3. The fasteners should be tightened until the bushing expands (bulges) to the same outside diameter of the metal washer. (see below) This allows for the proper amount of bushing squeeze so that the shock absorber can move properly in any direction.

When installing new shocks, the goal is to tighten them just enough that there is no play or chattering in the suspension over bumps. But not so much that it adds any noticeable resistance to the shock’s pivot points. After adjusting the tension on each bolt, bounce the suspension by hand.

General Torque Specifications A 7/16-inch bolt should be tightened to 32 foot-pounds and a 1/2-inch bolt to 47 foot-pounds. Tighten a 9/16-inch bolt to 69 foot-pounds. A 5/8-inch bolt should be tightened to 96 foot-pounds.

Low profile rear suspension recommended air pressures: FLHX (STREET GLIDE)

Turn the shock adjuster plates inward — clockwise — away from the jam nut to lower the spring pre-load and smooth out the ride for lighter loads. Make sure you turn the shock adjuster plates an equal number of turns for each shock. Tighten the jam nut on each shock absorber in a clockwise direction.

Use the supplied wrench or a Harley adjustment wrench to turn the adjustment nut counterclockwise to the desired preload setting. Then tighten the 1-1/16” lock nut. Both shocks must be adjusted to the same, equal setting (See Figure 2). plate are turned to the end of the threads (no threads showing).

The Softail® has rear wheel suspension hidden away under body panels held in place with a swingarm. They’re soft on your tail, hence the name. Models produced between 1984 and 2017 have shock absorbers along the bike’s axis. On 2018 and later bikes, the shocks are under the seat.

Your 490 shocks also have an external rebound damping adjustment which can be adjusted using a flathead screwdriver. The rebound adjuster will have 12 turns of adjustment and is preset from the factory at our recommended setting of 6 turns from closed (Closed is turning the adjuster clockwise until it is snug).

On the other hand, A progressive shock means that the amount of force needed grows as the shock is compressed. The line would be curved, because the amount of force needed to compress the shock progressively grows as the shock compresses.

No. You will NOT get a soft ride from Progressive shocks. Yours will certainly be softer than mine (by about 50 lbs plus whatever the bike contributes) but it won’t be soft.

Absolutely, the Progressive 412 shocks yield an improved ride over OEM shocks. While the improvement isn’t as mind-blowing as Progressive’s premium 444 shocks, the improvement in ride quality is more than noticeable for what is, at heart, Progressive’s entry-level shocks.

Named for their unique design of progressive spring rate, Progressive suspension shocks are developed to deliver smooth and consistent actions no matter the size of the bump that your machine encounters. Springs that are not wound progressively will deliver more harsh and abrupt reactions to obstacles.

The 412 Series shocks are simply the best value shock on the market today. The 412s simple, durable design means they will be an improvement to your motorcycle’s suspension performance for as long as you are riding it.

Great shocks for the money. Not as good as the legends I used to have, but for this price they are definitely a good buy.

 Your new 422 series with RAP Softail suspension system actually has two methods of adjusting your preload. The most convenient is by simply turning the RAP adjuster knob – clockwise to increase preload (reducing sag) and counterclockwise to reduce preload (increase sag).

Two inches of ride height adjustment as well as adjustable for spring preload to accommodate varying loads and rider weights, all wrapped in a chrome shroud and now available in a HEAVY DUTY version for two-up or heavily loaded bikes!