Gentlemen, I am sure there is some magic trick to this that I don't know about. That is why I am asking experts here. How can I quickly adjust sag on shocks? For example, I am going on a trip and will set a sag to "me + luggage". I weighted bags total and I have about 40 lbs there...this does not include a my sissy bar bag that I will weight in as well. Right now, my sag is setup for me only with nothing in saddle bags. I will set it up accordingly to the weight with all the crap for my trip there.

When I arrive at my destination, I will not have all the crap with me for riding, so I would like to setup my sag back to just me without having to measure it.

Is there a way? I know someone mentioned zip ties before? How?

I was thinking using some wooden coffee stirs and cut them measuring from the bottom of the spring to the edge of the shock? Have a set for each setting?

This is for Legends shocks.

Thank you in advance!


ETA: Nevermind, I found my answer that I should look for before posting
"For the best ride quality, you will want to adjust the Sag/Preload anytime you add/takeaway weight from the bike.

If you sometimes ride two-up, the best practice is to first set your sag with just your weight on the bike. Once you have the sag set for your weight solo, have your passenger sit on the bike, and re-adjust to once again achieve the target eye-to-eye measurement (11.5", 12", or 13") as applicable to the shock you have. When adding preload to the springs to account for the added weight of your passenger, count the turns required to achieve the target eye-to-eye measurement. For example, if you have 13" shocks, and you have the sag set at 1" for your weight solo on the bike (12" eye to eye measurement), and your passenger then sits on the bike, compressing the suspension to an 11" eye to eye length, increase the preload (tighten the springs) to once again achieve the target measurement of 12" eye to eye with both of you on the bike. When readjusting to account for your passengers weight, use the white "Legend" logo on the springs as a reference to count how many turns were required to once again achieve the 12" eye to eye length with your passenger's weight added the bike. Make a mental note of how many turns were required, and then the next time you ride solo, take the same amount of turns back out of the springs, and the sag will be set correctly for you by yourself."

 

My shocks are 25# per turn, yea I count them and put it back when solo.

 

Are those shocks really that sensitive? I just load my **** and go and don't fuss with any of that.

 

I have my bike set up for solo riding just a bit on the stiff side to match the Legends front end... cause I tend to ride more aggressively solo... when I add weight for a trip, or riding two up I don't change a thing because I am also not riding aggressively at all then and it does feel a bit soft... which works out just fine. I'm using 14" SuperShox (with their 1" lowering blocks).

 

When I last set my sag I unscrewed the shocks all the way to the bottom, then counted the turns up until the sag was right for solo. I then repeated the process for two-up and two-up/tourpak loaded for touring. I saved the settings (# of turns from the bottom) in my phone along with my last adjustment in case I forget. Kind of labor-intensive initially, but once you have your settings it doesn't take that much make the adjustments.

That said I'm really hoping for new touring bikes to have electronic/automatic sag adjustment like the Pan America has. That would make me really tempted to trade up.

 

same. Can’t notice any difference with 2x 12-packs in each bag. Don’t notice a difference since I’ve lost 30 pounds either.

 

I don’t think 30lbs would make a difference. But I think maybe 80 would?

 

probably worth adjusting at that point. You can always test and see if you’re in a happy medium already. Ride with the extra weight and see if it feels too harsh or bottoms out. If it still feels okay you’re good. If it doesn’t feel right make an adjustment. I personally find it a pain in the *** to adjust (wish they used a wrench) so I just find a good middle ground for my typical riding.

 

What a PITA...I agree with DUCKBAGGER, they really need to design an electronic adjustment. Hate to say it but my 2005 Goldwing has electronic adjustment and it's very easy with a push of a button. LOVE my Streetglide but Harley needs to do something about their cheap shocks.

 

Maybe I'm just lazy, but the only time I adjust preload is when I have the tourpak mounted and saddlebags full as well. I add two turns and call it good. Seems to work.

For 80 lbs I'd go one turn and call it good, but YMMV.