Harley Davidson M8 Softail Rear Suspension Fault | Seized H D Rear Shock

[@RevelatorAlf]

Thanks for watching. Let me know what you think in the comments below. More videos like this here: kzbin.info/aero/PLmgCmljtdCzWrLg62oZxo0laIsmq4j67P

[@8610sarge]

The dishonesty is astounding amongst some of these dealers, when my 2018 fatbob rear suspension siezed they checked my bike, couldn't turn it, they then went and checked the rear suspension on ALL of the new softails in the showroom, out of 16 bikes 6 were siezed, these were brand new bikes with zero miles on the clock, they changed my suspension on warranty, and like you ever since that day i fully adjust it up and down once a month and so far it seems to be holding out, excellent video as I'm sure many riders have no idea about this problem.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Yes totally. Wow that’s a big percentage in the showroom. Cheers fella

[@peterconnell3162]

Good information. The shocks are made by Showa, so maybe there is a defective batch?. I certainly will get my colleagues to check their softail shocks after this video. On the subject of the dealer sponsored HOG chapters, I experienced this problem. The dealer basically expects all the chapter members to be loyal and support the dealership, no matter how bad the service they provide. That’s fundamentally wrong. Together with over 30 others we left our local dealer sponsored chapter as a consequence of bad service, and an even worse attitude.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Yes it’s amazing to me. Good for you. Cheers

[@db6625]

Excellent and informative video, I’d hate to think how many dealers are honest enough to agree there is a fault…..probably none. I’m considering a softail in the near future, so will definitely check this issue out - thanks👍

[@RevelatorAlf]

Yep it’ likely to not be the thing they announce for sure

[@CapmLew]

Outstanding bit of actual journalism. Principles on point.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Thank you

[@marinabrennecke5495]

Thanks for this helpful video. Last week I ordered the 2021 Sport Glide. It will be on stock in November. But I will take it from the dealer April 2022. I will call him checking this parts early enough.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Cheers

[@robbyclark6915]

Outrageous! I bought my iron 883 as my first bike and started to trade in for a new street bob but they tried to screw me so badly (at the same dealership I bought my iron) that I just kept my iron and still have it. Thing is, between all the issues I hear about, the problem getting things fixed from a dealership, the problem getting Harley to honor the warranty, the PRICE of these bikes, I do believe I’ve bought my first and last Harley Davidson! I’m not about to pay these premium prices and then get the run around if something goes wrong! Come on Harley Davidson!

[@RevelatorAlf]

It’s hard to argue against the negatives but there are many positives too which I talk about in some vids. Cheers

[@jamessouthworth1699]

You dodged a bullet by keeping the Sportster. I've had sportsters and big twins and ironically the cheaper bike is much more reliable.

[@100streamliner]

Thank you Alf for the video and information! Lots of problems with HD bikes indeed. Do you happen to know if the majority of the failed rear shock cases is dependent on the motorcycle build year or part of the world sold? Are SportGlides affected heavily ?

[@RevelatorAlf]

It all years so far and mostly with external adjuster such as on Sport Glide but it has been seen on all softail models too. Cheers

[@AICD1999]

My rear shock adjuster on my 2018 just snapped off and wedged between the fender and shock, denting the fender and cracking the paint. I have extended HD coverage and they reinstalled the adjuster but wont fix the fender. Nice standing bu their product.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Now that's just outrageous

[@AICD1999]

@@RevelatorAlf The HD service manager contacted HD and they approved a new fender and shock system. It is at the shop being installed right now. So it worked out but clearly a bad batch of bolts or bad engineering.

[@thecurioussausage]

I fitted Wilbers self levelling suspension to my Road Glide and could not believe the difference as soon as I pulled away. It really highlighted how poor the standard HD suspension is which is shocking on bikes that cost this much. I would recommend anyone to upgrade if they can - you really get a much better bike

[@RevelatorAlf]

yep cheers

[@ThePNWRiderWA]

I wonder if a defective lot of the mono shock ? I believe if I had the issue and if failed twice I would just go wit the progressive shock. I have had good luck with them on other bikes. I will check with my local dealer service masher in texas.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Yes I would say go for something else, perhaps Legend too

[@74HAJO]

Hallo Alf, great report. I get a change of the suspension under warrenty. But I noticed this direct after the service. I am wondering why dealers are not proactive? Have a good day.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Yes I’m really not sure either. It could be they have a directive from the company not to make too many claims on this but I really could t say

[@saddle8bag]

The external preload adjuster on my Kawasaki seized too. Fortunately, I had an extended warranty. I think I'll stick to spanners.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Simplicity rules

[@nevillegreg1]

Another premium product from the premium brand. In Australia, I understand the law requires a mandatory and formal recall by the manufacturer and rectification of a MV product which is a 'safety' issue. If enough customers complain to the Regulator it may make the difference by requiring HD to fix the problem - of course, you have to show that a faulty suspension = safety issue?

[@markadcock1445]

Excellent video!!! Going to test mine now. Keep them coming.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Cheers

[@noneovyerbusiness4909]

Alf, I have a '20 Softail Standard that rode so rough I couldn't ride it more than 1/2 hour without being in pain. I only weigh around 150 lbs (68 kg) so I had the shock preload adjuster set on the softest setting. I removed the shock and moved the rear swingarm up and down to make sure it wasn't binding. When I removed the spring from the shock to see how much travel the OEM Showa shock had I saw that It could only compress 1 inch (25 mm) before bottoming out on the rubber bumper on the shock shaft! I ordered a coilover shock without a spring that is close to the same length as the original shock when extended but has 3 inches (75 mm) of travel and has a compression dampening adjustment. The stock spring rate measured 400 pounds (181 kg.) I fitted the new shock with a 300 pound (136 kg) rated coil spring. Now the rear suspension rides perfect for my body weight. Either someone at H-D didn't know how to calculate how much travel the rear shock should have or they intentionally designed that shock to make it ride rough. Next I plan to install an air adjustable front fork kit.

[@cootey]

Hi Alf, I have had a siezed adjuster also, and found a fix, and it's actually a Showa fault!

[@RevelatorAlf]

ok great stuff

[@mousemotolrs]

Really interesting, I have a FXLRS Low Rider S 114, defiantly checking this once the bike is out on the drive..., Cheers Alf.

[@kevanhoffarth1186]

The rear shock on my 2019 sport glide was the second thing I changed out , first thing that went was the seat. These soft tail shocks are atrocious! At best. Mine never seized up but I opted for a progressive suspension unit over the olins because they make a longer one for more ground clearance in the corners, its a much better ride solo and two up.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Yep for sure a great choice

[@jimbeam4111]

Which progressive shock did you go with? I’m debating what to go with Fox, Progressive, or Ohlins.

[@murfiesmurf5451]

Wicked and informative vids BTW... I have a suspension question... Mine appears to be leaking from the preload adjuster... I've been told by a suspension specialist that they are non serviceable so can only be replaced... Do you know if this is true.... Cheers

[@kevanhoffarth1186]

I chose the progressive 465 heavy duty in 13.5 length. I really wanted the olins but they didn’t offer the 13.5 length shock.

[@kimoliver3153]

I had a fault with my rear suspension on my fatboy and mine was the rear bearings on the rear swing arm or as harley call it the rear fork. It was like riding a hard tail and took three people to move it and they put new rear bearing in it. If you undo the rear shock the rear wheel should drop if you jack the bike up.

[@RevelatorAlf]

yes for sure

[@joca7466]

Is there any fix for it or is the only option once it seizes is to replace it?

[@BamBam08x]

So, I went with an aftermarket shock because mine did the same thing. I’m still having issues of the swing arm binding. For me, it’s not the shock, it’s the bearings in my swing arm binding. Harleys “fix” was to loosen the king pin nut and Re-torque it. This made the issue less bad but I still have issues in turns and can’t ride the way I want to because of it. And Harley won’t do anything else about it.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Yep that’s really a bearing change to resolve that too perhaps

[@VincentVagabond]

Hey Bam, did you finally find a fix for this? My swingarm is seized up on my 20 Deluxe. Very squeaky to ride and scary to know this is a common issue. Would love some feedback. Cheers! 👊🤙

[@BamBam08x]

@@VincentVagabond I did! MoCo ended up having to replace the entire swing arm and bearings and everything.

[@six-pack1332]

So, the swing arm is seized or the shock or the mechanism to adjust the shock preload?

[@RevelatorAlf]

Only the adjustment

[@six-pack1332]

@@RevelatorAlf Thanks for the clarification.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Cheers

[@jakeb.1318]

Is the issue across all softail models or is it kind of just models with the easily adjustable knob?

[@RevelatorAlf]

I believe it all models but more so with the adjuster knob

[@MinnowMoto]

Why would a dealer lie like that? Especially after it happened a second time. I had a run in with a Service manger one time. Never went back to that dealership. Are there any aftermarket options? Just thinking about the used market.

[@RevelatorAlf]

no idea, astounding really

[@stevemorris9862]

Mate up in Cairns FNQ Australia rides SG has had 2 suspension changes so far,yep definitely a problem.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Blimey

[@DAVIDALD49]

Alf thankyou for this video. It needed to be told. You are officially a legend. :)

[@RevelatorAlf]

Thanks so much David. Be well

[@Heritagejim5339]

My adjuster is so tight I can’t turn it. Now I do have a issue with my hand, but I can’t believe it’s so hard to do. If you have any tricks to make it easier let me know. As for HD stories I bought a New Vrod in 03, I was having an issue with the gas gauge. I was told they never heard of that. My friend bought a Vrod the same year, he had the same issue. It ended up being a bad fuel sending unit. However after 13 yrs they couldn’t get it right. Still loved the bike but I had to resort to tracking the mileage. Thanks

[@RevelatorAlf]

It might mean taking it off and having it stripped and looked at

[@mikeessary4925]

Great video Alf!! Have you heard good things about the legends air ride for these soft tails?

[@RevelatorAlf]

Thanks Mike. Yes very good indeed

[@NorCal-refrigeration]

did the suspension still function or totally seized up like a hard tail? trying to understand.

[@RevelatorAlf]

No it’s the adjustment that seized so it would be totally wrong setting for a given weight hence all the handling and wear issues

[@NorCal-refrigeration]

@@RevelatorAlf understand now thank you.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Cheers

[@jpcarrster]

Good video, very informative, I did not know to check that regularly. Well done.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Glad it was useful cheers

[@tmar0075]

Had several issues with the dealer playing dumb with me in the past..when there's a ton of evidence elsewhere..so I said fine I'll go to a different brand..n I did!!..The problem is the arrogance they portray to their customers n lack of loyalty to those who keep them in business..ride safe

[@RevelatorAlf]

Yep it’s obvious there are some dealers who value their customers and others that don’t

[@deangullberry5148]

I think I'm more surprised about HOG members not speaking up because they felt it was a show of gratitude for the sponsoring them. For anyone that doesn't know; when a dealership owner signs the contract with H-D HOG chapter sponsorship is compulsory. They're required to do it.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Yep can’t understand the logic here

[@Dmonieluv]

Harley suspension have always been inferior. Which is why one of the first upgrades I do is to install Progressives. They make the bike perform the way it was intended to.

[@jamessouthworth1699]

You would think a company that charges so much for a motorcycle would handle problems better than this. Harley-Davidson has a history of handling issues this way. I've had a few Harley's but I don't see myself ever buying a brand new one again.

[@RidersUnited]

I actually have video coming out next week that might be related to what you mentioned here.

[@RevelatorAlf]

great, I'll look out for that

[@freetimeonline]

Just checked mine using a tape measure on the length of the shock, I wound the adjuster from one end to the other, the length of the shock stayed the same so I guess that's seized.

[@yogeshshinde1198]

Hi I am also facing the same problem in my sports glide and the Dealership saying same this problem they got in my bike only. and when i investigate from my side got two more bike and in that one the new FAT BOY also have the same problem. And this part they ask me to change. But is there any way is this parts is repairable? or from where i can order this part in good price? Need your help Thank you Yogesh Shinde

[@mikeskidmore6754]

I read a comment he said there were issues on brand new bikes on the showroom floor.. He also said the spring Preload adjuster siezed not the suspension seized that's a huge differance.. Some snowmobiles and motorcycles have suspension that adjusts on the fly.. The New HD Sporster S has Showa Suspension .. If it's good enough for Honda it will probobly be OK on HD's

[@RevelatorAlf]

Yes this is for the adjuster so it’s fixed on the wrong setting or the correct setting depending on your point of view and rider weight of course

[@mikeskidmore6754]

@@RevelatorAlf I use Penetrating oil and snti seize on everything.. Grease with Moly in it

[@larrys.3992]

Check out (Legend Revo A) softail shock. Looks like it is better setup.

[@sixpackjoe5275]

I saw the video and immediately went to the garage to check it. Fortunately, my FLSB doesn't have the problem. Nevertheless, I cleaned the surface and sprayed it with an oil spray.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Good stuff

[@jayszakacs336]

The low rider shock is an easy fix, but you must take off the seat and adjust with a spanner. I never understood why they use three different systems on the softtail and no dealer can give a decent answer to why

[@RevelatorAlf]

Yes totally

[@twobeagles1365]

Good information !

[@RevelatorAlf]

cheers

[@Chase_N]

Softails seem to be full of problems. Remember the brake rotor warping problems with Softails you made a vid about? My cousin measured the thickness of the discs on my dual disc Dyna vs the dual discs on his Softy Low Rider S (warped at only 3K miles) & my Dyna had thicker discs. It's probably what contributes to them warping.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Yep sounds about right too

[@Dirk1961-l7y]

I own one and drove 5000kms. The only thing is after rain both sides at the swingarm is full of rustwater, coming from the inside of the rot at both sides. There are small holes in it which release water…! Further the frontfork seals are to tight. The bike drives like a horse. The fork has “slip stick”! Next week HD brings the legs at Hyperpro for new SKF green seals, better oil and hyperpro progressive springs (the springs i have to pay myself)….despite of that i love mij SG and runs better every mile!! The rear shock was the best ever said Bas from Hyperpro Alphen aan de Rijn! Turn the knob when the pressure is not at the rearwheel….than it goes easier👍🏼

[@RevelatorAlf]

Yep sounds good

[@hotdotdog]

You've got a bad dealer. My local dealer always takes responsibility where HD is at fault.

[@RevelatorAlf]

That’s good

[@Gurabisu]

omg this so weird mine is stuck since saturday! and now I have his video

[@RevelatorAlf]

Hope it helps

[@Heritagejim5339]

Hell. I can’t turn that damn thing to save my life! Dealer told me that’s normal 😳 Thank God I haven’t had to take it past two, I have terrible arthritis and there is no way I or any of my younger (non arthritic) friends could do it either!!🤬

[@RevelatorAlf]

yep too stiff is not normal for sure

[@barrybarnes96]

The way some guys use power washers on bikes nowadays i'm surprised half the bike doesn't seize up and the other half short out. It's ridiculous.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Yep 👍

[@scootjockey]

Hello well i know its stiff use wd 40 after wash but i also never heard of this i do change a little but find the pre-load on 4 to be ok .What i have heard is the rear bolt on the swingarm seizure and the shock not moveing because of that .Also the stock suspension is not good i am changing for hyperpro front and rear it then moves at the back what you also have to understand there is little movement in the rear as well moveing it up a cm helps and getting progressive springs up front settles the bike down.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Yep 👍

[@vincentcarameli9870]

Please convert kilometers to miles and vice a versa! Thank you 🏍

[@RevelatorAlf]

10km is approx 6miles

[@vrugtmanable]

@@RevelatorAlf The exact conversion is 16 km exactly equal to 10 miles, 😁 in other words 6,25 miles is 10 km

[@RevelatorAlf]

@@vrugtmanable yep

[@reddog907]

The one thumb down, must be a Harley Dealer.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Ha ha I bet

[@AMERICAFIRST54]

For the price H.D. demands, every component should be top quality.

[@DeHuwite]

Thanks for pointing this out. I wouldn't buy an M8 Softail because of this.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Well I wouldn’t say this is a game changer but just something to be aware of

[@kevincraig8257]

everyone knows Harley doesn't know a thing about suspension and if they do they are not putting it on the bikes because of cost there are alot of things I like about my Roadglide but they are not stock like my Ohlins rear shocks and another is the windshield for God's sake just put a functional windscreen on the bike changing one out on a RG can be detrimental but it's a beautiful bike

[@RevelatorAlf]

Yes but perhaps they are starting to learn their lesson. Who knows

[@TheRicokilla]

Harley dealerships lie a lot. All they are concern is to get the bike sold at all cost. Japanese bikes are far more reliable these days

[@RevelatorAlf]

Well I wouldn’t want to generalise but that is the sales business I suppose

[@frankfilippone9679]

First mistake was going to a stealership , second is actually thinking that HD suspension is good at all? Total shyit! Do Ohlins suspension and never have a problem again, call Kevin at Big Bear Performance, he’ll help you out and she’ll ride like she’s on rails!

[@RevelatorAlf]

Nice

[@frankfilippone9679]

No one should ever trust in Harley-Davidson suspension capabilities or lack of LOL

[@charlescastell4638]

A well known issue? I have a 2018 Sport Glide and this is the FIRST I've heard of this...

[@RevelatorAlf]

Yep it’s been around for a long time and I made early videos discussing suspension long time ago too

[@charlescastell4638]

@@RevelatorAlf Hhmmm... must have not peeked out from under my rock! Thanks for the update, I'll go see what my rear shock does. Charles.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Cheers

[@TerryMilesSurrey]

This is what happens when you ride an icon instead of a motorcycle.

[@RevelatorAlf]

ha ha yep

[@crapwessel]

Shocks are the least of your worries on a M8 , worst engine harley has ever produced, it might just be the dimise of them.

[@RevelatorAlf]

well there's a lot of negative noise but on the whole they've been positive for me

[@splodge57]

Don't know about the suspension but 6000 kms from the tires on a Fat Boy 114, a heavy bike with big torque, seems OK to me. I'd be amazed to get 10/12000 kms from the tires. I had a Suzuki TL1000s and that would eat a rear tyre in 5000 kms due to the V Twin torque and power characteristics.

[@RevelatorAlf]

yes for sure depends how they are ridden too

[@gerrypowell2748]

Sounds awfully like BMW dealership🥺

[@RevelatorAlf]

I dare say it may apply to many brands

[@gerrypowell2748]

@@RevelatorAlf no doubt if any of the Japanese makers has any big problems or indeed small ones😉

[@RevelatorAlf]

I gotcha

[@glennhand2593]

Owens all the way

[@RevelatorAlf]

yep

[@simongilbert2704]

if your loyal to a chapter rather than safety because of sponsership you are a plonk;;; these are showa units and are probably sorted by now ,, what happens is = they [hd] will have a bucket full of duff ones to pass off first before they order new stock in,,.. never mind shocks ; my hd alarm is making my bike unrideable,,,,,and i seem to know more than the dealer ,= which is very little,,..

[@RevelatorAlf]

yep, there's a surprise

[@davidefland1985]

U want better suspension buy an Indian

[@billdemoss1049]

Harleydavidson?W T F!

[@RevelatorAlf]

Yep