Dialing in HD Shocks
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 980
Likes: 176
From: PA
Dialing in HD Shocks
How many of you dial in your HD Shocks for single and 2 up riding?
Single setting for me is 4 turns, 2 up is 23 turns, what a pita.
Is there some middle magic number that works for both?
Single setting for me is 4 turns, 2 up is 23 turns, what a pita.
Is there some middle magic number that works for both?
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,703
Likes: 909
From: SE Michigan
You've got give or take 3 inches of travel, 2 when you include sag.
You will settle with either too harsh a ride solo if you leave them cranked up, bottom too often (also harsh) if you leave them too soft.
If you put it in the middle, both. Harsh solo and too soft/bottoming 2 up.
I have Ohlin's with reservoir on mine.
I add 4 turns of preload when 2 up, take them out solo.
Less than 5 minutes both sides and it allows me to get a good look at the belt, tire, brakes, etc.
And if I forget to change from one to the other, it is noticed within minutes.
Prior to Ohlins, i had Pro Action. Also a great shock, DJ and Gary are awesome. But same...either compromise or take the time and set up properly.
FYI, I'm 275lb with gear, wife is 140 with gear.
I run a tad more sag but I bumped the compression in each shock a click or two.
I know most of this is irrelevant to you as you specifically asked about stock shocks.
My point is even a quality aftermarket, you should adjust based on load...or you're compromising it's ability and your comfort.
Good luck.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,712
Likes: 9,219
From: Snow Hill, NC
I really need to add or remove 8 turns for solo vs 2up on mine so I compromised and left it in the middle because its a PITA to remove the bags to adjust..Mrs Notgrownup is happy and so am I. Öhlins bass model
Banned
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 4,506
Likes: 2,361
I found that the best and easiest way to dialing in HD shocks is by getting rid of them and buying new ones.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,712
Likes: 9,219
From: Snow Hill, NC
I totally agree, just sorry it took me 11 years to realize it...
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 469
Likes: 130
From: Portland, Oregon
I have mine set to 23 for just me...but I'm a heavy guy. You can experiment and maybe find a setting you can tolerate. But as dajpgejr explained, it's going to be a compromise whether you have the HD shocks or an aftermarket.