adjustment to rear shocks 08 XL1200c

[mlbuxbaum]

Hey guys & gals,
Its time to take my GF for a bike ride finally and i know i need to adjust the rear shocks for a passenger but i have no idea how much to adjust. I'm going to guess she weighs about 130-140 and i weigh about 180. I bought the tool from HD to do the adjustment but want some input before i do any adjusting. Any help or suggestions would be much appreciated.

[03fxst]

Hey ML
The rest of the crew here can offer more specific advice but I call tell you what works with Softail shocks a Wide Glide I adjusted for a friend. With my Softail and a new set of progressives I run in the lowest, softest, position with two of us (155 and 120) and its fine. On the stock shocks I went two quarter turns tighter than the lowest and we were good. The same adjustment on each shock is critical.
On the Glide each turn with the tool clicked to a tighter setting and we went to the max because he and his wife were heavier. With your weight I'd try it stock and if it is too soft go one adjustment at a time until it feels right.

Just a thought.
03FXST

[sgtcowboyusmc]

I have a Super Glide and I kept the stock shocks set about the middle and would ratchet it up one for the wife or Daughter.(I am 240 and they are under 120) When we went to Laughlin and we were packed for 3-4 days I put it up all the way. The best thing to do is move the shocks up one setting and take her for a short spin. Make sure you hit a bump or two and do a couple fast corners. See how that is then adjust it one more time and do it again. See which one you like. It is just a trial and error thing. Hope that helps.

Cowboy

[JCourneyaP]

I would just go up or down a notch and go for a ride. If you are not pleased go another. Turn it and test ride it.............

[Tbone]

In Louisiana it don't matter. They don't make a shock adjustment that can take these crappy roads.
Mine is on 3. I'm at 200 and the wife is less.

[mlbuxbaum]

Thanks everyone. I will try adjusting it up 1 or 2 and go for a ride and see. I'll let everyone know how it works out.

[2003FXDX]

Check the owners manual, I think you are supposed to set shocks for 1" drop when weight added with or without passenger.

[mediaguy]

I worked for Progressive Suspension for 20+ years and I can tell you that in the vast majority of bikes, the stock suspension SUCKS. That's whey there is such a good variety of aftermarket suspension companies. Spend the bucks and get a good set of aftermarket shocks and you'll be amazed how much better your bike rides and your passenger will appreciate it also. If you ride two up most of the time you should get heavier duty springs with the shocks.

[sgtcowboyusmc]

I have to agree with mediaguy. When my stock shocks took a dump on me I bought a set of progressives and WOW the difference! Wish I would have done it yrs ago.

Cowboy

[danya]

I am looking for advice on upgrading the suspension on my 08 Nightster - I live in NZ and the roads are pretty bumpy and twisty. I am reviewing Ohlins and Legends Air Suspension. Any feedback is welcome.

Thanks Danya