Another Free Video By Bikers For Bikers!
VIDEO & BLOG-In this tutorial video I show you how to adjust your manual rear suspension on your Harley Davidson touring model. I am using a 2014 Harley Davidson Street Glide Special in this video, but the manual suspension has been used on other models. Additionally, in the video and this blog I provide you with a recommended Preload Settings chart.
I had a 2011 Harley Street Glide prior to purchasing my 2014 Harley Davidson Street Glide Special which had adjustable air type rear suspension. I must say that my Street Glide Special rides much smoother with this new manual adjust type rear suspension. I prefer the ease of the manual suspension preload adjustment knob system on my Street Glide Special much better. I don't have to carry around a small air pump to adjust my rear suspension when I am out and about and changing my load weight like I did with my 2011 Street Glide. Now I just turn the knob and I am on my way.
If you have adjustable air type rear suspension on your Harley Davidson then we have a free video for that too:
Video-Adjust the rear air suspension on you Harley
The manual suspension preload adjustment knob is under the left saddle bag. You only need to adjust this knob to adjust the entire rear suspension system on the Street Glide Special. There is no knob under the right saddle bag.
Here are some simple instructions:
- Remove the left saddlebag.
- Rotate the preload adjustment knob counterclockwise until it stops. The stopped position is the minimum preload.
- Rotate the preload adjustment knob clockwise the recommended number of turns (see table below) to increase the preload for the total weight of the rider, passenger, and cargo. The knob clicks at each half turn.
- Install the left saddlebag.
RECOMMENDED PRELOAD SETTINGS CHART:
# OF TURNS | …………LOAD | # OF TURNS | ……LOAD |
---|---|---|---|
1 | LESS THAN 220 lbs (100 kg) | 10 | 310 lb (141 kg) |
2 | 220 lb (100 kg) | 11 | 320 lb (145 kg) |
3 | 240 lb (109 kg) | 12 | 330 lb (150 kg) |
4 | 250 lb (113 kg) | 13 | 340 lb (154 kg) |
5 | 260 lb (118 kg) | 14 | 350 lb (159 kg) |
6 | 270 lb (122 kg) | 15 | 360 lb (163 kg) |
7 | 280 lb (127 kg) | 16 | 370 lb (168 kg) |
8 | 290 lb (132 kg) | 17 | 380 lb (172 kg) |
9 | 300 lb (136 kg) | 18 | 390 lb (177 kg) |
——- | —————- | 19 | 400 lb (181 kg) |
**Load includes the total weight of the rider, passenger, riding gear, accessories and cargo**
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