How To Adjust The Rear Shocks On A Harley Davidson Sportster
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- Опубліковано 2 лип 2024
- In this video I show you how to adjust the rear shocks on my 2019 Harley Davidson Iron 1200 Sportster. I hope you enjoy my video and check out my Channel and SUBSCRIBE!!!!! Please feel free to leave a comment or a Question. Thanks for watching.
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I stumbled on this myself in the manual. I'm 5'9" at 260lbs and the rear suspension on my 2021 Iron 1200 was bottoming out on nearly every moderate bump. Adjusted the pre-tension and it made all the difference. Going over bumps is so much smoother. Best adjustment I've done on the bike. Short of replacing the shocks with heavy duty progressive shocks, this is an adjustment that every sportster owner should look into.
So true I was having the same problem. It would be so nice if the dealer helped set up the bike for the buyer. Its all the same though no one cares.
I had no idea the tool was there. You've saved my spine, friend
No problem it makes a huge difference when they are adjusted. I ask myself all the time when you buy a new bike shouldn’t the dealer ask if you want them to adjust them to you? Thanks for watching glad it helped.
Rider Weight
88-124 Lbs - 1 Dot
125-161 Lbs - 2 Dot
162-198 Lbs - 3 Dot
199-235 Lbs - 4 Dot
If you have extra cargo or passengers you will nees to add more, this is for just 1 person riding. If you have cargo weight its usually 1-2 dots more. Mine was 3 Dots and i weight 193 pounds and it made a huge difference!!!
My manual says 6 dots for my weight. 3 was kicking my ass, literally.
Yeah and the dealers should really step up and make sure they adjust them for someone spending so much on a bike. It would only take them a couple of minutes.
Thank you! Very helpful, informative, and appreciate the high quality video and sound. I just replaced my stock seat and didn't realize the shock tool was what was underneath! LOL
Patrick Atagi glad you like my videos. Thank You!
Thanks Carl! Bought a 1200 2 weeks ago and have found myself on your channel multiple times already. Thanks for the quality content!
No problem glad it helps. Ride Safe!!!
Great job on clearly explaining suspension adjustment. I found this helpful.
Thanks for watching glad it helped.
Thanks. My New 2020 is in the post ! Another six weeks for it to arrive!! I think this will be my first job to do on it.
Thank you for the info on how to properly do it. You got yourself a new subscriber!
Thanks for Watching and subscribing. I am glad the video helped.
Thanks brother. I got a new 883 about a week or so ago and was getting tossed like a salad on bumps. I also thought I need to buy that wrench, your video probably saved me 40bucks. Great info and have since adjusted mine from a factory 3 to a 6. Excellent!! Keep up the vids!
Thanks for watching and commenting. Its so sad for what we spent the dealer doesn’t make sure they are adjusted close for your weight.
Great videos! Learning more stuff for the Iron 1200! thks
Hopefully big video release tomorrow. Put in progressive front fork springs hoping to get it edited for tomorrow
Thanks for the video. Never done anything like that before. you made it easy.
Glad it helped. It makes a world of difference!!!
Thank you for the video, Carl. I just purchased a 2022 Sportster 48 and do not give a second thought to adjusting the shocks for my ride weight. I will check the adjustment from the factory and adjust it accordingly. Great information. New subscriber.
Thanks for the sub its not to bad if they are stiff but if they are saggy you will bottom out alot. Thanks for watching
Same!
Thank you for this tutorial!! 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 you got my sub!!!!
No problem hopefully it helps!! Thanks for watching
I’m 238lbs I definitely need to adjust mine from the stock dealer position. Great video!
Abraham Jaimes it makes a big difference. Thanks for watching
Thanks for this video man , I just bought a new 2021 iron 1200 and have been riding on dot #2 set from factory . I’m 5’10” 260 lbs and it was rockin my spine every time I rode . I now have it set on 7 and it’s a completely 100% different feel . Thanks!
No problem it makes a huge difference to have it set correct. I have since took it even further with new progressive 412 heavy Duty rear shocks. What a difference. Thanks for checking out my channel and watching my videos much appreciated
What should it be for 6’3 290?
Great video man! Thank you so much!!
Thanks for watching and subscribing!
Thank you for sharing this video.
I’m going to be readjusting the shocks on my 2021 Iron and soften the ride.
Yeah I had to stiffen mine I kept bottoming out. I have since installed progressive 412’s on my bike. I have a video on that and I also did a video on installing progressive front fork springs. It rides so sweet now. Thanks for watching and commenting much appreciated.
@@MotorcyclingwithCarl Waiting on Revzilla to ship me the 412s for my 2020 Iron. Definitely will check out that video. In the meantime, I have to adjust stock.
@@kreatordandy3738 both things will make a huge difference.
Good video very informative. It’s amazing what we can learn about our bikes when we actually crack open and read the owners manual . Let us know how the rear shock adjustment worked. Thanks again ride safe
Gary C. What a difference it made!!! And im down 40lbs since last year. You would think when the dealer preps the bike they might see I was a big guy and stiffen them up lol. 199lbs is just a couple clicks away now
Nice good call. I heard you on your fuel pak video talk about adjusting your stocks, man I've had mine since 2016 brandnew and never touched it, you showed how easy it was so now ima give it a shot!
Makes a huge difference especially if they are set to soft. Thanks for watching.
Your video was in my feed and I was like hmm let me give this a try. Man what a difference. I was at dot 2 and the manual says I should be at a dot 4. Feels like a different bike going over bumps. Thanks bro
Np it makes a huge difference. It’s disappointing alot of dealers don’t adjust them for people when they buy new bike’s. Some people said their dealers did so I guess it’s not all of them. Thanks for watching and commenting.
@@MotorcyclingwithCarl yeah I just got the bike a month ago tomorrow. Would of been nice if the dealer would of done that for me. Stay safe
Great job, Thanks for this video.
Thanks for watching
Another great video. Being a novice, and on the heavier side, I had no idea that was an option.
Nicki C what a difference it made in the ride!!!!!! Ride Safe and don’t stop pedaling 🤣
Some of us didn't get a owners manual, so I still dont know how many dots for 235
If you have the same shock as me it says 5 to 6 dots.
More if you have a passenger
Thanks a lot man. Really helpful!
Np glad it helped
Thank you Carl for letting me know where that key was that's under the seat I appreciate it and I like what you had shoulders thank you
No problem Thanks for watching and commenting!
I have the 2019 1200T. my weight 147lbs . Harley manual book said leave the shock at 0 position. but doing so the springs are so soft that they keep bottoming up at every small bump. So I turned the knob 3 turns and the springs now never bottom up at small bump. When i ride with passenger the same weight as me i adjust the knob to the maximum , it handel very well. My passenger was happy with the ride and asking for long distance ride now. 😄 same riders out there saying that a Sportster wouldn't handel 2 up and definitely not for traveling. I said quiet motorcycling and go get you a confie cab.
I have stock 2up special shocks front and back , that what Harley are pretending, i'm quiet agree with them.
Awesome stuff man!!!! Thanks!!!
Thanks!
I have a 2020, love it!! But looking for ways to make it more comfortable for all the bumps and potholes around town. Thanks for the video!! I subscribed to your channel, keep up the good work!
Shannon G Thanks for watching and subscribing. I hope you are enjoying my content. Adjusting the shocks on mine made a huge difference. I was so mad at myself that I drove it for almost a year without doing it.
Wow! Well, if it wasn’t for you I wouldn’t have known it was possible! So thanks so much,!! And I am so thankful for that! I have had it for a month now, love my Sporty! Mine has the same graphics as yours but red white and blue.. there is so much you can add to these bikes, am looking forward to watching your other videos, thinking about about the air intake next😎
Shannon G just to give you a little inside info this Fridays video is me putting a Hogworkz LED headlight on the bike! Enjoy the bike and Ride On!!
Stay Healthy.
Carl. Good video
Thanks
Hey, nice informative vid. I have 2007 and I weigh around 200lbs and ride solo, I feel all the bumps on the road, I think it needs adjustment as well. Will you be able to tell me how to adjust mine? Thank you
Muchas Gracias Amigo!!! Super fácil con tu ayuda!!
No problem thanks for watching. Enjoy the ride
Thanks. I have a 2020 and I'm ALWAYS looking for ways to make more power or make the ride smoother.
Dave Bishop make sure you check out my fp3 fuelpak autotune video out when it comes out on May 15th
Thanks man!!
No problem Thanks for checking it out I hope it helped.
Excellent, i learned something. I have a 2018 roadster and my rear shocks are at dot #3, im 200 lbs i wonder if my shocks are set right,vtwll me about this chart you mentioned that tells me where my shock setting should be, love your videos
Thanks for checking it out
Hell yeah dude thank-you. My bike didn't come with a manual
No problem. And none of the dealers ever take the time to set the bikes up to the buyer. Thanks for watching and commenting.
I am amazed how many people never adjust their suspension. Most a quick to complain, but never see the ways the bike gives you options! Great article Carl.
Oh. One more thing. I am 61 years old, weigh 230 and 6'1". The suspension would be really important on a Sportster for me. Good review.
Thanks for watching and the nice comment!
I’m also 61 just bought my 2021 883 while in the States. Just needed city transportation for the time being and I am about 280 and knew there was a way to adjust my shocks but the dealer didn’t give me an owners Manuel cause it was close to closing time, so being a bike rider but this being my first Harley I stumbled across Carl’s channel and in about 5 minutes adjusted my shocks and will test them tomorrow! Thank God for utube and Mr. Carl! Great visual my friend. My next set will be the progressive 490’s I think. At 61 I need comfort! Other than that I love this bike. I’m gonna take it up to the 13, even tho it evens out the bike but I like that racing look!
@@rudyperez6202 Thanks for watching. I am glad it helped! Ride safe
Nice Sporty! looks great.
Easy Rider Thanks I appreciate the subscibe. Hope you enjoy the videos!!
Easy Rider subscribed to your channel going to check it out!!
@@MotorcyclingwithCarl The 2 I've watched I like. Check me out riding my Road King on a primitive road crossing a stream! ua-cam.com/video/KNlQNyzpWNs/v-deo.html
Easy Rider That was crazy !
@@MotorcyclingwithCarl Thanks a lot!
Hey man, cool to see your stuffs, I have some progressive shocks that the past owner installed on it, but the bike bounce like crazy on a bumpy road. I have replace the fork oil and the springs there seems to be perfect so I believe I need to adjust those progressive shocks but no idea how to do it. trying to find something online but all I see is just new installation not adjusting.
There is a tool that turns the botton part of the shock. If you look you can see the notches
Hey Carl first off thanks for the great video! I have a 2019 iron 1200 and it didn’t come with an owners manual, could you please share a picture of yours with the weight range for each dot. Thanks man I really appreciate any help you could give
If you go on my channel I have an email on it just send me an email and ask for pictures of the pages and I will try and get them to you soon.
Thank you for your time.
Hope it helped. Thanks for watching and commenting much appreciated.
Useful video
Thanks I hope it helped. Appreciate you checking it out and commenting.
Made a world of difference on my iron 883
I learned it’s probably the first thing everyone should do on their new bike. Thanks for watching and commenting
Hey Carl... nice video... do you have or know procedure to change the Pin on a 2022 Harley Nightdter 975... Can't find anything on youtube for this bike. thank you in advance.
No unfortunately I do not.
Thanks for the vid man just bought my bike and every time i hit a bump it bounced me off the seat
Hopefully the video helped. Thanks for watching.
Where to adjust suspension to make it softer and what is the best setting for suspension for a person weighing 85kgs
You would want to turn adjuster counter clockwise to take pressure off of the springs and to find the proper adjustment for your weight check your owners manual.
Hey my first bike is going to be an iron 883. I want to be able to flatfoot while sitting on a red light. Would you recommend just replacing the stock seat with something smaller and getting smaller rear shocks or should I just change the seat. My heels can’t touch floor I’m off by like 1 to 1.5 inches off the ground
Not sure. Adjusting the shocks to your weight first is a good place to start. Then probably look into a seat. Im not a fan of smaller shocks.
So I have 2019 883 w/stock shocks I’m 143lbs if I want a passenger I need to put more pressure on the spring so it won’t bottom out correct?? Also will this help w/ NOT buying new shocks like most people do to the iron ? I see a lot of videos of people changing them out but to raise the height are they doing this because they don’t know about stiffing the shocks? Thanks great vid
roythebarber I don’t know why people are changing the shocks but I weigh 210 and tightening up the shocks stopped me from bottoming out.
hey carl nice video i dind't know it was so easy i've got the same shocks on my 2017 48 and i ' ve break the belt cover beacause of not knowing how to adjust, do you have the chart for those shocks, i'm 90 kilograms.
Sent it in email let me know that you received it. Hope it helps!!
Hello Carl, yesterday I purchased my first Harley, which is an Iron 1200 😉 (in white). I really like it. While driving home from the dealer I thought I could use a few cm’s extra. I am 164 cm (5.3 feet). Do you know if there is a kit to lower the iron 1200? I would appreciate your advise. Take care and have fun. Kind regards, Judit
Sorry I am not familiar with lowering kits. Maybe a different seat could give you a inch. But other than that im not sure. Depending on your weight you can make sure your shocks are adjusted correctly. The less tension set on the springs will make the bike sag a little more under your weight. I have a video on my channel about adjusting them. Let me know if any of that helps or if you have more questions. Enjoy the new bike and ride safe!
Hope you enjoy this video. What a difference this adjustment made OMG!!!!!
great video thank you i watch the air cleaner video and it was great too i went and got the same one and install it with the help of your video step by step thank you go see my video i just got a 2020 forty eight and been doings some things to it.
as you can see on my video the shocks are set to #3 thats my next job
J T I subscribed to your Channel. Ride Safe!
Ditto the 2022 883. Thanks!
Thanks for watching
I have an 09 Nightster 1200 (video on my page) and when I got it was at setting 2. I’m 210lbs so I set it up one notch to 3. I can’t find any charts online. How was yours after this?
So much better I was bottoming out before I adjusted the shocks im around 225 now. I would just keep adjusting it till it feels good to you. I have since upgraded to progressive 412 heavy duty shocks and progressive fork springs what a difference they make. I have those videos on my channel. If I had to guess you will probably have to still go another notch or 2. Thanks for watching if you have any other questions if I have an answer I will be glad to give you my input.
Hi Carl. Greetings from Mexico, I have an 2007 sportster with rear shocks like yours, but recently noticed a leak from the left rear shock, have you any idea to fix it? Is it possible to fix it? A few days ago I fell into a hole in the freeway and from there I got te problem.
I would guess you have to replace it. I don’t know if they rebuild them but it would probably cost just as much
Ouch,
Dolores! That
Hurts.
Nice video mate. Hey idont have an owners manual but my height is 1.78m and my weight is aboit 91kgs, where should my setting be?
I currently am not near my manual I will get back to you.
pretty simple adjustment,i was wondering where the tool was
I wish I did it sooner what a difference!!!!
The tools under your hole
Lol
I will have to change mine to 6 dots as well. Did it change the height of the bike at all?
Not really it just didn’t sag as much under my weight. Nothing noticeable
Are the adjustment points based on weight? I’m 165lbs and don’t have a manual to reference.
Eric yes they are you can probably find it on line. For your year and model. I have a 2019 iron1200 and have mine set at 6 dots I am 203lbs I was bottoming out when they were set at 3
If you spin it, does it lower/raise the bike or just make it stiffer?
DYFilms just makes it softer or stiffer doesn’t change the height. Thanks for watching!
Quick question for you , I assume we have the "same sportster book" , I have a 2019 48 special, in that book you have 3 choices (short, medium and tall shocks travel) how do you know for sure which one of those 3 you have?I know I have the 11.2 inches factory shocks but that doesn't help me much.Sorry if it's a stupid question , 1st harley.
TheStephanejoyal I believe 11.2 is low if you watch my sportster review video I put pictures of my manual at the end of that video my book says table 18 for that shock.
TheStephanejoyal page 42 of mine tells you what table to use according to your shock length.
@@MotorcyclingwithCarl thank you so much for your quick reply!!!
Will adjusting it to 5 or 6 dots lower seat height?
The less tension on the spring the more the bike will sag with weight. But I don’t think it’s significant. Just my thoughts
The rings on one side is stuck and nearly broke off the peg on the adjustment tool....any advice?
Make sure you are turning in the correct direction first. Otherwise you probably have to get creative with a way to be able to tap it without damaging the finish. I know I could get it loose but I don’t want to see you do it wrong and damage it.
so when you did that did it lower the back end down as well ?? I got a 2019 iron and the rear end is miles high
michael no more pressure on the springs would keep it higher.
@@MotorcyclingwithCarl so if you twisted it the other way all the way (covering the gray part showing the dots) you'll lower the bike?
@@lovejackflower it would just make the suspension softer. It may make it sit slightly lower with your weight on it
By adjusting the shock rings downward....did you raise or lower your seat height?
Seat height stays pretty much the same but the more compressed the springs are the less the bike drops when you sit on it.
I just bought a 2021 Iron 1200 and the dealer gave me a 2020 manual. Did anything change?
I think just the colors. If anything did I don’t think it is drastic. Enjoy your new bike!!
Did lowering the spring like they make it stiffer or softer
Elias by tightening down on the spring it makes the shock stiffer. The more weight you have on the bike the stiffer you want it.
Motorcycling with Carl I need to soften mine up then for sure I’m a pretty thin guy. My sportster 48 is rough as can be
Elias check your manual it has a chart for your weight and stuff like if you have a passenger and luggage. That will give you a reference of where to set them. I was bottoming the bike out when I hit bumps
I have looked everywhere for the chart on my 2020 sportster 1200. Do you mind telling me what to set mine at if I weigh 170 pounds?
If you want to email me at motorcyclingwithcarl@gmail.com I can send you pictures of the pages in the owners manual.
Is that a stock seat that comes with spanner wrench?
Yes it is. I have since upgraded the shocks and the seat. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Sir is after performing this is seat height has increased or its remain same as before
I don’t believe it moves much just the firmer the springs the less the bike will sag under your weight
@@MotorcyclingwithCarl thanks sir for replying but i want you to do you know how to modify the sound of my harley and how to remove the no plate tail which is made of plastic ther is a inbuilt light i dont know how to remove the wire i have roadster
@@selvatorferagammo5719 I am not sure have not removed that
Nice, how was the ride ? Did you notice a difference.
Yes I did I stopped bottoming out and it made it a little stiffer. I have since went a little further and upgraded to the progressive 412 shocks. My latest video talks about all the upgrades I did to my sportster and I have a link to a playlist in the description of that video to almost all the installs I talk about. If you have time check it out. Thanks for watching and commenting on my video much appreciated.
Hi, i'm 5'6 and 130 lb...what dot will i use pls help!!
If you have the same shocks as me. The book says dot 2 with no additional weight of a passenger or luggage. I always like my suspension a little stiffer. I would experiment a little bit they are pretty easily changed.
I was riding one dot more than the book recommended before I upgraded my shocks
Will this help me lower the bike . Correct ? thank you .
Not for lowering the bike unfortunately.
Sir my height is 5 6 can I put both feet flat on the ground while sitting on a harley?
I can’t answer for sure but im 5’ 10” and I have absolutely no problem.and have bend in my knees
@@MotorcyclingwithCarl thank you sir
Hello, I am 5'7 and have both feet flat on the ground with bend in my knees. I think you should be fine! You can also go watch some of my videos ( I did a presentation on the Iron 883) to give you an idea :) Ride safe!
By adjusting the shocks lower the seat height?
Seat height doesn’t change
@@MotorcyclingwithCarl thanks for the reply sir🙏
Do you have the number of the tool? I bought mine use and didn’t come with it.
Thank you!
Unfortunately not and all my references are in storage sorry
Does this effect ride height at all??
The firmer the spring is set the less sag when you sit on the bike. I don’t think its really noticeable though.
Does this change the rear height?
I believe the firmer they are the less sag when you sit on it.
So could it be that it’s 6 dots from the top of the bottom ring?
I always say get it close and take a couple of rides and fine tune it as needed. Thanks for Watching
Great video but the OEM Shocks on the Harley Davidson Sportsters are crap back breaking spine crush I replaced with Progressive 412 13 inch Super Duty Chrome whole new bike with a touring ride🏍️ 💪🙌👌👍🤟😎
I just installed progressive Front Fork springs and Have the progressive rear shocks just have to put them on. Fork springs huge difference also!!!! Thanks for watching. I have an install video up for the springs.
Did that lowered the bike or raised it at all
This adjustment stiffened the suspension so it doesn’t sag as much when I put my weight on it but I didn’t notice any difference
Did that adjustment help
It actually helped alot and stopped the bike from bottoming out on the bigger bumps. I have since upgraded to progressive 412’s I have a video up with that install.
How many dots for 70kg.and did it make a difference after you adjusted them thanks
Jamie Fetter if you watch my iron 1200 review video I have pictures of the manual towards the end of the video . That will tell you how many dots. It made a huge difference for me.
@@MotorcyclingwithCarl I have the manual but i cant work it out thanks
Jamie Fetter im running 6dots on mine you can always move it one dot at a time till you’re ride feels comfortable
@@MotorcyclingwithCarl what weight are u if u dont mind me asking thanks
@@MotorcyclingwithCarliv just got my bike today and it's at the highest setting
I lost my owner manual and want to adjust shocks to have a passenger do u know what I sld put it at
I ride an iron 883 I am 195 passenger 185
I will look in my book tonight when I get home
@@MotorcyclingwithCarl thanks a ton😎
If you have 11.22 inch shocks it’s saying 11 dots. If 11.712 inch shocks 12 dots. If 13.366 inch shocks 13 dots
How many dots down can you go
Not sure off hand it’s been a while since I did it. If I get a chance to look in the shop manual I will take a look. Thanks for watching
I hope this works on my sportster XL custom 1200. I have to ride around with my organ donor card in case someone wants an old set of kidneys that have been vibrated to death. Thanks for the vid.
Hopefully it helps!
Does this adjust the height or just the shock ?
Just the shock but the stiffer it is the less it sags with weight on it.
Chip foss?
Sidney Beach ?
I still haven’t been able to remove my seat.
What is the reason?
So you’re telling me that when you sit on the iron 1200, that there’s a tool on AND under the seat?!?! Who woulda thunked
Yes it is.
you going to lower you're bike sir, or higher,..
No trying to keep it at stock height. I actually just changed to progressive 412 heavy duty rear shocks. I put up an install video on those. I believe they may be 1/4” shorter but you can get them longer also
@@MotorcyclingwithCarl ah sir it's is okay?, the euro keeway cafe racer motor cycle, its is okay to lower stock shock,
@@clutchrider5009 I am not familiar with that.
@@MotorcyclingwithCarl ah okay thanks, you're video was awesome i learned haha, maybe tomorrow i lowered my cafe racer motor cycle? shout out you're next video sir, 🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭