New rear suspension question
Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2024
Posts: 5
Likes: 3
From: Florida
New rear suspension question
Just got Pro Action rear suspension for my 2016 FLHTK. Purchased them through DK. Gave all my info about my weight and how often I ride 2up and so forth. I got the shocks yesterday afternoon and had them installed last night. I watched all the videos posted by PA and tried the shocks out just as they came first. The initial ride was not good so I came back and checked the bumpers. The shocks were bottoming out. I did a couple turns on the springs and reset the bumpers. Test rode again and still the same feeling and result. After a couple more rides, I ended up having to tighten the shocks a total of 8 full rotations from out of the box. I am also 3 clicks out on the dampening. The shocks are finally not bottoming out anymore by they don't quite feel as smooth as I thought they would. I'm 225lbs and springs that came on there have 3 little blue marks on them. I plan on calling PA on Monday but I wanted to see if anyone on here had any input as to what I could possible do differently. I was surprised that it took that many turns on the springs from what they sent me.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,156
Likes: 11,247
From: San Diego, CA
Just got Pro Action rear suspension for my 2016 FLHTK. Purchased them through DK. Gave all my info about my weight and how often I ride 2up and so forth. I got the shocks yesterday afternoon and had them installed last night. I watched all the videos posted by PA and tried the shocks out just as they came first. The initial ride was not good so I came back and checked the bumpers. The shocks were bottoming out. I did a couple turns on the springs and reset the bumpers. Test rode again and still the same feeling and result. After a couple more rides, I ended up having to tighten the shocks a total of 8 full rotations from out of the box. I am also 3 clicks out on the dampening. The shocks are finally not bottoming out anymore by they don't quite feel as smooth as I thought they would. I'm 225lbs and springs that came on there have 3 little blue marks on them. I plan on calling PA on Monday but I wanted to see if anyone on here had any input as to what I could possible do differently. I was surprised that it took that many turns on the springs from what they sent me.
The info they collect, I assume is for what springs to include with the shocks.. I suspect you need to dial in the pre-load yourself...
The 8 full rotations...do you know the total number of rotations? Where would that "8 rotations" be in respect to the total preload scale?.... max, minimum, middle?
Same question on the damping, where is the the "3 clicks out" along the entire damping scale?
Did you take any sag measurements?
How many inches of travel do those shocks have total?
We would need that info to know if the shocks are set up properly...
Club Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 4,549
Likes: 5,887
From: Syracuse NY
Calling Pro Action will straighten you out. I have the same bike. But I went with 11" to lower the bike. I also did their front fork springs.
The 11" are not plush. Neither are the fronts. If you're close to western Pennsylvania, you can ride over, (with an appointment), and get it set up correctly.
That's what I did.
The 11" are not plush. Neither are the fronts. If you're close to western Pennsylvania, you can ride over, (with an appointment), and get it set up correctly.
That's what I did.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,728
Likes: 9,235
From: Snow Hill, NC
On my trike I made some wholesale changes after calling George at PA , he gave me a measurement of what he thought the lenght should be from the adjustment ring to the end of the spring and it was 7.5” . With 2 clicks in on my adjuster screw. The bike rides completely different now. Way better than before.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,903
Likes: 1,422
From: Lost
I had similar issues with PA. Tried everything George told me and Harley technician to do. Still didn't perform the way I expected. Sent them back and got RwD. They turned out to be 100 times better than PA for me.
In my case Im light weight at 130 lbs. not a typical beer weight HD rider lol.
I know this doesnt help, just sharing my experience. Hopefully a call to George will sort things for you. GL.
In my case Im light weight at 130 lbs. not a typical beer weight HD rider lol.
I know this doesnt help, just sharing my experience. Hopefully a call to George will sort things for you. GL.
Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2024
Posts: 5
Likes: 3
From: Florida
Called PA this morning and DJ gave me some adjustments to try. I just did them in my parking lot at work and will ride after work to see how it turns out. He said that I may need heavier springs if it doesn't work out.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 2,328
Likes: 2,410
From: Jackson, OH
I've been a Pro Action advocate for years. I can't really fault their products in any way. Nevertheless, I've (we've) never consistently been able to find true comfort on the shocks. I'm sure it's either a setting or spring issue, but I haven't been able to sort it out. I've called and talked to DJ at least 3 times and done exactly what he suggested. Still, the harder bumps are disturbingly sharp and very uncomfortable. I probably should call them (again) but I feel like we've tried everything possible short of actual spring change. And the little foam slider/bumpers are of no help as they quit working within a year. They are loose and cannot be positioned on the main shaft.
I've got my eye on something totally different now.
I've got my eye on something totally different now.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,191
Likes: 843
I've been a Pro Action advocate for years. I can't really fault their products in any way. Nevertheless, I've (we've) never consistently been able to find true comfort on the shocks. I'm sure it's either a setting or spring issue, but I haven't been able to sort it out. I've called and talked to DJ at least 3 times and done exactly what he suggested. Still, the harder bumps are disturbingly sharp and very uncomfortable. I probably should call them (again) but I feel like we've tried everything possible short of actual spring change. And the little foam slider/bumpers are of no help as they quit working within a year. They are loose and cannot be positioned on the main shaft.
I've got my eye on something totally different now.
I've got my eye on something totally different now.
Tie a small zip tie to the shaft and cut off the excess and use the zip tie to measure.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 2,328
Likes: 2,410
From: Jackson, OH
Yes....nice idea there.