Adjustable Lowering Suspension Mount for Harley-Davidson Softail

In this mechanics tutorial we are going to install an adjustable lowering kit on the rear shocks of a Harley-Davidson Softail.

But do Softails have shock absorbers?

The first thing that catches our attention when we look at a motorcycle with a Softail frame is the lack of rear shock absorbers, resulting in a triangular frame, giving the appearance of a rigid frame. In reality, the shock absorbers are hidden horizontally beneath the frame, precisely to achieve the appearance of a classic motorcycle with a rigid frame. One of the special features of the shock absorbers for these models is that they work by extension; that is, when a vertical force is applied to the motorcycle, they extend instead of compressing as a conventional shock absorber would. Due to their design, as the shock absorber extends, the main spring compresses, achieving the desired force-absorbing effect.

The kit

To lower the rear of our bike, we're going to install an Arlen Ness kit consisting of longer, adjustable shock absorber mounting studs. Once installed, we'll be able to adjust the bike's height with conventional tools and without too much effort.

Let's get to work

The first thing we'll do, as always after disconnecting the battery to prevent accidental starts, is raise the rear of the bike to access the bolts and nuts holding the shock absorbers. Next, and using the HD service manual, we proceed to remove them. First, we'll loosen the nuts holding the front end.

Next, we do the same with the screws that hold them to the back of the chassis.

To easily access these bolts, we can follow the manual's recommendation and use the special Snap-On SRES24 wrench, which will allow us to work faster. Most importantly, we can use a torque wrench to apply the recommended torque when reinstalling the shock absorber.

Once we have the shock absorbers off the vehicle, we can check the difference in length between the original shock absorbers and the kit shock absorbers. This extra length will allow us to lower the rear of the bike a few centimeters.

We proceed with the next step... The press

Don't worry, we're not going to recommend you read the newspaper. We simply need to compress the shock absorbers to be able to remove them. To do this, we need a workshop press or the specific tool that some brands, like Progressive Suspension, manufacture.

Following the manufacturer's instructions very strictly and taking care to cover our eyes with protective glasses (keep in mind that we are working with a spring that is subjected to high pressure), we compress the shock absorber until we have access to the retaining circlip.

After removing the circlip from its housing with a fine-point screwdriver, we gradually release the pressure from the press until the shock absorber comes to rest, without pressure.

Let's ride again

At this point, we can replace the original adjustment bolts with the longer ones from the kit. To complete the assembly, simply follow the disassembly procedure in reverse, carefully reading the kit manufacturer's instructions and applying the recommended torque values in the HD workshop manual. Once assembled, all that remains is to adjust the height. This can now be done whenever you want with a pair of open-end wrenches, adjusting the nut and locknut as indicated in the instructions.

If assembling the kit seems too complex for you, there are also higher quality adjustable shock absorbers than the originals that come with this kit already installed.

Remember

Now you should check that the drive belt tension is correct and adjust it if necessary. Then, perform a road test to verify the dynamic performance of the new setup, stiffening the shock absorbers if necessary (explained in the motorcycle owner's manual). Keep in mind that by reducing the ground clearance, the motorcycle will now skid more easily in turns (especially the exhausts and platforms) and will sit more upright when supported on the stand ( shorter stands are available if necessary). After completing these checks, you can go for a ride and experience the sensations of riding at road level!

Frank Burguera

#harleymechanics