The Shotgun Shock Installation Thread

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Mar 18, 2014 | 02:44 PM

#11

Ragnar

Road Master

Joined: Jul 2013

Posts: 862

Likes: 2

From: WI

The compressor seems to be the worst part of the install for most everyone. It goes, just take your time. The second bike we installed one on was a breeze, having been through it once.

Mar 18, 2014 | 05:50 PM

#12

Yo Nadz

Tourer

Joined: Jun 2012

Posts: 281

Likes: 2

From: STL, MO

I'm going to make a photo guide when I install on my breakout. Hopefully it helps.....nervous about the install, but I'm gonna give it my best.

Mar 18, 2014 | 08:00 PM

#13

Village Idiot™

Thread Starter

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2011

Posts: 3,158

Likes: 68

From: Martinsburg, WV

Quote:

Originally Posted by Superrust

Glad to see this thread started. I just ordered the shock and considering I've never put something like this on a bike I know it's going to take a bit more time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yo Nadz

I'm going to make a photo guide when I install on my breakout. Hopefully it helps.....nervous about the install, but I'm gonna give it my best.

Honestly, the hardest part for me was getting the bolt out of the shock. I already had to take my rear wheel off to do some modification to make the larger rear wheel and tire I shoe-horned in there fit better. I couldn't imagine doing this with the rear wheel on if those rear shock bolts are as tight on all bikes as they were on mine. Other than that, it's cake. I think the second longest part of the install was assembling the jack I bought the night before.

Mar 18, 2014 | 10:34 PM

#14

Hogpro

Former Sponsor

Joined: Aug 2005

Posts: 10,968

Likes: 54

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/air-s...ad-how-to.html

Mar 19, 2014 | 07:19 AM

#15

24v

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2012

Posts: 3,986

Likes: 709

From: San Diego

The shock bolts are easy if you start with the right tools. Just put a closed end wrench on the bolt and let it hang straight down under the bike. Make sure it is square on the bolt, and give it a few whacks with a 5lb hammer. Should break free without even working up a sweat.

Mar 19, 2014 | 10:01 AM

#16

Village Idiot™

Thread Starter

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2011

Posts: 3,158

Likes: 68

From: Martinsburg, WV

Quote:

Originally Posted by 24v

I tried hammering at mine with a mallet with no luck. Once they were broken free one of the bolts still needed a massive amount of force to turn it.

Mar 19, 2014 | 11:49 AM

#17

24v

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2012

Posts: 3,986

Likes: 709

From: San Diego

I wonder if you don't have something cross threaded then? I mean they all have a thread locker of some sort, but a "massive" amount of force just to turn it sounds like something else is wrong.

Mar 19, 2014 | 12:14 PM

#18

Village Idiot™

Thread Starter

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2011

Posts: 3,158

Likes: 68

From: Martinsburg, WV

Quote:

Originally Posted by 24v

I wonder if you don't have something cross threaded then? I mean they all have a thread locker of some sort, but a "massive" amount of force just to turn it sounds like something else is wrong.

I thought that may be an issue too, but I checked the bolts and they looked fine. I don't think the shocks have ever been removed from the bike. I think that they've been in there for the 8-9 years the bike has been alive.

HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Verdad Gallardo

7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Verdad Gallardo

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Pouria Savadkouei

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Pouria Savadkouei

Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Verdad Gallardo

Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Verdad Gallardo

Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Verdad Gallardo

Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Verdad Gallardo

10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Joe Kucinski

10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Verdad Gallardo

Mar 19, 2014 | 03:02 PM

#19

Yo Nadz

Tourer

Joined: Jun 2012

Posts: 281

Likes: 2

From: STL, MO

Do you guys know what size those bolts are where the shock mounts?? 3/4"??? I've only got a basic closed end wrench set and may need to buy some larger sizes. I think I've got the sizes to conquere everything else. Hoping those bolts aren't too much of a b!tch since the bike is brand new.