Rear Suspension Setup
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 832
Likes: 3
From: Colorado
Rear Suspension Setup
I have a question on the setup of the rear suspension. I went and bought a spanner wrench so I could adjust the suspension, and put it all the way low. My 93 only has 3 settings on the shocks, which are the original 16 year old shocks.
I sat on the bike with the suspension on medium, and it was still almost totally at the top of the shocks (minimum compression). So I put them on lowest, and the bike now sits about 1 inch into the suspension with me on it. (I weigh 155) Is this right about where I want the suspension at rest? I tried to get it back to medium to compare again, but that tool and the old shocks are a pain- the tool keeps slipping off the adjuster, and I'm not sure I can get it back up by myself, the notches are rounding off fast....
I hope to be able to go for a test ride later this week when my driveway isn't a soupy mud mess from the 2 feet of snow that fell over the weekend.
Opinions/suspension setup recommendations are appreciated!
I sat on the bike with the suspension on medium, and it was still almost totally at the top of the shocks (minimum compression). So I put them on lowest, and the bike now sits about 1 inch into the suspension with me on it. (I weigh 155) Is this right about where I want the suspension at rest? I tried to get it back to medium to compare again, but that tool and the old shocks are a pain- the tool keeps slipping off the adjuster, and I'm not sure I can get it back up by myself, the notches are rounding off fast....
I hope to be able to go for a test ride later this week when my driveway isn't a soupy mud mess from the 2 feet of snow that fell over the weekend.
Opinions/suspension setup recommendations are appreciated!
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,775
Likes: 6
From: Simpson County Kentucky
The first thing I would do is launch those shocks as the compression and rebound has likely seen better days and only works in a reasonable manner because of your weight being very low. A suspension that is matched to the rider can mean a lot when it comes to ride quality and investing in some good shocks and fork springs can make a huge difference.
I adjusted the pre-load on my wife's new Iron the other day. I don't have the official spanner wrench but I used one of my strap wrenches (with rubber strap) & it worked fine. I was turning the pre-load in the direction for less tension. She's not very heavy & rides solo. The adjustment made for a smoother ride. I don't know how my technique would work going the other direction (more tension).
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 832
Likes: 3
From: Colorado
So right after I posted this my hot water heater decided it was the appropriate time to die. So until that's fixed I don't know how much I'll have to replace shocks (I'd like to lower the bike and use 11 inch or shorter shocks), but they're much more expensive than stock ones on denniskirk. Where else is good for shopping for shocks?
How hard are they going to be to replace? I'm going to read the manual after posting this, but am curious what others experience has been replacing shocks-
Thanks!
How hard are they going to be to replace? I'm going to read the manual after posting this, but am curious what others experience has been replacing shocks-
Thanks!
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,775
Likes: 6
From: Simpson County Kentucky
So right after I posted this my hot water heater decided it was the appropriate time to die. So until that's fixed I don't know how much I'll have to replace shocks (I'd like to lower the bike and use 11 inch or shorter shocks), but they're much more expensive than stock ones on denniskirk. Where else is good for shopping for shocks?
How hard are they going to be to replace? I'm going to read the manual after posting this, but am curious what others experience has been replacing shocks-
Thanks!
How hard are they going to be to replace? I'm going to read the manual after posting this, but am curious what others experience has been replacing shocks-
Thanks!
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 832
Likes: 3
From: Colorado
Back to my original request for opinion/information: Should the suspension be sitting about 1 inch in so it's "active" when I'm sitting on the bike?
I get it; they need to be replaced. But in the meantime, is this the correct setting, regardless of age of the shocks?
I get it; they need to be replaced. But in the meantime, is this the correct setting, regardless of age of the shocks?
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diacovoni
Frame/Suspension/Front End/Brakes
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Jan 18, 2016 08:51 AM
11, 1200l, 412, 883, adjustment, harley, iron, preload, progressive, recommendation, setup, spanner, sportster, suspension, wrench
