I have a 03 Fatboy. Bought the spanner wrench to stiffen up the shock due to bottoming out when riding with passanger. I have a 2" lower kit also. I turned the adjuster 2 turns counter clockwise and then took it for a ride. It seem stiffer and didn't bottom out. BUT about 10 miles later I went over a bridge that had a pretty good bump. Heard a loud snap and now if i guess correctly I think only one shock is working. Could I of over adjusted the shock?? I think I could of adjusted 4 turn looking at the threads. I thought about turning both shocks clockwise till they bottom out and then try adjusting them all over again. Open to suggestions. Hope this all makes sense....

 

1. not likely that you overtightened
2. if you cant tell whether the spring snapped, the dealer can
3. stock shocks are junk and prob need to be replaced (by aftermarket manufacturers)!!

lowering makes the bike look better, but it also makes makes most shocks bottom out more easily...

 

If you must replace your shocks go with Progressive 422's. Adjustable height and preload.

 

Thanks guys. Have an update I can not adjust the left side shock....must be the snap I heard. Pricing shocks now...

 

Damn, now you got me a little worried. I just recently added two complete turns to my '05's shocks so I can tote the wife around without bottoming out. So far so good, but at least in my case the bike and shocks both had well under 3K on the ticker. If I do blow one out I would follow these guys advice and do either Progressive 422's or spring for the full air ride. Fingers crossed for now.

 

bikerlaw just for the record my fatboy has 1303 miles...it is a 03 and i am the second owner. I am bidding on some 422's as i reply....

 

Installed 422's and they are great.

 

Thanks for the update!