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Slim - Adjusting Shock preload

Old Jun 19, 2013 | 10:53 AM
  #11  
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CanuckSlim
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From: Calgary, Canada
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Compared to the stock suspension on a Sportster the stock suspension on a Softail is a dream.
 
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Old Jun 19, 2013 | 11:04 AM
  #12  
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Originally Posted by Andyintheshed
Got the special tool.
Checked the procedure in the manual - seemed straightforward

Adjust while on the jiffy-stand.

You've got to be f****ng kidding me!!!!

Undid the jam-nuts (that proved to be the easiest bit!)
Tried turning the cans clockwise (like it said) but the threaded rod just turned with them - just like if the nut was still tight.
Tried holding the rod still with the 9/16 spanner.
Forget it. Hardly any room, hardly any space. I like my knuckles with skin intact.
Gave up. Counted the threads visible above the nuts when done up again - both exactly the same.

Looks like the only way to do it properly would be to block the bike up & remove the shocks and do the job on the bench.

So for now I'll keep as is, for solo and riding with a passenger.

Andy
'95 XLH883
'13 Slim
Hampshire
England
You have to hold the shaft with a wrench. It is notched for it.
 
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Old Aug 8, 2013 | 07:01 AM
  #13  
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Adjusted per-load on my 2013 Slim.

Managed to do it on the jiffy stand, 20 mins.

It was set way too soft from the dealer, just had to look at a curve and the floorboards were scraping.

I had to go 5 full turns (marked six o-clock position with tippex).
 
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Old Aug 8, 2013 | 07:12 AM
  #14  
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Here ya go: you will need a spray can of WD-40, a 1 1/16 open end wrench, a 9/16" wrench and a bike jack if avail. Raise bike with jack just forward of cross member with rear wheel touching the ground. Light spray the shaft by lock nuts. Hold notched shaft with the 9/16 wrench and loosen lock nuts and spin them forward out of the way. Grip each shock with gloves and turn shocks forward. Forget the thread counting. Visually turn both shocks forward until they match along front of cans. Hold can with spanner and tighten lock nuts, done
 

Last edited by checkers; Aug 8, 2013 at 07:16 AM.
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