Adjusting shocks....got tips?
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,744
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Adjusting shocks....got tips?
I was just wondering how the rest of you adjust your shock length. I usually unbolt the bottom bolt, take the shock loose, make the adjustment, and then I have toget a little help lifting the back of the bike while I reinsert the bolt. You guys know an easier way? Is there a tool that can spin the adjuster while the shock is still bolted on? This is only the second bike I've had with side-mounted shocks, and the firstbike thatI've had to adjust them on. Thanks ahead. jammer
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 114
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From: Boston, Ma
RE: Adjusting shocks....got tips?
Hey TXjammer, I don't know if you have stock shocks or perhaps progressives, but what you want is a spanner wrench. You just attach it to the bottom of the shock and it allows you to spin to either lower or heghten. I believe that you need to match the wrench to whatever type of shock you have.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,067
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From: Edmonton Alberta Canada
RE: Adjusting shocks....got tips?
I use one of those rubber strap wrenches, works great and doesn't mar the chrome, and no I'm not too cheep to spend the $10.00 just too lazy to go get one from the dealer. 
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Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
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From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
RE: Adjusting shocks....got tips?
I wind up adjusting my shocks almost every week, solo vs 2up. I paid $8 at the indy for the spanner wrench, takes about 30sec's to change the setting.
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Indianapolis, IN
RE: Adjusting shocks....got tips?
ORIGINAL: cHarley
Also, it you line the inside edge of the spanner wrench with a piece of electrical tape it won't leave marks on the shock.
Also, it you line the inside edge of the spanner wrench with a piece of electrical tape it won't leave marks on the shock.
I hauled a passenger at the lightest setting, which was the factory setting. Man, the bike dropped what seemed light several inches &I am sure it did.
I went ahead and adjusted it to the tightestpreload.
I really could not notice muchof a difference in feel or handling with just me on the bike afterstiffening it up.