Bad Shocks Install?
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: D.C.
Bad Shocks Install?
It just occurred to me that I might have just messed up the installation of my rear shocks. When I first put them on (before I lost 20 lbs), I could hear that bumping noise a lot. I thought I was bottoming out which did surprise me and then the noise disappeared. Two weeks ago I took my GF for a spin and we seemed to bottom out every foot. The both of us do not exceed 300 lbs in weight, and the shocks, the Burly slammer, are at their "stiffest" setting.
If you look at the picture below you will see how the top of the shocks hump the rails. I'm pretty sure it's not supposed to be this way, is it?
If you look at the picture below you will see how the top of the shocks hump the rails. I'm pretty sure it's not supposed to be this way, is it?
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,705
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From: D.C.
It's an 02 883C. I used all the washers and spacers that came with the bike. It does look completely wrong!
I'm going to contact Burly and see if they have a solution. Otherwise, where can I find spacers and longer bolts?
I'm going to contact Burly and see if they have a solution. Otherwise, where can I find spacers and longer bolts?
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
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From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
Installing "slammer" shocks and then running 2up at 300#, is bound to cause a bottoming out problem. It ain't rocket science.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 423
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From: London, UK
its a little hard to see, is the marks on the rail or rear strut/rail cover?
Only ask as my 09 iron rear fender strut covers are open there around that section but yours seem to cover under there too
Will hit my pics to find a photo of what I mean
Only ask as my 09 iron rear fender strut covers are open there around that section but yours seem to cover under there too
Will hit my pics to find a photo of what I mean
Last edited by ironhide_uk; Jul 25, 2011 at 10:21 AM.
Road Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,137
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From: Virginia
I'm sure you can find everything you'll need at Lowes or Home Depot.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Edmonton Alberta Canada
You don't need longer bolts they are plenty long enough, just take one of your washers as a sample and get two or three stainless washers the same size for each side & install them to move the top of the shock away enough so it doesn't touch.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
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From: A barrier island in NJ
Something's definitely wrong with the way those shocks are hitting the struts. The top of the shocks should not be that close to the struts and since the top of the shocks, as well as the struts to which they are mounted, are "sprung weight" so they should never hit one another. My initial reaction is that they are not the correct shocks for your bike. No shocks should need to be mounted with so many wahers and spacers. Just my 2 cents worth...
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Landrum, SC , elevation 986'
+2 As said make sure that you add the same thickness spacers/washers to the top and bottom.