Rear Suspension Adjustments | Doc Harley | Low Country Harley-Davidson

This week Doc Harley answers a question from a caller concerning rear suspension adjustments on heritage touring models.
#harleydavidson #docharley #motorcycles

[@cjmueller5455]

Great vid. As always, the explanation was clear and not overly technical. Thanks!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Glad you enjoyed it!...Doc

[@eddiealvarez5493]

Wow Doc, that was, as basic as it get's. Keep it coming! 👊

[@TheHonarable1]

Best explanation so far...Thx

[@Carolinaishome]

Nice to see that Evo powered Dyna in the background getting some attention. Seems to be a growing trend that some HD dealerships don't want to work on Evos anymore.

[@airbeatershanger4174]

Very informative. Thank you.

[@allangosling6134]

Thank you very much for the video. I have air shocks on the rear of my 2003 ultra Classic and having a very hard ride. I now know I can let the air out of the shocks for me when I ride and air when I have a passenger of luggage accordingly

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Glad I could help...Doc

[@james6275]

Thank You Mr.Doc from Myrtle Beach

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

You are very welcome James. Thanks for watching...Doc

[@jerryhubbard4461]

Well Doc, I remember the days of the Shovel and I had to adjust the shocks with the spanner. Now I ride a 2021 Tri Glide. My Wife rides with me 90% fo the time. With our weight it is set at 25 I believe. It rides as well as it can with the roads we drive on now days. But if I take the Trike out alone, you can for sure tell the difference. I just put up with it knowing she will be with me most of the time. As you know the Trike is easy to adjust but the seat is a pain to get the bolt at the rear back in.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

agree. I did not understand why HD put the adjuster under the seat..Doc

[@DWinthekeys]

Doc, great video. I just figured out how to adjust my shocks and oh boy! What a difference. Which leads me to a question. Is there any harm in running your suspension on the stiffest setting all the time? My 2015 Ultra sure seems to ride better that way.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Not at all. Thanks for sharing. People need to know suspension can make a big difference...Doc

[@vickaminski]

When I bought my 2021 FXBBS Street Bob they put it on the #3 adjustment which was hard as a rock for me. I adjusted it to lowest setting and it rode like a Cadillac however over big bumps too springy, I found my no passenger setting that is perfect is #2 not to hard, not too soft but just right. Unfortunately, the spanner wrenches are not included with my bike, only the more expensive models. I used an oil filter wrench but since have purchased a spanner wrench set, they aren't expensive. Bottom line so many people are unaware or simply don't adjust the shock and I know people who have been riding for years and are clueless about this and I find that shocking!!! Pun intended...

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks for sharing your Goldilocks "just right" story....Doc

[@RobertLibberton]

thanks for the insight!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

My pleasure....Doc

[@beauxdutaman7450]

tnx Doc good info to know

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thank you for taking time to watch...Doc

[@lyndagreen6185]

So, I'm still confused. Does setting the preload to 0 or 1 make the seat lower? Question pertains to both Street Glide and M8 Heritage.

[@billcarson1966]

VIDEO IDEA: How to properly lubricate the barrel locks for the ignition and saddlebags and what products are the best choices. I've seen long debates and conflicting information on this. The service manual says no graphite or petroleum based products. What do you use, Doc?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

For years we have used Lube-it8. a very fine oil. reminds me of old sewing machine oil....Doc

[@sportster88]

I just got a 2020 FXST and the suspension is so stiff it makes me hurt every time I ride it. I've adjusted the rear shock preload down to the minimum but it didn't help. I bought an air fork kit to soften the ride on the front end. I wish someone made a lighter rate rear spring for the M8 Softails. The rear air shocks are priced ridiculous. Not everyone weighs as much as a gorilla. A 650 lb bike should ride like a Cadillac not a skid steer loader.

[@TheKing-jy5jr]

Thank you for this video!! But how is the process on a 2008 Road king

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

I was hoping your owners manual would fill in the details...Doc

[@jeffgarner6060]

Hey Doc, I've been learning a lot from your videos. I just bought a 2024 Tri-Glide and I've read that raising the rear end of the Trike will improve handling. What's your take on the subject? Any advice you can offer will be greatly appreciated.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

I do not have experience or feedback from our customers on lifting a trike. Most raise the rear to clear driveways when backing out. I do believe there are better suspension than factory….Doc

[@slayer04031974]

Could you please add a incremental weight to each adjustment scale for the shocks? So we can have an ideas how much to adjust for 2 up with tools without a touring kit? I believe my 19 Street glide special is at factory settings. I definitely need to adjust my rear shocks. But I don't want to guess. Thank you!!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Tex I don’t know how to post that here. I would hope you could swing by your local HD Service department and DK them to make a copy of that chart from a 2019 Service Manual. Bring donuts it helps….Doc

[@slayer04031974]

@Low Country Harley-Davidson Thank you!! I tried looking om the Progressives shock website right after I commented. No links for adjustment of any models on the website. JP cycles recommends you can. And they suggest both riders on the bike. Well that going require a 3rd person. Lol. Plus the weight difference is definitely different vs solo in my situation and I keep my saddle bags with gears and tools for emergency. I appreciate the help. Stay safe 🙏

[@rickyrobinson3475]

Doc, when i bought my 2007 street glide cvo it was to tall for me so harley put a lowering kit on and every since then my ride has been really rough if i hit a rough patch in the road i can fell and hear the rear tire scraping the fender well the front handling gets wobbly at higher speeds. What is your thoughts and suggestions.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Technology has come a long way since your “lowering” project. I would talk or email the suspension experts from each brand like Legends,Weller, Ohlins and progressive. New suspension front and rear. Could make the difference….Doc

[@papothetech]

Can bad shocks on a FLSTFB cause a vibration in the rear on acceleration from 60 mph to 70 mph or more? Only when accelerating though other then that no vibration.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Not normally. Usually has to do with rear belt adjustment....Doc

[@AICD1999]

So my new issue with my 2018 Heritage 114 is that the rear shock adjuster snapped off the bike and wedged between the fender and the frame. It messed the fender up. Doc have you seen this because there are a few videos and forum conversations on it happening. It appears to be either an engineering issue or a bad batch of bolts or to weak of a bolt.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thank you for sharing. I don't get around many Forums and we have not had this issue. But it does answer why HD has not included this adjuster on all models....Doc

[@ryanconnelly4204]

Same thing happened to mine

[@papothetech]

Hi Doc Harley I have a vibration in the rear of my 2012 FLSTFB while cruising at 60 mph on highway and when going to accelerate I feel a vibration on the rear. Could this be caused by bad shocks? That is what I was told it could be. Can softail shocks be tested?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Shocks can be taken off and disassembled to see if oil seals are bad or spring broken. Have you tried accel in 5th gear instead of 6th? I usually don't shift into 6th until 70....Doc

[@somewhatcredible3137]

Hey doc! My 02 1200 sportster manual calls for sae 50 and sae 60 for temperatures where I live. What two modern oil weights should I be looking at since I can't find an sae 60 oil. Temps reach 110 during the summer where I'm at. Thanks for help!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Your Manual is right but let me clarify. If you wake up in the morning and the Temp is 110 and is that Temp all day then yes 60wt is the oil to use. But I am betting you wake up to 60 and the max is 110. This needs a multi wt oil or 50wt would be OK which HD sells....Doc

[@somewhatcredible3137]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Thanks! It sounds crazy but during the summer in Arkansas it only gets to the mid to high 80s at night. I've been searching around and the 60w I'm looking at is phillips xc 25w60! I talked with an aviation mechanic and he said that the oil should work great, but personally I would like to get it lab tested for antiwear before I commit. Again, thanks doc!

[@kubaswiecie]

Hi I need to know how to deassambly the air shocks. Will be nice to get provided :)

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

You will have to look somewhere else. Harley-Davidson does not endorse disassembling air shocks or provide all the parts needed to repair…..Doc

[@stevetomblin9007]

I just got a 2012 cvo ultra classic. It has factory air ride. What's the best psi to set the rear shocks at for long trips with gear. I weigh 250lbs.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

40-50 psi with a hand pump….Doc

[@charliefromnh7631]

I have a 2021 Heritage and I did not get ANY tools with my bike. Should I have??

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Check with your dealer. Did you receive an Owner's Manual? The tool is packaged with that...Doc

[@IAmJoeJericho]

Is it possible for these shocks on a street bob to pop out by itself in a bump or wobble from a rear tire?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

No, Bring it to a dealer and have them look the bike over....Doc

[@jonpastorius9301]

I have a 2007 heritage and the shocks are under the bike, how do i sdjust them for better rides

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

l have a video that talks about this. I also suggest if you are going to work on this Softtail purchase a Harley-Davidson Factory Service Manual...Doc

[@kentdurick9579]

Why is there only one adjustment on 2019 RGS . I have thought this to be weird from beginning.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

I was hoping this video answered your question...might have to redo?...Doc

[@paulrevere4326]

DOC...Why is there only one adjustment for the 2018 Street Glides? Only has an adjustment on the left side. Why not on both sides????

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

I was hoping I explained this in the video. Sorry I missed the mark..Doc

[@paulrevere4326]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson No, you never mentioned the answer to my question. Why there are two shocks and one adjustment. I hear this question all the time, so I know you do. Strange that you never mentioned this. It is pretty complicated.

[@fabiopunk1661]

@@paulrevere4326 The two sides are linked

[@dalebowling8697]

Where on line can I find a schematic for the starting system on a 13 road king police bike relay is good im using a remote starter switch no power to solenoid green wire

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Note police bikes have 2 safety switches in the starter system. Kick stand and clutch switches….Doc

[@rickh.959]

You didn't explain the softail's w/ shocks under the bike

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Did that on an earlier video. Plus I hate climbing under my softtail..Doc

[@andrewbiczo4182]

What can happen with to much preload?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

A real stiff ride and possibly works the front end too much on a really rough road...Doc

[@keithcollins6642]

What year did that heritage type start? Thanks

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

If you are asking when the under shock frame started, 1984. The Heritage model was before that on a non fairing touring bike...Doc

[@keithcollins9080]

Thank you

[@jameslaperouse3976]

What do you think about love jokes

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Love Jugs? A lot of people love them...Doc

[@mattrichard8759]

how do u tell shes level

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Good question. I never thought of using a Level or tape measure. I just estimate....Doc

[@mountaindew8042]

👍👀👂💭💫💫💫💫💫

[@edharbas4828]

Hi Doc, from a perspective of safety could you please myth-bust, or otherwise, the notion that, when riding, it is advisable to rest two fingers on the front brake for quick access just in case an emergency arises? I've always felt that if you have 8 fingers & 2 thumbs they are meant to be used for security of control, say, as in the instance of the notorious tank-slap. Cheers Ed.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

That is a great subject. I just learned in the HD Riders Edge program they tell new riders not to have fingers on the brake or clutch while riding🤦‍♂️….Doc

[@oldamerican8070]

I guess I am surprised that anyone that rides a motorcycle would not educate themselfs as to how it works for safety.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Some are just starting their adventure. Education and experience comes a little at a time..share your knowledge when you can...Doc

[@paulhewson4600]

Some of the best hard earned money spent is Suspension and learn how to use it.

[@customer2759]

So you say on older shocks both should be set at the same so on the 2021 SG harley put a dummy shock on the right side is it because engineers are idiots

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Engineers are not idiots. They just know how to complicate things..Doc

[@artmchugh5644]

Interesting, when the load changes on my Ducati multistrada I push a button on my handlebars, the changes are made by increasing preload and dampening!!!! With a BUTTON!!!! bail out on this old tech and get a Ducati!!!!!😀😀😁😁😁🏍🏍🏍🍺🍺🍺🍺

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks for sharing your opinion. Our new Pan America can adjust with a button. Some of us like "old School" mechanical ways...Doc

[@sboy1955]

Duck rider, let’s compare valve adjustments…

[@artmchugh5644]

@@sboy1955 small price to pay for riding such an awesome machine!!! Put 275 miles on the unit yesterday wearing my " BEST THING IN THE HARLEY SHOP WINDOW IS THE REFLECTION OF MY DUCATI " shirt 😂😂😂😂😂😀😀😀😁🍺🍺🍺🏍🏍🏍🏍