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Preload adjustment, is the UK online manual wrong?
Ive always complained that the suspension on my 2019 Road King isnt great and doesnt soak up the bumps very well, and someone recently asked if Id got the preload set right. I knew I had as Id set it as per the manual. However, Ive just decided to double check and Im now wondering if the UK online manual is wrong. The reason that I say that is that there are three tables, one with standard shock and tour pak, one with standard shock at without tour pak, and one with low length shocks with and without tour pak.
If I check the table and go to my weight (*cough* 270lbs *cough*) on the table WITH tour pak it says preload of 5, but on the table WITHOUT tour pak it says preload 9. Why would you need more preload with just rider and no tour pak, surely it should be the other way around as youd need more preload with tour pak to compensate for the weight of the tour pak?
Based on the table Ive been running a preload of 9, but maybe I should be running it at 5 and this is why Ive always found the ride harsh?
(Sorry 270 is missing off the bottom of the tables below, but I thought it more important to show the bit at the top showing with or without tour pak. You can see its suggesting more preload with rider only though)
The US one is the same way, ironically I started looking at it this week because I forgot I even had the adjustment and I've been thinking the rides been shitty and I've been getting beat up. Also, I just put on my tour pack for the first time recently lol
I dont quite folow the logic there either, I assumed something to do with weight distribution and geometry, but subscribing anyway
I’m curious as well, so I’ll be watching this thread with keen interest. I’d like to see how well the preload can be dialed in.
I know most are going to advocate to replace with better suspension, but I want to see whether the premium adjustables on my ‘19 CVO can get the job done for now.
The US one is the same way, ironically I started looking at it this week because I forgot I even had the adjustment and I've been thinking the rides been shitty and I've been getting beat up. Also, I just put on my tour pack for the first time recently lol
I dont quite folow the logic there either, I assumed something to do with weight distribution and geometry, but subscribing anyway
Well I've tried lowering it to 5 and I think it's worse, I seem to get 'jiggled around' a lot more
Originally Posted by Red
Disregard the chart. At least that's what I've figured out over the years.
I run my dressers at 0 unless one of the big girls is with me. Then I go up to 8.
I'm 225lbs and can't remember bottoming out the 13" hand adjustable shocks.
Thanks. As above I changed it from 9 to 5 and I think it's worth, but I'll try 0 out of curiosity
I just looked at the online manual for 2016 Touring Models equipped with hand adjustable shocks. It has similar preload tables for models with, or without Tour Paks, but it makes more sense (to me) than the 2019 manual. Models with Tour Paks have higher preload numbers, versus models without Tour Paks.
I recently changed mine from 12" stock hand adjustable to 13" Progressive 412's (which are a moderate improvement) but before I did so I chose a particular stretch of road I frequent with varying bumps and ripples. It took several runs to find the happy (relative term) place.
Ride the roads you frequent and know are the reason for shock absorbers. Choose a setting in the middle range and make multiple passes. I started at 12 and adjusted in increments of 2. If the ride is stiff go to a lower number. If its soft and cushy go to a higher number. If too low it will make it will more easily bottom out and you'll definitely feel it as well as it's unsafe given you'll probably bounce the tire off the pavement. Not good if in an aggressive turn. If its too stiff you'll feel every ripple and bump more solidly. I ended up at a setting of 10 on my Road King Special with just me at 205#. Riding 2-up with wifey I adjusted to 15. I've yet to ride 2-up with my tour pack which I now have mounted on a solo rack since my wife is now riding her own.
I tried my bike a preload of 2.5 and it did bottom out once on a very large ‘dip’ in the road, and I scraped the boards for the first time so I think I’m going to wind them back to 8.
I did email Harley UK about this query (the preload settings with and without tour pak) and their response was this so I’m still none the wiser:-
“Thank you for contacting Harley-Davidson Customer Support with your question.
Here at Customer Support we do not have any technical training so we will not be able to give technical advice on this issue.
We do recommend checking your Owners Manual or contacting your nearest authorised H-D dealership as all of our dealerships have highly trained technicians who will be able to advise you fully. “
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Preload adjustment, is the UK online manual wrong?
