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

Calculate Number of Turns
Softail models feature adjustable rear shock absorbers which are 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.
  1. Identify the number of preload turns for the weight of the rider.
    1. FLSTC, FLSTF, FXST: Refer to Table 1.
    2. FXS, FLSTFB, FLSTN, FLSTSB: Refer to Table 2.
    3. FXCWC: Refer to Table 3.
  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 and FXST
RIDER WEIGHT*
TURNS**
lb
kg
Less than 165
75
0
165-220
75-100
1
220-275
100-125
2
275-335
175-152
3
335-395
152-179
4
Greater than 395
179
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, FLSTFB, FLSTSB and FLSTN
RIDER WEIGHT*
TURNS**
lb
kg
Less than 185
84
0
185-235
84-107
1
235-285
100-129
2
285-340
129-154
3
Greater than 340
154
4
*Passenger/Cargo: For every 15.8 kg (35 lb) increase preload one turn.
**Turns out (counterclockwise) from minimum preload.
Table 3. Shock Preload: FXCWC
RIDER WEIGHT*
TURNS**
lb
kg
Less than 150
68
0
150-195
68-88
1
195-240
88-109
2
240-290
109-132
3
290-340
132-154
4
Greater than 340
154
5
*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 (1) with the SHOCK ADJUSTMENT SPANNER (Part Number:94448-82B).
  2. Use the tangs of the spanner in the holes (2) in the spring canister 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