Shocks Upside Down
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 768
Likes: 169
From: USA
Shocks Upside Down
My 2001 Road King has HD Part number 54000114 Premium Adjustable Touring shocks (not air shocks) on it, a previous owner has put them on it.
I noticed they are mounted upside down I believe. The piston part of the shock is on top on both sides, and the shock with the adjustment **** is installed on the right brake side.
From what I've been reading it doesn't matter on these models, and others have them mounted upside down as well. Should I just leave it?
Thanks guys.
I noticed they are mounted upside down I believe. The piston part of the shock is on top on both sides, and the shock with the adjustment **** is installed on the right brake side.
From what I've been reading it doesn't matter on these models, and others have them mounted upside down as well. Should I just leave it?
Thanks guys.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 24,939
Likes: 19,406
From: New York
On my 2012 SG, I mount the Progressive Suspension's 944 Ultra Low Shocks upside down as per their addendum instructions. Progressive did give a reason on their addendum instructions, but I do not remember why.
Last edited by 470004; Jul 14, 2024 at 10:23 AM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,363
Likes: 109
From: Mesa, Az.
Progressive recommends mounting the shocks upside down with the adjustment at the bottom so they could be adjusted without removing saddlebags.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
yes, that is correct. however, they did not recommend putting the left shock on the right and vice versa. they also do not recommend, at all, putting the premium hand adjustable shocks on a bike of that age. that is the older swingarm that has not been beefed up. the premium shocks are basically a mono shock, the right shock does almost nothing. so all the strain is placed on the left side of the swingarm. that can cause some flex, and introduce wobble. are there people doing it and not experiencing that? sure. are there people who are experiencing that? also probably true. i wouldn't chance it. they aren't that good anyway. get some proper shocks that equalize the load across both sides of the swingarm. just my $.02.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,250
Likes: 515
From: USA
"Progressive recommends mounting the shocks upside down with the adjustment at the bottom so they could be adjusted without removing saddlebags." Post 5
This may be the reason.
"Progressive Suspension's 944 Ultra Low Shocks upside down as per their addendum instructions" Post 2
But no reason is stated in the addendum.
My two-cent comment:
In the 1970s decade, we motocrossers mounted rear shocks upside down for performance.
But.... I don't remember why
This may be the reason.
"Progressive Suspension's 944 Ultra Low Shocks upside down as per their addendum instructions" Post 2
But no reason is stated in the addendum.
My two-cent comment:
In the 1970s decade, we motocrossers mounted rear shocks upside down for performance.
But.... I don't remember why
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Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 210
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From: SoCal
Less unsprung weight = better performance. If the oil and calving stay with the frame rather than moving up n down with the swing arm, thats less energy for the suspension system to absorb and a faster return to equilibrium for the rear wheel
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