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Rear Shock Settings
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 778
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From:
RE: Rear Shock Settings
I'm 200 lbs and set 'em @ 3 most of the time with the 5 setting factory shocks. Turn 'em up when planning to ride hard or two-up. Very easy to adjust. just be sure to have each side on the same setting.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 593
Likes: 0
From: Austin, Texas
RE: Rear Shock Settings
Love your bike RHarrison. I'm about ready to trade my 883 in for a 1200, but it has to be vivid black, '04 or newer and the right price!
As for your question - My bike ('04 883 XL) was set to the factory setting when I bought it used from a guy here in Tx. I put about 1000 miles on it with the stock setting until I rode 2-up for the first time with my wife.
After that first 2-up ride set to the factory setting (combined weight of approx 330lbs-350lbs) I purchased the spanner wrench and clicked it up one notch (middle) bc of bottoming out every once in a while.
That did the trick for 2-up riding (no bottoming out) and I haven't had any problems whatsoever riding solo on that setting either, so I've left it at that. I think the middle setting on the 3-notch shocks is just about right for the average weight and rider, although I know a few people who set theirs up all of the way, and they weigh about as much as I do (190-200 depending on if the weekday or weekend.
Oh yeah, don't forget to put more air in the back tire if riding 2-up! Check your manual if you have any questions.
Nice bike man - I'm jealous!
As for your question - My bike ('04 883 XL) was set to the factory setting when I bought it used from a guy here in Tx. I put about 1000 miles on it with the stock setting until I rode 2-up for the first time with my wife.
After that first 2-up ride set to the factory setting (combined weight of approx 330lbs-350lbs) I purchased the spanner wrench and clicked it up one notch (middle) bc of bottoming out every once in a while.
That did the trick for 2-up riding (no bottoming out) and I haven't had any problems whatsoever riding solo on that setting either, so I've left it at that. I think the middle setting on the 3-notch shocks is just about right for the average weight and rider, although I know a few people who set theirs up all of the way, and they weigh about as much as I do (190-200 depending on if the weekday or weekend.
Oh yeah, don't forget to put more air in the back tire if riding 2-up! Check your manual if you have any questions.
Nice bike man - I'm jealous!
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 983
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Rear Shock Settings
For those who want to adjust your rear preload, a large tongeu and grove plier will work just fine. I got mine for under $10 at the hardware store and they work well for about everything (remember, if your only tool is a hammer, everything looks like a nail). Seriously, any large Channelock or similar t & g pliers will work just fine. They adjust with less force than one would think.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 678
Likes: 2
From: Illinois_non-chicago
RE: Rear Shock Settings
2-up total 280 lbs. @ factory setting. The ride didn't feel to bad but my wife had the feeling she was going to fall off by the end of the ride she was almost in the front seat [sm=lol.gif]. Probably need a sissybar. I should make an adjustment on the shocks and try out the middle spot. rharrison when you used your channelhammer to adjust did you rap a cloth to prevent scraches?
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 678
Likes: 2
From: Illinois_non-chicago
RE: Rear Shock Settings
oops. never mind i see there is a notch there for grip. made the adjustment. I'll let you know if I feel a difference.
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,167
Likes: 20
From: NE Pennsylvania
RE: Rear Shock Settings
I found that on the 1 setting on my '05 XL1200C it could bottom out on sharp bounces, even 1 up. So I've adjusted to the 3rd (of 5) settings when I'm alone. I plan on cranking it up to 4 or 5 when I go 2 up.