Have you been riding your Harley Davidson Dyna for a while and have started to notice that the bike isn’t handling as well as it used to? The shocks might be adjusted too tightly or too loosely, which can lead to decreased stability and an uncomfortable ride.
This is often due to the stock rear shocks not being able to handle the weight of the bike. Luckily, there are a lot of ways to customize your Harley Davidson Dyna, and adjusting the rear shocks is one of them. This can change the way your bike handles and give you a more comfortable ride.
In this blog post, we’ll show you How To Adjust Rear Shocks On Harley Davidson Dyna so that you can enjoy a smooth, stable ride once again. Read on to learn more!
How to adjust Harley Davidson Dyna Rear Shocks? Step By Step Guide
If you’re looking to improve the handling and ride quality of your Harley Davidson Dyna, one of the most effective ways to do so is to adjust the rear shocks. Below we’ll show you how to do just that, step by step. So just check this out:
1. Park your Dyna on a level surface
First of all, you’ll need to park your Dyna on a level surface so that it’s easier to work on. If you don’t have access to a level surface, you can always put your Dyna on a motorcycle stand. Make sure that the stand is sturdy and won’t collapse under the weight of your Dyna.
2. Locate the rear shocks
Once you’ve parked your Dyna on a level surface, the next step is to locate the rear shocks. The rear shocks are located under the seat, near the back fender. You can see them better if you remove the seat. However, if you can’t find them, consult your Dyna’s owner’s manual.
3. Measure the sag and preload
Next, you’ll need to determine the sag and preload of your Dyna’s rear shocks. As we know the sag is the amount that the shocks compress when you sit on the motorcycle. You can measure this by simply sitting on the motorcycle and then measuring the distance between the fender and the shock.
Shocks need to be preloaded to be compressed by a certain amount. This is measured in pounds per square inch (psi). To measure the preload, you’ll need to use a spring compressor.
All you have to do is:
• Attach the spring compressor to the shock
• Compress the shock until it’s at the desired preload
• Measure the distance between the spring compressor and the shock
• Multiply this number by the preload (psi). This will give you the amount of force required to compress the shock by that amount.
4. Adjust the spring preload
Once you’ve measured the sag and preload, you can start adjusting the spring preload. This controls how fast or slows the shocks compress and rebound. To do this, you’ll need to use a wrench and turn the spring preload adjuster clockwise or counterclockwise.
Then follow these steps:
- Turn the knob clockwise to increase the preload. This will make the shocks compress and rebound slower.
- Turn the knob counterclockwise to decrease the preload. This will make the shocks compress and rebound faster.
5. Tweak the compression settings
Changing the compression settings will help you change how the bike deals with bumps and how the shocks feel when you’re riding. To do this, you’ll need to find the compression adjuster knob on the shock. It’s usually located near the bottom of the shock. Once you’ve found it, you need to adjust the settings, the same way you do for the preload.
- Increase the compression knob clockwise so that it feels stiffer and more responsive when bumped.
- When the knob is turned counterclockwise, the bike will feel softer and less responsive to bumps.
6. Adjust the ride height
Your Dyna’s ride height can be adjusted by adjusting the previous steps. To raise the ride height, you’ll need to turn the spring preload adjuster knob clockwise. To lower the ride height, you’ll need to turn the knob counterclockwise. Just remember, the higher the preload, the higher the ride height.
7. Test the newly-installed settings
Once you’ve made all the adjustments, it’s time to test out the revised settings. The easiest way to do this is to take your Dyna for a ride and see how it feels. If you’re not happy with the updated settings, you can always adjust them again until you find the correct setup for your Dyna.
Why should we adjust Harley Davidson Dyna Rear Shocks?
Harley Davidson Dyna Rear Shocks are an incredibly crucial part of the motorcycle. The following are the reasons to adjust them.
1. Riding Position
Adjusting the rear shocks is first and foremost a matter of achieving a comfortable riding position. This is especially true for those who ride long distances. The shocks should be positioned so that the rider is in a place where they can maintain control of the bike and be comfortable at the same time.
2. Cornering
For better cornering, the rear shocks should also be adjusted. Having too soft shock absorbers can result in the bike “wallowing” or “sagging” in corners. As a result, the bike becomes difficult to handle and can be dangerous. The bike will be able to take corners more easily and be more stable if the shocks are set properly.
3. Weight Transfer
When the weight of the rider is transferred to the rear of the bike, it can cause the bike to become unstable. Moreover, when you hit a bump, the entire weight of the bike will not be transferred to the rear, which could cause the bike to become airborne. To distribute the weight evenly, shocks should be configured accordingly. Bike control will be easier and more stable as a result.
4. Suspension
The rear shocks play a big role in the suspension of the motorcycle. If they are set too soft, the bike will not have enough support and will “bottom out” easily. Using this method can be very dangerous and cause the rider to lose control of the bike. Therefore, shocks should be adjusted so that they are firm, but not too stiff. Ensure that the shocks are the same height so that the bike is level.
5. Shock Absorption
A rear shock absorbs road bumps, which is one of its main functions. In the absence of proper adjustment, they will not be able to do this effectively and the ride will be very uncomfortable. Smoother and more enjoyable rides can be achieved through shock adjustment.
6. Braking
Braking is another key reason for adjusting the rear shocks. If the shocks are set too soft, the bike will “nose dive” when you brake. The rider may lose control of the bike as a result. Your bike will brake more effectively if you adjust the shocks.
7. Shock Preload
Lastly, you should set the preload on the rear shocks. The preload is the amount of force that is required to compress the shock. In the case of a low preload, the bike will sag in the rear, making it difficult to control. When the preload is set too high, the bike will be “bouncy” in the rear and uncomfortable to ride. Therefore, it is crucial to strike the right balance between the two.
FAQs
Final Verdict
Adjusting the rear shocks on your Harley Davidson Dyna is a simple way to customize your ride and make it more comfortable. It’s critical to make sure that the shocks are installed properly so that the bike is stable and safe to ride. By following the steps in this blog post, you will be able to adjust the rear shocks on your Harley Davidson Dyna in no time.
We hope that you have found this information helpful and that you enjoy your upgraded, improved ride. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to us and we’ll be happy to help. Thanks for reading!
