Is the rear shock adjustable on a 03 chopper

[Bmarchant]

Anybody know if the rear shock is adjustable on a 2003 chopper. It seems to take very little to bottom out with two people on the bike. Its fine with just one person on the bike.

Ok, easy guys, I'm only 200 lbs at 6' 1", and the girlfriend is 125 lbs. I've seen guys riding these things that weigh over 300 lbs by themselves so it must have some kind of adjustment.

Thanks for you help,

Bmarchant

 

[danosrs]

Look at the shock is there a jam nut on the rod end? if there is then they are adjustable.

Remove shock and shorten it to raise the rear. Make sure you turn both shocks the same.

 

[Raywood]

No, not if they are stock. They went to adjustables in 06.

 

[Bmarchant]

Guess I'll need to look again, but I figured there was a way to set the pre-load like on other bikes.

Sorry guys, I've had dirt bikes, and sport bikes my whole life. First time for a softtail type. Am I looking for something these bikes just don't have.

 

[Raywood]

Guess I'll need to look again, but I figured there was a way to set the pre-load like on other bikes.

Sorry guys, I've had dirt bikes, and sport bikes my whole life. First time for a softtail type. Am I looking for something these bikes just don't have.

Your shocks are made by Works Performace down in Southern Kalifornia. You can have them re-build them and set the dampening to whatever your needs are for just over $100 if I remember right. Lot cheaper than buying a new set.

 

[Bmarchant]

Raywood, as always, thank you. Guess I'll have to buy some air shocks. I'm suprised the shocks are so soft though if they aren't adjustable.

 

[Raywood]

Raywood, as always, thank you. Guess I'll have to buy some air shocks. I'm suprised the shocks are so soft though if they aren't adjustable.

Like mine they are probably dried out meaning no more oil in them. See if the rear shafts are covered in oil muck. If so they probably drained.
Mine just got replaced and after thousands of miles I had forgotten how nice they originaly were.

 

[alhall88]

Don't forget that during that time before the adjustable shocks came out in 06 that there were 2 shocks available for your bike. They had the standard shock and also the "hard and heavy version" from works. Even though I only weigh 160 I had the hard and heavy shocks put in my bike under warranty some years ago due to bottoming out on my swing arm because of these great michigan roads.

 

[Raywood]

2 shocks available for your bike. They had the standard shock and also the "hard and heavy version" from works.

I wasn't aware of this. Thanks Al

 

[Bmarchant]

You know Raywood, I'll check to see if they are dried out. That would make sense since they are hitting bottom way too easy.

 

[alhall88]

I wasn't aware of this. Thanks Al

Yeah supposedly from what my dealer told me back in 05 that they were supposed to ask you what you weigh and if you planned on much 2 up riding then they would change the shocks out before delivery. When I brought my bike back because it took a big chip out of the swingarm that had to be repaired the salesman said that it was his fault for not realizing what state I lived in and they should have put in those hard and heavy shocks to begin with. I see these versions for sale every now and then on ebay.

 

[coach]

I've considered air-shocks for my 03, but don't know what I'm up against installing them. Can it be done alone with standard tools? I would like the possibility of adjusting the ride from soft to heavy load.

 

[fmschatz]

Where else in the world can you get this great information from people like Raywood and the rest of the group

 

[barhopper]

I would like the possibility of adjusting the ride from soft to heavy load.

Does that depend on the size girl you have at that time?

 

[TheDeadOne]

Does that depend on the size girl you have at that time?

:roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:

How True!

 

[coach]

:roll: I knew the minute I posted that comment I was in for it.....I won't let the little woman know you said that.......No I was thinking more from Ray's perspective...when you got a bunch of shit to carry....that doesn't sound right either :loony: How about if your just an old lard ass like me need a little adjustment :roll: Nope that doesn't sound any better.......f..k it.....I'll leave it stock.

 

[LDO]

f..k it.....I'll leave it stock.

Funny,
I've come to that same conclusion on several occasions myself!