How to Adjust Shovelhead Shocks
- 1). Measure the distance with a steel tape from the middle of the upper shock bolt to the middle of the lower chock bolt for both shock absorbers.
- 2). Measure the same distances again while an assistant who is about your size sits on the motorcycle.
- 3). Subtract the difference, which is called "the squat." Do not adjust the shocks if the distance is between 1/2 inch and 1 inch -- because those measurements mean the squat is just right. Adjust the shocks if the squat is greater than 1 inch or less than 1/2 inch.
- 4). Turn the mechanical pre-load adjusting cam on the bottom of the shock absorber clockwise, with a spanner wrench to increase shock absorber pre-load and decrease squat.
- 5). Turn the mechanical pre-load adjusting cam counterclockwise with a spanner wrench to decrease pre-load and increase squat.
