Sunday, April 6, 2014
How to Lower Shocks for Harleys
The advantage of lower shocks is that shorter riders feet can more easily touch the ground. Traditional, externally mounted shock absorbers on any Harley should not be disassembled and must be replaced as an assembly. Sportster shocks are usually 13.5 inches long. Replacement shocks are available in 11.5, 12, 12.5 and 13 inch lengths. This is how to swap them out. The procedure is the essentially the same for all Sportsters, all Dynas and all touring models.
Instructions
- 1
Raise the Harley on a motorcycle jack until the rear tire is off the ground. This aids access to the inside of the rear fender. Make sure the motorcycle is stable.
2Remove both saddlebags. Hold the nut inside the fender with a box wrench and turn the bolt head inside your saddlebag with a socket wrench if you have bolt on bags.
3Remove both bolts that secure both saddlebags. Save the nuts, bolts and washers from both bags for reuse.
4Remove the Allen bolt and washer on the fender tab at the back of your seat if you have throw-over bags. Remove the seat then remove the throw-over bags.
5Lower the motorcycle jack until both tires are on the ground and both shock absorbers are relaxed. Leave the jack sufficiently elevated so the bike is upright and resting on the jack rather than leaning left on the jiffy stand.
6Immobilize the lower shock nut on either of the shock absorbers with a box wrench. Loosen the lower shock mounting bolt with an Allen wrench. Remove the bolt, nut and washer and save for reuse.
7Loosen the upper shock mounting bolt with an Allen wrench and remove upper shock mounting bolt, washer and cover. Save this hardware for reuse.
8Remove the opposite shock absorber using the same procedure.
9Lower the motorcycle jack approximately two inches. Apply thread locker to the lower shock mounting bolt and begin to install the shorter, replacement shock absorber using the same lower bolt, washer and nut.
10Apply thread locker to the upper shock mounting bolt and finish installing the shorter replacement shock absorber using the upper bolt, washer and cover. Repeat the same procedures on the opposite side of the motorcycle.
11Reinstall the saddlebags as needed. Reinstall the seat as needed. Completely lower and remove the motorcycle jack.
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