Suspension question
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 581
Likes: 28
From: Sunbury, PA
Suspension question
I am looking for advice on spring rate selection on the rear of my 2016 streetglide. I currently have pro-action piggy back style 12 shocks with 3 of travel. They have free bleed, slow compression, fast compression, and preload adjustment. I am currently running 128# per inch springs. My problem is I only weigh 130# so I dont see hardly any change going from free sag to rider sag. The bikes rides decent but little firmer then I would like and if I set sag at 1 I dont get full travel. I am thinking I should be using a 100#-110# spring.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,889
Likes: 1,902
From: East Coast, USA
Maybe try giving Pro-Action a call. What did they suggest?
724-846-9055
http://street.pro-action.com/
724-846-9055
http://street.pro-action.com/
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 934
Likes: 1,050
From: So Calif
You want the total sag to be 1" (a 1" compression of the total travel of 3"). That is from the shock fully extended, to total sag with you in riding position on the bike, with your normal load (luggage or whatever). Your preload will adjust this.
Yes, I would agree with you on the spring rate.
Yes, I would agree with you on the spring rate.
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 581
Likes: 28
From: Sunbury, PA
I talked to pro-action many times (they are awesome at helping out). The bike rides better then any bike I have owned in the past but with rider sag set at 1" I am only getting about 1.25" of compression. I still have about 3/4" of travel left. George feels I could try a 110# spring but I need to get them custom made. Big $$. I am just trying to gather all the opinions I can before placing order on costly springs.
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 581
Likes: 28
From: Sunbury, PA
every spring manufacture told me it would cost an "arm and a leg". The current springs I have are the lightest pro-action had for me. Actually they are lighter then their normal stock springs. I will end up spending the " arm and a leg" but just wanted some input on what others thought. Currently I have about 3/4" free sag and only an additional 1/4 inch from me.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 30
Likes: 13
From: So.Brooklyn
Wear a heavy leather jacket and boots. Carry tools,tire kit and a compressor, that should add a few lbs. Less preload and a bit more compression damping might help.
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 581
Likes: 28
From: Sunbury, PA
I spent the evening in the garage and finally had some help to get some measurements to set the sag correctly. Here is what I have.
extended shock length - 12.25"
Free sag - .5"
Rider sag - .75"
Ride height with me on the bike is 11.5"
Preload is 11/16"
Fast compression is set at 0
slow compression is set at 2
free bleed is at 4
Now that I have sag set properly I am getting full travel on bigger hits on the road. Small stuff seems firm but decent. I will still play with the compressions and the free bleed to see if I can get a more plush ride but at least I am headed in the correct direction.
extended shock length - 12.25"
Free sag - .5"
Rider sag - .75"
Ride height with me on the bike is 11.5"
Preload is 11/16"
Fast compression is set at 0
slow compression is set at 2
free bleed is at 4
Now that I have sag set properly I am getting full travel on bigger hits on the road. Small stuff seems firm but decent. I will still play with the compressions and the free bleed to see if I can get a more plush ride but at least I am headed in the correct direction.
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
every spring manufacture told me it would cost an "arm and a leg". The current springs I have are the lightest pro-action had for me. Actually they are lighter then their normal stock springs. I will end up spending the " arm and a leg" but just wanted some input on what others thought. Currently I have about 3/4" free sag and only an additional 1/4 inch from me.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 532
Likes: 211
From: Armstrong, BC
Another thought.... I'm not sure how many miles you have on the P-As, but it's my understanding that you should allow them to have some break-in time before doing too many adjustments,,, and certainly before spending big bucks on custom springs. Like you said, it is already the best ride you've ever had.