2015 street glide special shocks
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,570
Likes: 117
From: Southeast NC
sad so sad. dummies at the factory. not surprised. i wonder whats upside down inside the engine and tranny
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 103
Likes: 2
From: NW Ohio
After doing some checking, I believe the OP's right shock is installed correctly for a later-built bike. At the beginning of the run with those hand adjustable shocks, MoCo discovered that there was not enough clearance at the bottom, and their cure was to install it "upside down" and add a spacer. My RGS was built less than a month ago, and the fat end is up, which reflects how HD wants this shock to be from the factory. Not supposed to be any difference in ride or handing since its not a progressive spring. Also, my HD detachables fit fine on the shock top. Tight fit, but they work great. Try a teeny bit of non-petroleum based lube.
I love HD motorcycles...
The company, and dealers... not so much.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,979
Likes: 4
From: Central IL
After doing some checking, I believe the OP's right shock is installed correctly for a later-built bike. At the beginning of the run with those hand adjustable shocks, MoCo discovered that there was not enough clearance at the bottom, and their cure was to install it "upside down" and add a spacer. My RGS was built less than a month ago, and the fat end is up, which reflects how HD wants this shock to be from the factory. Not supposed to be any difference in ride or handing since its not a progressive spring. Also, my HD detachables fit fine on the shock top. Tight fit, but they work great. Try a teeny bit of non-petroleum based lube.
The piston end should be at the bottom.
Per the 2015 Touring Model Service Manual on page: 2-79 it states:
"Manual adjust shock absorbers: Install both with the rod end down".
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,422
Likes: 278
From: USA
In the OPs picture in the first post his right side shock is indeed installed incorrectly (upside down).
The piston end should be at the bottom.
Per the 2015 Touring Model Service Manual on page: 2-79 it states:
"Manual adjust shock absorbers: Install both with the rod end down".
The piston end should be at the bottom.
Per the 2015 Touring Model Service Manual on page: 2-79 it states:
"Manual adjust shock absorbers: Install both with the rod end down".
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,532
Likes: 132
From: SoCal
In the OPs picture in the first post his right side shock is indeed installed incorrectly (upside down).
The piston end should be at the bottom.
Per the 2015 Touring Model Service Manual on page: 2-79 it states:
"Manual adjust shock absorbers: Install both with the rod end down".
The piston end should be at the bottom.
Per the 2015 Touring Model Service Manual on page: 2-79 it states:
"Manual adjust shock absorbers: Install both with the rod end down".
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 192
Likes: 8
From: Placitas
My shock is installed as the first post/picture, got the bike this past saturday. My 2011 road glide passenger back rest wouldn't fit though, I just grind it a little bit the bottom of the back rest and now it fit nice.
Last edited by dnespolo; Dec 30, 2014 at 07:53 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 691
Likes: 35
From: Colorado
I just took delivery of a new 2014 SG 120R last week, and bought the Detachables kit for the sissy bar/backrest pad, and the stealth rack, along with the required 4 point docking kit. I didnt have any trouble installing them myself, though I do have Air shocks on mine. Hopefully that means mine are right side up...?