Heritage classic/Stiffening rear suspension
Heritage classic/Stiffening rear suspension
I understand I can stiffen the rear suspension on my Heritage Classic by tightening the shocks.
Any simple ways of doing this or do I need to go to the dealer?
Any simple ways of doing this or do I need to go to the dealer?
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Joined: Jan 2008
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RE: Heritage classic/Stiffening rear suspension
There is a special spanner wrench that you use to tighten the preload on the shocks. Costs about $30 but you might be able to let a shop loan one to you.
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Looks like this:
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Looks like this:
Banned
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 17,265
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From: Los Angeles, CA
RE: Heritage classic/Stiffening rear suspension
YOu also need a 1 1/16 wrench to loosen the locknuts on the shocks. \\; Most people mark their shock with a white pen as to where it was at first so they can adjust both evenly.  \\;
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,718
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From: Punta Gorda,FL
RE: Heritage classic/Stiffening rear suspension
I bought my spanner from the dealership for around $7.
The hardest part in adjusting the shocks, is the first time you break the retention nuts loose. They come with loctite on them, so you might have to use a heat gun on them first.
It takes a spanner wrench to turn the shock body after you brake the retention nuts loose and back them off. I use a 1-1/16" open end wrench, that I cut down to 6" long. Not much room under the bike. The further you extend the shocks the firmer they get. Paint a white stripe on the body of each shock, when they are in the \\;full open or closed position. Use the stripe to count how many turns you give each shock, to keep them even. They will turn a little over 4 complete turns. I adjust mine while om the jiffy stand.
Tom
The hardest part in adjusting the shocks, is the first time you break the retention nuts loose. They come with loctite on them, so you might have to use a heat gun on them first.
It takes a spanner wrench to turn the shock body after you brake the retention nuts loose and back them off. I use a 1-1/16" open end wrench, that I cut down to 6" long. Not much room under the bike. The further you extend the shocks the firmer they get. Paint a white stripe on the body of each shock, when they are in the \\;full open or closed position. Use the stripe to count how many turns you give each shock, to keep them even. They will turn a little over 4 complete turns. I adjust mine while om the jiffy stand.
Tom
RE: Heritage classic/Stiffening rear suspension
Thanks guys.
The wife and I are heading out on a \\;long trip. So I thought I needed to tighten it up a bit. Given the extra weight of luggage etc.
I loaded it up and did a pre-ride with everything and actually found the suspension to be a bit softer and it seemed to be more confortable the way it is.
Other than the rear sitting a bit lower it seems fine the way it is. No tire rub etc.
The wife and I are heading out on a \\;long trip. So I thought I needed to tighten it up a bit. Given the extra weight of luggage etc.
I loaded it up and did a pre-ride with everything and actually found the suspension to be a bit softer and it seemed to be more confortable the way it is.
Other than the rear sitting a bit lower it seems fine the way it is. No tire rub etc.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,523
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From: Out of Commiefornia!
RE: Heritage classic/Stiffening rear suspension
ORIGINAL: tmitchellof PG
I bought my spanner from the dealership for around $7.
I bought my spanner from the dealership for around $7.
I just bought a spanner from the local stealer for $10.95... $30 is really steep!
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Thanks for the thread... I've been meaning to make the adjustment, so I'm going to adjust mine this afternoon.
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Roger
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