Step-by-Step: Adjust Your 2024 Harley’s Rear Suspension Like a Pro

I'm going to walk you through how to properly adjust the rear suspension on your 2024 and newer Harley-Davidson Touring motorcycle. With the 2024 redesign, Harley-Davidson has made some changes to how the suspension is adjusted, particularly when it comes to preload settings. Let's break it all down. (see video  below)

Understanding the Preload Adjusters

The 2024 models feature two types of preload adjusters:

• Right side: Threaded preload adjuster (for gross adjustments)
• Left side: Hydraulic preload adjuster (for fine adjustments)

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The right side's threaded preload adjuster is your primary adjustment. This is where you'll set the preload based on the weight of the rider and passenger. The left side hydraulic adjuster allows you to make finer tweaks on the go—perfect if you add gear or a lighter passenger without needing to adjust the right side every time.

Step 1: Setting the Right Side Preload (Threaded Adjuster)

Before making any adjustments, refer to your owner's manual, which includes a preload adjuster chart. This chart helps you set the right-side preload based on your weight, the passenger's weight, and any luggage you’re carrying.

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For example, if you weigh 180 lbs and don't typically carry a passenger, you’ll set the adjuster ring and lock ring at the minimum setting—essentially zero millimeters of spacing. If you occasionally carry a passenger, you would adjust the rings according to the chart.

Here’s how you can set the threaded preload:

1. Reference the chart: Find your weight and your passenger's weight in the chart.
2. Measure the distance: The chart will provide a value in millimeters that represents the distance between the top of the adjuster ring and the bottom of the lock ring. This is your gross adjustment.
3. Adjust the ring: Using the spanner wrench that came with your bike (or you can purchase one online), turn the adjuster ring clockwise to increase preload or counterclockwise to decrease it.
4. Lock it in: Once you've set the proper distance, lock the adjuster by tightening the lock ring with the spanner wrench.

Step 2: Fine Tuning with the Left Side Hydraulic Adjuster

Once your right-side preload is set, the left-side hydraulic adjuster lets you make quick adjustments on the fly without a wrench. This feature is ideal for those times when you throw on a few extra pounds of luggage or take on a lighter passenger.

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Here’s how to use the hydraulic adjuster:

1. Check the chart again: For example, if you add 50 lbs of luggage, the chart may suggest 11 turns from the minimum setting.
2. Adjust the knob: Remove the saddlebag (it only takes a minute) and turn the hydraulic knob based on the additional weight. The adjuster has tactile clicks, so you can easily feel each turn.
3. Make quick changes: As you add or remove weight (like luggage), you can adjust the knob accordingly. For instance, each click may correspond to an additional 20-25 lbs, making it simple to fine-tune your suspension without tools.

A Note on Stock Suspension

Now that your suspension is set, you may notice that while it's good, there's definitely much room for improvement. That's why, here at Law Abiding Biker™, we often recommend upgrading to Wilbers LDC Nivomat suspension for a superior ride. We’ve tested it extensively, and once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever rode on the stock suspension!

We offer Wilbers suspension right in the Law Abiding Biker Store, and when you order from us, we'll ask you a few questions to tailor the setup to your specific needs. Plus, we provide a detailed video tutorial so you can install it yourself without needing to pay a mechanic.

Conclusion

Adjusting the suspension on your 2024 or newer Harley-Davidson Touring model is a straightforward process once you understand the different adjusters. Following these steps will ensure a smooth, comfortable ride tailored to your weight and riding conditions.

If you're ready to take your ride to the next level, check out Wilbers suspension in our store. We’re a small team of bikers helping other bikers worldwide, and we’d love to get you set up with the best suspension for your Harley.

Additional Resources

• Shop Wilbers Suspension in our Store

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