Softail Shock Adjustment

[Ribs]

Hey Guys, Need Some Help

I realized the other day when i Jard my back, that i need to adjust the suspension on this baby.

I went and got the tool needed and jacked the bike up but not easy as i expected and looks a bit different then the video i found on the net.

I have added a pic so you know exactly what im dealing with.
When i use the adjustment tool the whole shock spins.

Help Please

Softest ride is what im looking for
Ribs

 

[BWG56]

One thing for sure is you want them adjusted evenly, how can the whole shock rotate when the body has one of the mounting ends. What does the tool look like?

 

[Ribs]

I bought the tool from Harley its a two prong thing.

ok so i unlock the lock nut then what ? you can see that in the pic.
i also started loosen the other nut which is closer to the shock and the whole thing spun.

 

[bdm7250]

I bought the tool from Harley its a two prong thing.

ok so i unlock the lock nut then what ? you can see that in the pic.
i also started loosen the other nut which is closer to the shock and the whole thing spun.

Can't see any picture.

 

[USNChief]

I don't see the pic.

 

[Ribs]

Can't see any picture.

its there now .

 

[USNChief]

Looks like you're almost maxed out already. Only a couple turns left.

 

[Ribs]

So i should undo the lock nut and unscrew the large nut backing upto the shock? then use the tool and unscrew the shock until it meets the nut?
i watched a video and he used the tool and the part that the tool goes into turned mine does not the whole dam thing turns.

I will mess with it and see what i can figure out, if anyone can help please do im all ears.

 

[USNChief]

You have a rod end (the part w/threads) and the shaft that is connected to the shock piston that has the hex nut machined in to it. The more you compress the shock, more threads exposed, the firmer the ride. Less threads exposed, softer ride. Little piston travel=hard, lots of travel=soft.

 

[Ribs]

You have a rod end (the part w/threads) and the shaft that is connected to the shock piston that has the hex nut machined in to it. The more you compress the shock, more threads exposed, the firmer the ride. Less threads exposed, softer ride. Little piston travel=hard, lots of travel=soft.

ok so i need to undo the nuts and make the shock longer. thanks.
i will go do that now and will come back.

Ribs

 

[Ribs]

Ok i adjusted OUT as much as it would go and i do feel more travel.
Thanks allot.

What other things could i do to make it a softer ride? I was thinking the seat could be better any idea's on a good comfortable seat.
I looked into the seats with springs and one even had shocks. not really interested in welding on my frame to install.
the Le Parea seat i have has not cushion at all.

What about different shocks? this bike only has 2500 miles on it. im sure the shocks are not bad but are there better ones on the market.??

 

[Rottweiler]

Looks like you're almost maxed out already. Only a couple turns left.

I agree looks like only a couple threads left to shorten the rod.
Question Does this effect the ride height if so, how much form soft to firm. Could I get more clearance by adjusting for a longer rod / firmer ride?

 

[USNChief]

Ok i adjusted OUT as much as it would go and i do feel more travel.
Thanks allot.

What other things could i do to make it a softer ride? I was thinking the seat could be better any idea's on a good comfortable seat.
I looked into the seats with springs and one even had shocks. not really interested in welding on my frame to install.
the Le Parea seat i have has not cushion at all.

What about different shocks? this bike only has 2500 miles on it. im sure the shocks are not bad but are there better ones on the market.??

Good thing you didn't buy a rigid frame, you'd hate it.

 

[Ribs]

Good thing you didn't buy a rigid frame, you'd hate it.

Yeah unfortunately the roads here in Arkansas are not silky smooth so yeah really glad it's a softhardtail lol

 

[USNChief]

Yeah unfortunately the roads here in Arkansas are not silky smooth so yeah really glad it's a softhardtail lol

There's some gel seats out there. Don't know about shock absorption but gel is definitely comfy.

 

[Rottweiler]

Ribs not sure what seat you have? Looking on google the stock seat looks thick.
Got picks of yours?

 

[USNChief]

You check tire pressure on the rear right?

 

[BWG56]

My pitbull is simple to adjust just deflate or inflate the rear tire

If you can get to the valve stem with all the barnacles attached

 

[Ribs]

the seat is a la pera and the tire pressure is 25 PSI

 

[chubs]

Good thing you didn't buy a rigid frame, you'd hate it.

Hey now! I'm lovin the ride on my pit Rode a soft tail a while back and it just didn't "Feel right"