Right Rear Shock Upside Down or Flipped on 2014 & Newer Harley Touring-The Facts

Yes, it is a fact that many 2014 and newer Harley-Davidson touring models had the right side rear shock installed upside down at the factory-maybe?. Is this purposeful or an accident?  You many not even know that yours is installed upside down, as doesn't really change the ride of the bike and causes no reported safety concerns. This possible issue can be found on some 2014, 2015, and 2016 Harley Touring models.

Free Video of Interest:

• How to install 2 or 4 points docking hardware on a 2014 Harley Davidson touring model

The problem arises when trying to install 4 point docking hardware to add a luggage rack or passenger backrest. Because the right rear shock is upside down, it does not allow enough clearances to install the hardware.

For this reason, Harley Davidson put out a service bulletin (Service Bulletin M-1386A) to all dealerships to correct the problem and install the right rear shock in the same manner as the left side rear shock. This corrects any clearance issues when installing hardware.

2015 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special (FLHXS)

Again, we have no information that with the left side and right rear shocks installed in a different direction, that there are any safety or functionality concerns.

Further information is that Showa, the company that makes the rear shocks, reports that they can be installed either way.

So, don't sweat it and you can certainly turn it around if those are your particular needs. If not, then leave it be and ride on!

Special thanks to Law Abiding Biker Patron Member Ben Spadaro for bringing this issue up in the awesome forums within the private Law Abiding Biker Facebook Group. And for all the input from other private Patron only members.  Yup, bikers helping bikers.

If you appreciate the content we put out and want to make sure it keeps on coming your way then become a Patron too! Get into the private Facebook Group!  There are benefits and there is no risk.