Special Tools
DescriptionPart NumberQty.
SHOCK ADJUSTMENT SPANNER
94448-82B
1

Calculate Number of Turns
Softail models feature adjustable rear shock absorbers located under the motorcycle. The rear shock spring preload is adjusted to the total load or may be varied to suit your own personal comfort.
NOTE
Refer to Identification → Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) → Harley-Davidson VIN Breakdown: 2013 Softail Models. To determine the motorcycle configuration for an FLS or FLSTFB, check the configuration/calibration character stamped on the VIN.
  1. Identify the number of preload turns for the weight of the rider.
    1. FLSTC, FLSTF, FXST, FLS (APC/AUS), FLSTFB (HDI/ENG/IND/BRZ): Refer to Table 1.
    2. FXS, FXSB, FLSTN, FLS (all except APC/AUS), FLSTFB (all except HDI/ENG/IND/BRZ): Refer to Table 2.
  2. Calculate the number of turns for the intended passenger and cargo.
  3. Add the number of turns for the rider to the number of additional turns required for the total weight of the passenger and/or cargo.
Table 1. Shock Preload: FLSTC, FLSTF, FXST, FLS (APC/AUS), FLSTFB (HDI/ENG/IND/BRZ)
RIDER WEIGHT*
TURNS**
Less than 75 kg (165 lb)
0
75–100 kg (165–220 lb)
1
100–125 kg (220–275 lb)
2
125–152 kg (275–335 lb)
3
152–179 kg (335–395 lb)
4
179 kg (395 lb) to maximum added weight allowed (refer to Specifications → Specifications → Weights: FLSTC, FLSTF, FLSTFB and FLSTN and Specifications → Specifications → Weights: FLS, FXST, FXS and FXSB)
5
*Passenger/Cargo: For every 18.1 kg (40 lb) increase preload one turn.
**Turns out (counterclockwise) from minimum preload.
Table 2. Shock Preload: FXS, FXSB, FLSTN, FLS (all except APC/AUS), FLSTFB (all except HDI/ENG/IND/BRZ)
RIDER WEIGHT*
TURNS**
Less than 84 kg (185 lb)
0
84–107 kg (185–235 lb)
1
107–129 kg (235–285 lb)
2
129–154 kg (285–340 lb)
3
154 kg (340 lb) to maximum added weight allowed (refer to Specifications → Specifications → Weights: FLSTC, FLSTF, FLSTFB and FLSTN and Specifications → Specifications → Weights: FLS, FXST, FXS and FXSB)
4
*Passenger/Cargo: For every 15.8 kg (35 lb) increase preload one turn.
**Turns out (counterclockwise) from minimum preload.
Adjustment
NOTE
  • Adjust the shocks with the motorcycle resting on the jiffy stand.
  • Adjust both shocks the same number of turns.
  1. See Figure 1. Hold the shaft with a wrench on the flats of the shock shaft and loosen the jamnut (2).
  2. Use the tangs of the SHOCK ADJUSTMENT SPANNER (Part Number:94448-82B) in the holes in the rear shock canister (1) to turn the canister clockwise until it stops. This is the minimum preload position.
  3. Mark the face of the canister for reference.
  4. Turn the canister counterclockwise the number of turns calculated for the total load.
  5. Tighten the jamnut.
1Jamnut
2Holes for spanner
3Flat
4Spanner wrench
Figure 1. Shock Absorber Adjustment