The suspension on your Harley Davidson Dyna is one of the most important parts of the bike. Rear shocks provide stability while you’re riding your motorcycle. For your safety and comfort, it’s crucial that your bike’s suspension is working at its best. However, there are times that your Hog’s suspension may not be functioning well. Don’t worry. If you need to know how to adjust the rear shocks on your Harley Davidson Dyna, you’ve come to the right place.
Table of Contents
Why Is It Necessary to Adjust Your Harley’s Rear Shocks?
Having well-adjusted rear shocks is extremely important as they affect your
● maneuverability
● stability
● ability to brake
● comfort while riding
Don’t Settle for Factory Settings
Manufacturers have default suspension settings, but they know that riders have different requirements. As the suspension is largely determined by the weight of the individual riding the bike, the adjustments made will vary. When I bought a new bike, I had to adjust my rear shocks to match my height and weight. Again, the correct settings would depend on you and your passenger.
Also, if you get a second-hand Harley Davidson Dyna, the suspension settings would fit the previous owner. Hence, you should tweak the settings to your comfort.
Experience Less Impact While Riding
One of the primary goals of rear shocks is to minimize the impact of uneven or bumpy roads. I found that if my rear shocks are adjusted according to my weight, I don’t feel the bumps at all. That’s how advanced suspension systems have become nowadays. However, the reverse is true. When the suspension settings do not match your needs, it would be a very bumpy ride for you and your passenger.
Better Maneuverability
The bike handles better if you tailor the suspension to your needs. It can spell the difference between a bike that handles well and one that’s a struggle to drive. Good thing that with the current technology, adjusting the rear shocks on your bike has become easier.
How to Adjust the Rear Shocks on Your Harley Davidson Dyna
On much older motorcycles, adjusting the suspension usually meant removing parts and putting them back in. It may even require specialized tools to change its form. Fortunately, we don’t really have to go through that strenuous process today. Most modern bikes, be it a 2-wheeler or a 3-wheeler, have suspensions that can be adjusted to through knobs, screws, and bolts.
Let’s look at how you can adjust the rear shocks on your Harley to your liking. Before you change anything, make sure you read the manual.
Measure the Sag and Preload
These settings are interlinked and work in tandem. Sag refers to how much the bike is being pushed down after the rider sits on it. Preload refers to how the bike is adjusting to the weight that’s been added to it. You want to make sure that these settings are within a comfortable range to achieve the best results.
To determine the preload, you’ll need to measure the suspension at different positions.
- Measure the height of the bike with its rear shock fully extended. This is when the rear end of the bike is raised to the point that the tire is not touching the ground.
- Then, measure it once more when you’re sitting on it. Make sure to carry items that you usually bring while traveling on your bike.
There are many ways to measure the preload value. The most common method is the percentage system. Simply put, measure the rear shock when it’s rested and divide it by the rear shock value when the rider sits on the bike. The value should come close to 30%. If the value is lesser than 30%, you will need to lessen the amount of preload. This can be done by turning the collar on the suspension upwards.
What if the value is above 30%? Simply turn the collar in the opposite direction to increase the preload.
Adjust the Damping Settings
Adjusting the damping settings is a more subjective process compared to calculating preload values. Damping helps minimize the movement of your bike’s suspension. It controls how fast the suspension will “re-extend” after going over a bump.
Here’s how to do it.
- Note down the settings you’re currently using. Use that information as a reference point.
- Once you’ve written down your present settings, count the number of “clicks” you have on the adjustment screw.
- Count the clicks as you go clockwise, then count the clicks as you go counterclockwise.
- Then, set the screw to the center. This can be done by dividing the total clicks by half. Setting the knob at the center helps you understand what you need from the rebound.
- Do a test ride and determine if the rebound is too rough or too loose.
- Remember not to twist the knob too much. A click or two is enough to make significant changes to the suspension.
- If your Harley’s rebound is too loose, turn the knob clockwise, and vice versa.
Tweak the Compression Settings
Changing the compression settings helps you change how the bike deals with brakes and bumps. Not all bikes have compression adjustments, but the Harley Davidson does.
You tweak the compression settings the same way you do those for damping.
- Count the total amount of clicks to determine the center.
- Use that number as a starting point to adjust the compression settings.
- If your bike brakes too hard or has a “rear-wheel hop,” you will need to turn the screw counter-clockwise.
- If your bike feels too loose while braking, turn the screw clockwise to strengthen the compression.
Adjust the Ride Height
Before adjusting the height, make sure you’ve completed all the previous steps. Do not move ahead if you haven’t done so.
The last step in adjusting the suspension is to tweak the height. Ride height is an important setting that changes the way you handle and steer the bike. To achieve the optimum height, you will need to adjust the rear suspension. Using an adjustable shock, tweak the height of your bike seat to suit your needs.
Once you lower the seat, the Harley will feel steadier. Raising the seat will have an entirely opposite effect. It would make the bike less stable and more difficult to steer. Remember that some bikes have a “locking nut” on their suspension. If that’s the case, you will have to remove that screw, make the necessary adjustments, and put it back.
Personally, I feel you should have more controlled steering because this can reduce the risk of accidents. But ultimately, it’s up to you. Do what makes you feel comfortable.
What You Should Do When Adjusting Your Rear Shocks
Ask for Help
Adjusting the rear shocks in your Harley can get a little tricky, especially if you’re doing it alone. Therefore, I strongly suggest that you have a few friends over to help you adjust the rear shocks. Working as a group can get the job done faster. Together, you can access all parts of the bike. You also have an extra person to take notes, especially when you sit on the bike to measure the sag. This will also help you get accurate calculations.
Always Take and Keep Notes
Taking notes is imperative. But referring to them and utilizing them for the future is equally important. You might feel that once you’ve got the perfect suspension settings, you won’t need to adjust the rear shocks ever again. Think again. When circumstances change, you might need to revise these settings.
For example, you may be going on a trip where you’ll ride on unfamiliar terrain. That is when you will need to adjust your rear shock settings to match.
This is why keeping notes is so important. You can gauge what your current settings are and understand the changes you made previously. Your notes will also help you go back to the exact settings that suit your preferences.
Include All Equipment During Sag and Payload
You must wear all of your equipment during payload and sag testing. Every little thing will add up in your calculations. For example, if you travel to the office with a bag, then wear the bag while adjusting the rear shocks. Make sure you wear your usual biking apparel, footwear, helmet, and outerwear. Otherwise, your suspension settings might not turn out the way you want them.
Remember to take a test ride after you adjust or replace any part of your bike. Ideally, you should do this on a low-traffic road. This way, you can gauge if your modifications work without risking your safety.
Conclusion
Adjusting the rear shocks of your Harley not only makes your ride comfortable but also ensures that you ride safely. Riding a bike on suspension settings that don’t match your requirements is a disaster waiting to happen.
Yes, the process can be tricky and a little time-consuming. But remember that your safety and comfort matter the most. Therefore, take a little time out, call a few friends, and adjust your Harley’s rear shocks.