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Adjusting Shocks

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Old Jun 2, 2012 | 02:31 PM
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Question Adjusting Shocks
Do i have to have a special H-D tool to adjust the rear shocks on my Iron or can i go to Harbor Freight and get a spanner wrench that fits. I need to bump it up a notch or two for when i have a passenger because it is almost on the lowest setting right now.

Also, do i need to lift the bike to do it or can i do it while it is sitting on the ground?
 
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Old Jun 2, 2012 | 02:37 PM
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Any spanner wrench that fits will do the trick. I've heard of people using channel locks and a rag. It makes it much easier if you lift the bike, but it is not necessary.
 
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Old Jun 2, 2012 | 03:14 PM
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Originally Posted by Scuba10jdl
I've heard of people using channel locks and a rag.



That's what I do. Works great with the stock shocks. A bit more tricky with Progressive shocks.
 
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Old Jun 2, 2012 | 03:20 PM
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I got my spanner wrench from the stealership for $10...
 
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Old Jun 2, 2012 | 03:25 PM
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what do the numbers 1-5 mean on the shocks?
 
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Old Jun 2, 2012 | 04:51 PM
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I never noticed any numbers. Just look at the cam on the stock. It's pretty easy to figure out.
 
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Old Nov 13, 2012 | 08:59 AM
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Sorry to bring up an old post. I have been noticing that I bottom out a bit on my Iron 883 when I go over some rough bumps. I figured there is a way to adjust the rear shocks.

What settings do you guys have yours on? I weigh about 195. Maybe 205 or so when im all suited up. I also ride with a backpack sometimes so that adds extra weight as well.
 
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Old Nov 13, 2012 | 11:10 AM
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Originally Posted by blackknight883
Sorry to bring up an old post. I have been noticing that I bottom out a bit on my Iron 883 when I go over some rough bumps. I figured there is a way to adjust the rear shocks.

What settings do you guys have yours on? I weigh about 195. Maybe 205 or so when im all suited up. I also ride with a backpack sometimes so that adds extra weight as well.
Keep adjusting it up one cam position at a time until it doesn't bottom out on you anymore. You will more than likely find that it will be full stiff before that happens. It also may still bottom out with the stock shocks and you may want to look at aftermarket shocks.
 
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Old Nov 13, 2012 | 12:11 PM
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I have my shocks on the highest preload and they still suck. I weigh about 197.
 
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Old Nov 13, 2012 | 12:26 PM
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Originally Posted by blackknight883
Sorry to bring up an old post. I have been noticing that I bottom out a bit on my Iron 883 when I go over some rough bumps. I figured there is a way to adjust the rear shocks.

What settings do you guys have yours on? I weigh about 195. Maybe 205 or so when im all suited up. I also ride with a backpack sometimes so that adds extra weight as well.
I'm about the same weight, mine had 5 adjustments, and I ran mine on number 4 with 5 being the stiffest. I don't have an Iron though, might be different shocks than my Custom.
 
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