Rear shock question
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Seasoned HDF Member
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From: Kalifornia
Rear shock question
Once I got the front end of my bike squared away, I now notice the rear end even more. The issue is, when at speed, about 45+, and in a curve, if there is an uneven surface the rear end wobbles like a hula dancer. This seems most prevalent when its an undulating surface, like slight pressure ridges. Does not matter if am on inside of curve or outside and its a bit scary. I have to slow dramatically for it to not happen.
My question, is does this sound like a swingarm issue or shock issue. The bike is very stable and solid otherwise.
In my mind, and limited knowledge of suspension systems, I am thinking it feels like uncontrolled rebound. The stock shocks felt the same way, and when I first put these on (13" RK air shocks) about 90% of it went away, so I am wondering if its time for a set of good shocks? Unless you think its something else. The front end, during these gyrations, feels solidly planted, no issues there at all.
My question, is does this sound like a swingarm issue or shock issue. The bike is very stable and solid otherwise.
In my mind, and limited knowledge of suspension systems, I am thinking it feels like uncontrolled rebound. The stock shocks felt the same way, and when I first put these on (13" RK air shocks) about 90% of it went away, so I am wondering if its time for a set of good shocks? Unless you think its something else. The front end, during these gyrations, feels solidly planted, no issues there at all.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bedford UK
While Harley shocks are generally pretty poor when new, they can soon get a lot worst as the miles roll by, so they may be behind your problems. Your bike also has a rubber-mounted engine, to which the swingarm and rear wheel are attached, so in addition the rubber engine mounts can wear. Mine is fine, so I haven't looked into this yet, but check your FSM to see if there is any guidance on checking your bushings for wear. I haven't seen them discussed much to date, I have to say, but nothing these days is totally bullet-proof! Also check your tyre pressures and wear, as we can't get far diagnosing handling problems, unless everything else is ship-shape. You certainly shouldn't be having what you describe.
Last edited by grbrown; Mar 26, 2020 at 05:03 PM.
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Seasoned HDF Member
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From: Kalifornia
Tires are new, and pressures were just checked. Tires are Dunlop American Elites and are worlds better than the 401s that were on it.
Are you saying the swingarm is mounted to the engine? That is really odd.
Are you saying the swingarm is mounted to the engine? That is really odd.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2018
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From: Kalifornia
Ok looked at the manual and see what you are saying. The engine is definitely used, but not solely. Still the design does leave room for a lot of flex, if the bushings are worn. I will have to examine those I guess.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,625
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From: The Biggest Little City, Reno, NV
There is a slow curve in the road to my house from the freeway. Its a 45 zone. The road has some little rolling bumps across it. With the stock suspension on my 2 sportsters, it felt like the rear was going to come out from under me in the curve. After upgrading the front with springs, and good rear shocks, that curve no longer bothers me.
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From: Niagara, Ontario, Canada
How old are the tires, I noticed a bit of that when I put on new Elites also. They use a release agent in the moulds, and until that's worn off, I found that weird feeling also.
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Seasoned HDF Member
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From: Kalifornia
About a month, but the bike did this from the day I got it. I really cannot imagine my bushings being that worn, with only about 20k on the bike though. Starting to convince myself its the shocks.
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Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 6,040
Likes: 1,816
From: Kalifornia
There is a slow curve in the road to my house from the freeway. Its a 45 zone. The road has some little rolling bumps across it. With the stock suspension on my 2 sportsters, it felt like the rear was going to come out from under me in the curve. After upgrading the front with springs, and good rear shocks, that curve no longer bothers me.
That sounds exactly like the issue and road conditions I was trying to describe. What shocks did you end up with? Trying to figure what good ones to get, that are a little more affordable.