a Progessive Suspension with the model numbers 413-4035 on the two gold canisters. I looked at the website but cant seem to find that exact model number, (do any of you know how this kind of suspention is adjusted?)
Any information would be greatly appreciated !
Thanks Guys
To adjust the preload you will need a special tool (about ÂŁ12 in the uk).
To increase the preload,loosen the locknut and insert the tool in the holes and turn anti clockwise.I'm told there is 8 turns between min and max,make sure you mark the units before adjusting to ensure they are both at the same preload. (I've just read Imbodens reply, sorry to duplicate)
I believe it was lowered about two inches, the maximum I think. I really hope that the ride height can be adjusted also.
Thanks for the info guys, It is much appreciated. I'll check with my dealer tommorrow and see if I can pick up one of those wrenches.
Put em on ebay the following week. Good riddens !!
I'm sorry.I don't see what all the hoopla is about them. They did rebound better than the stock shocks (train tracks etc), but other than that, I was NOT impressed. I had them as close to stock height and on the lightest setting (I'm 180#). That thing rode like a Mack Truck. Worse than a Mack Truck - No air ride seat. Every seam in the road, you name it. My wife's 03 Heritage with Harley's lowering kit rides better. You just have to watch bottoming the forks out.
I have the stock shocks back on there, and I actually enjoy this bike again.
It depends what you want. If you bought your bike to ride it a few miles and park it in front of a bar and look cool, keep it slammed. If you actually want to RIDE IT, I'd only go 1" lower than stock. Otherwise, it'll scrape on everything and ride like a bucket of crap.
I do have a few miles under my belt and have ridden several Softails (all different models) over the years, so I have a fair idea what works.










