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Adjusting rear shock

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Old Sep 21, 2008 | 06:58 PM
  #1  
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Default Adjusting rear shock

Any special tools required to adjust the rear shock on my 2006 Fatboy? I usually ride two up and think my set up is now currently for solo riding. Does adjusting the shock make a big difference? How will it ride when I do ride solo?
Also, anyone have any specs on the front forks, such as standard height from the wheel or any other way of checking to see if the front end is what it should be?
 
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Old Sep 21, 2008 | 07:11 PM
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You will need a spanner wrench to turn the body of the shocks. HD sells one that only cost about $5. Then you need a 1-1/8" open end wrench that is only about 5" long. That way you will have clearance between the nut and the floor when you adjust the shocks with the bike on the jiffy stand.
The open end wrench is used to loosen and back off the retention nut on each shock. The first time it is done there is usually loctite on it, so it is hard to break loose.
Once you have adjusted the shocks one time, after that it only takes a couple of minutes each time you do it. I just barely snug the retention nut and use no loctite.
I adjust mine every time the wife rides with me.
Tom
 
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Old Sep 21, 2008 | 10:07 PM
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Tom is right, not hard at all. I used advice off this forum and instructions from www.fatbillcustoms.com for help. I used the spanner wrench. I had to stiffen mine up after installing the profile low rear suspension. There are 4 threads showing when the shocks are on the softest setting. As you turn counter clockwise the threads begin to disappear. The fewer the threads the stiffer the shock which would be good for 2up. I have mine set on two threads and it rides similar to stock but the bike sits 1 inch lower.
 
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Old Sep 21, 2008 | 10:18 PM
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Old Sep 21, 2008 | 10:35 PM
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Get an airride and you can do it with the push of a button. Usually iof you are carrying a passenger you wnat to make the suspension stiffer. Stiffer also usually handle better in the turns, but may affect bumps and such on a flat surface.
 
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Old Sep 22, 2008 | 06:41 AM
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Default Shock adjusting tool

Originally Posted by tmitchellof PG
You will need a spanner wrench to turn the body of the shocks. HD sells one that only cost about $5. Then you need a 1-1/8" open end wrench that is only about 5" long. That way you will have clearance between the nut and the floor when you adjust the shocks with the bike on the jiffy stand.
The open end wrench is used to loosen and back off the retention nut on each shock. The first time it is done there is usually loctite on it, so it is hard to break loose.
Tom
The shock adjusting tool that I bought from HD has the open end wrench built into the tool. So buy 94448-82A and it is everything you will need.
 
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