Setting pre load on softail shocks how to#
Setting pre load on softail shocks install#
Setting pre load on softail shocks manual#

Now, subtract the second measurement from the first and that is where your sag is. Measure again from the center of the rear axle to your mark and document that number. Put the rider on the bike and have them bounce a few times to settle the rear shock. Next, put the weight back on the rear wheel and shock.

Now, measure from the center of the rear axle to the mark you made and note that measurement. Then, lift the rear wheel off the ground, thus removing all weight from the rear shock. Now, make a mark on your strut or rear fender with a marker or piece of tape. I like to start with no preload added on the rear suspension. Note: I'll explain below as if using a standard tape measure on not the easy to use slide sag scale.

Setting pre load on softail shocks how to#

How to measure your motorcycle suspension sag: CHECK OUT OUR HUNDREDS OF FREE HELPFUL VIDEOS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL AND SUBSCRIBE! No converting or subtraction! You can get a Tusk Slide Scale right in the Law Abiding Biker Store. Then, with the load on the rear of the bike, I can simply look at the sag scale measurement in inches or millimeters. I simply set the sliding sag scale to zero when the weight is off the rear. Tip: I hate math and I'm always in a hurry so I use a Tusk Sliding Sag Scale instead of a standard tape measure. So, my target sag number for my KLR 650 should be 2.19″ or 55 mm. On my 2018 Kawasaki KLR 650, the rear shock is rated for 7.3 inches or 185mm of travel. So, in this case, you'll want your sag to be 1″ or 25 mm. The rule is that you should take that number and your target sag number should be 1/3 or around 30% of that number. Most OEM or aftermarket Harley rear shocks have 3 in.

Setting pre load on softail shocks install#

If you install aftermarket shocks of any kind then you'll need to learn how to properly set motorcycle suspension sag.įirst, you'll need to know how much overall travel your particular motorcycle shock has. The air shock system on the Harley works the same by adding or removing air.

Setting pre load on softail shocks manual#

Most stock Harley-Davidson rear shocks have a pre-load adjuster knob and the owner's manual gives you load weight ratings and where you should set the preload. SUPPORT US AND SHOP IN THE OFFICIAL LAW ABIDING BIKER STORE Whether you're riding street, adventure, dual-sport, or dirt, setting motorcycle suspension sag is a universal process. The bike should only sag down so far and within a pre-determined range. Setting sag just means that you are adjusting how much your bike lowers (sags) and rides in the rear when a rider, passenger, luggage or a combination is on the bike.

( listen to this podcast episode to get all the details!) We're here to break it down in simple terms for the everyday motorcycle enthusiast. This doesn't need to be a complicated process as many make it seem in other online videos and articles. It affects the geometry of your motorcycle and how it handles overall. Setting your motorcycle suspension sag by adjusting preload on your rear shocks is very important. Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed