Bitubo 13” shock review
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 234
Likes: 73
From: Sunshine state
my sag is about 7/8 of an inch. I’m no expert but 6 additional turns of preload sounds like you are making them fairly stiff.
If you read my original post I did mention that when I went looking for big bumps I got them to bottom. Actually they were big dips where the back tire fell in then had to come back out. Under normal imperfections they were sweet.
If you read my original post I did mention that when I went looking for big bumps I got them to bottom. Actually they were big dips where the back tire fell in then had to come back out. Under normal imperfections they were sweet.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 167
Likes: 38
From: Philadelphia area
Its been about 6 weeks now since ive added my chrome 13" bitubo twin adjustable's to my bobber. All I can say is its hands down an improvement over the stock. Love the new height, handling and smoothness. I havent done any experimenting as far as trying different settings or even noting sag or any of that. I can see im definitely not bottoming out all the time like I did w the stock shocks. I might be wrong about this but as far as I understand it, there is a break-in type period. So I figured I would get some mileage on it before experimenting w the different settings Just to add I had mine set up for firm/agressive riding.
Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 52
From: South Jersey
Hey Streetruner: I took your advice and backed off the preload 2 turns. Felt alot better on the subsequent check ride. Looks like I will be adjusting the preload for solo vs 2 up with TP configuration. Do you use a spanner wrench for the preload ring nut? I've been doing it by hand but a spanner sure would make it easier.
Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 52
From: South Jersey
Its been about 6 weeks now since ive added my chrome 13" bitubo twin adjustable's to my bobber. All I can say is its hands down an improvement over the stock. Love the new height, handling and smoothness. I havent done any experimenting as far as trying different settings or even noting sag or any of that. I can see im definitely not bottoming out all the time like I did w the stock shocks. I might be wrong about this but as far as I understand it, there is a break-in type period. So I figured I would get some mileage on it before experimenting w the different settings Just to add I had mine set up for firm/agressive riding.
If anything I think your butt breaks into the shock. Lol
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 167
Likes: 38
From: Philadelphia area
Ya could be right... Either way I dont have any major reasons to mess w the settings at the moment. Im happy w the firmer settings they preloaded.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,566
Likes: 55
From: Londonderry, NH
My sag is set to the Bitubo spec. I don't have the manual handy, but its what they called for.
I too bought from DK. Mine were set pretty close when they arrived and felt much better on the road than the stock shocks. I decided to go through the procedure to adjust the sag...just because it was available. With the sag adjusted to spec. the ride improved nicely. I suggest you all go through the procedure. It's easy and it does make a difference.
I ended up changing the rebound to 2 to smooth out the ride and things have been perfect since. Rebound effects how fast the shocks react to changes.
I'm about 220 and ride solo most of the time. I like the ride firm, but compliant.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,041
Likes: 203
From: Susanville CA
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Ultra Limited Low: Factory 12" HD Premium Hand Adjustable
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 886
Likes: 89
I'm 250 and my Road King is set up for solo only. So not only is it much lighter than my Limited, I have made even lighter with a solo seat and removing the passenger floor boards and luggage rack/backrest as well. Only thing in the saddle bags is rain gear and occasionally my laptop. I just walked out to the garage and checked, I have about three of four threads left as well. I like a Cadillac type ride as I strictly use the bike to commute and it's almost all straight interstate the whole way. 75 miles round trip each day. My idea of soft a ride is probably way too soft for others. I'm not tearing up any curves or riding aggressively. I haven't messed with the rebound yet. It's still on 3. I'm curious to see how it does in the morning.
Last edited by rnl_1200C; May 2, 2019 at 08:10 AM. Reason: typo