Delboy's Garage, Harley Softail, YSS Shock Upgrade
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ม.ค. 2025
- How to fit a pair of YSS shocks to a Harley Davidson Softail.
www.patreon.co...
YSS Parts from :- www.wemoto.com/
Music by 'Chillhop Records'
In Bloom by- Mo Anando
'Her' by- L'indecis
'Nothing But Luv' by- ASO
Our channel is supported and part funded by kind and generous Patrons who help keep the bills paid and keep the videos coming. If you've been helped, educated or just entertained by our videos then you can join the gang by clicking the link above, and from just $1 a month, you'll help us keep the videos coming.
Or If you just want to say thanks for this video alone, you can drop a dollar in our "Tip Cup' by using Paypal to moonfleet10@yahoo.co.uk The money will go to make more videos and keep this channel in your hands and not the advertisers.
Follow us on Facebook :-
/ delboysgarage
Check us out on Twitter :-
/ delboysgarage
..and if you haven't already, then please subscribe :-
/ moonfleet41
Become a Patron and join the team :-
www.patreon.co...
I’ve now seen dozens of videos this guy has put up and the quality of content on this channel is outstanding. Very glad I came across it.
This is the best, most comprehensive how to video I've seen on TH-cam. I'll be a new subscriber, thank you.
Thank you for your kind words Sir.. Welcome aboard.
I just had these shocks installed on my '04 Harley Night Train after watching this video and man, what a difference! My girl is enjoying the ride once again after suffering a painful jolt to her spine from an unforseen pothole! I did my research and truly believe these are the best shocks for this model! Thanks again for posting this video!🏍
Hi buddy, I'm so glad that you find the improvement, Softails have always been a little lacking on their rear suspension, and with the price of Harleys it's no surprise they had to abandon the old platform and go to the new Softail style, it's important for not just comfort, but the safety of control, as the roads around us gradually get worse over the years... ride safe both of you and have a great week!
Excellent video. Direct, explicit, moving along at a great pace, no unnecessary chatter, excellent lighting in the tight spots and nice music in the back ground. A superb job all around. Thank You.
Glad you enjoyed it, much appreciate your kind comments!
Thank you so much for this video! This gave me the confidence to do my own. But, I'm here to tell you, it was NOT easy breaking the bolts free. And I sprayed them with WD40 several times over a couple weeks. But in then end, I was triumphant and now have new shocks on my 2006 Fatboy. Thank you again!
Most welcome, glad it helped you Sir, sounds like you had a real challenge with it there, but I always reckon that makes the job all the more satisfying when you get it done!
@@Moonfleet41 Your channel is great. One suggestion...list links for the parts and tolls you use?
I had one of my progressive shocks come loose on my 93 Heritage softail and hadn’t really ever dealt with them since they were already on the bike. Didn’t really know the setup and all. I had already put the bolt back and tightened the shock. This video really helped me to understand how they were installed and the torque setting. Very thorough and well done. Thanks
Most welcome Doug, im glad it helped you out.
You were right about not enough videos on this project on the internet. Thankfully found your video and I'm about to tackle replacing my 2000 Fatboy shocks. I feel confident after watching your video that I'll be able to accomplish it without too much difficulty. Will let you know how it turns out.
Thats cool Mazz, good lick with it, dont feel you are alone.. drop me a line if you get stuck or if there is anything confusing.. strange ground is always a journey of discovery aye.... take care.. Del.
Man, I wish you still had this bike! I have an 03 Anniversary and I’ve really benefited from these vids, Del.
Have seen other people do this same swap, but none were as informative as you were. Nice job and Thanks. Take Care Brother
Thank you for your kind feedback brother..Glad it helped!
Yes finally somebody Showing how to takeoff and install without getting the manual out I love the video big A+ thank you so much for making it really helped thanks again Dave
You're very welcome!
Bro!!! That was by far the most descriptive and practical instructional video that I have seen yet.
Great job to you and also to the camera girl, catching all the important angles!!! ML&R
Glad it helped you brother, and thank you for the great feedback, we really appreciate that.. Im lucky to have a camera girl who knows her way around a garage and knows that to capture.. Take care and have a good weekend. Del.
Nice video. I've bought my first Harley a month ago. It's a FLST '89 custom fatboy. Since i'm a compleet novice at mechanics, I find your video's very educational. Lot's of tip 'n tricks. I want to thanks you for these nice video's. Greetings Dennis from the Netherlands.
I am a new softail owner and I really appreciate all your knowledge. Thank you so much. From the USA.
Thank you most kindly Charles, Welcome aboard sir, and enjoy the videos..
Love your videos Del, you explain everything so well and it's like your only talking to me and you don't talk down to anyone unlike some other TH-cam videos I've watched and quickly turned off. 👍🏻
Thanks Peter, that is really kind of you, and we're so glad you enjoy the videos, we try to do them step by step and pass on the knowledge, and also (we hope!) alllows viewers to follow them and do a job successfully themselves, you're feedback is much appreciated, all the best, D&P!
Because the bolts that hold the shocks in the back were so f***ing tight I had to remove the swig arm with the shocks attached to it in order to take them off!! Thank you for this tutorial and greetings from the other side of the pond.
Sorry to hear that Alex, i know what you mean, i think i was lucky and got away with it, there's no room under there to get long breaker bars or a power tool in to break them loose aye... sometimes you just gotta rip it apart.. Glad you got it done, and thanks for your feedback.
Nice vid!...I hung the rear of my 93 Softail from the floor joists and swapped them out...lol
just bought my 2nd softtail. 1st was a '96 , 2nd one is a '93! I noticed the shocks are terrible, getting ready to upgrade to new suspension
This is a great video - will be very useful when I get the scratch together to upgrade the suspension on my FLSTC.
I also bought the wrench from HD and used it and found it to be a royal PITA. Looking for a better solution, I stumbled on the use of a rubber strap wrench. Wrap that thin around the canister portion of the shock, hold the 9/16" wrench on the shaft and have a go at it. Works sooooo much better for me!
Good video. I’m always impressed when someone can speak fluently without “ums” and “likes” and such. And don’t have to search for words or course don’t curse.
Thank you for those kind words Sir.
Howzit Del, great video, I've been putting off upgrading the Wife's Deluxe, as I was worried at the ease of access and complexity in changing the shocks, you've made it less daunting. Thanks Bud.
hey Marc.. Howit... yes, its a simple job.. just the problems of getting under the bike and supporting it... but all you need is a trolley jack, and a few wooden blocks.. Good luck my broer
Great Vid, have just rebuilt front end of my soft tail, new wheel, twin disc's etc, now you've made me think about the rear end, the wife ain't happy lol
This is just a really good video. He explains some, not so obvious geometry in simple terms. They have good quality camera moves, Excellent! Thank you for producing.
Thank you most kindly Sir !
i was sold at..... "Absolutely Superb!". and thank you for not following suit with others... Love you guys
Awesome channel! Makes videos were anyone can understand them! Thanks for making my day! Very through in his videos! Takes all the extra steps to do the job right the first time!👍
Wow, thank you for your kind and generous words of support.
good informative video. Brought back good memories of doing a similar job many years ago and not having a lift available we used our Hy-Mac 580C excavator to dangle the bike off. worked well cos the hy-mac didn't get tired
Ha ha.. every man should have an excavator in his life....lol!
Lmao
Hiya Del & Penny, Another real professionally done video guys. Can really notice the change over the years. Been able to catch up today, on the videos I haven't seen over the last 2 weeks, after being away in Scotland. And while there, I pointed a few folks in this direction..'See you' at the weekend. Take it easy guys. Al.
Thank you, hope you had a good trip... back on the build this Sat!
Cheers for posting this up as it really shows you what`s involved including for novice mechanics as it`s so well explained. I`ve worked on hundreds of bikes over the years but only a handful of Harley`s. Your softail series is most helpful and keep up the great work. I`ve actually posted up links to the softail series on the fatboy uk owners site on facebook as I was so impressed and that`s from someone who`s been working on bikes for the last 35yrs and used to have his own bike workshop business. Cheers, Matt
Glad the series could help you in some way matt, and thank you for yo0ur kind support with posting the links, it's always good to hear the videos get shared and passed around to other can benefit too.... Thanks again buddy, and keep in touch.. Del.
Great, clear explanation of how shortening/lengthening the shocks raise/lower the bike's height. Thank you !
I love the way you explain everything.
I also had to tell you that your camera girl is awesome she’s spot on 👍❤️😎 now it’s time to buy a couple of shirts and some coffee mugs😂
Hey brother, thank you so much for your kind words, it's wonderful when somebody notices the post production, it is at last as much work as the filming itself! Thank you for your kind support, it's very much appreciated, enjoy your weekend!
Love your videos! Today did the oil change with a purge as per other video. Best oil change i ever did! Thank you! Just a reminder, dont forget to replace those two cam chain tensioners and check the crank run out.
By far the most down to earth every man explanation!
At 23:02 it appears that you used the shock height spacers and then a bolt to secure the shock. Is that how one should use the extra YYS shock height spacers or was that for convenience later if you want to change the ride height?
What is the size of the shock lock nut on the preload spring? I would image one would need a stubby wrenches for the 9/16" and the larger preload lock nut to make this adjustment easier while the shock is on the bike.
I love that you got a Softie!!! My favorite/dream bike which I hope to have one day. I always wondered how Softail shocks were done, very nice vid!
Thanks buddy, don't wait spend too long waiting for your dreams... life is too short buddy, and Harley make it easier than ever to get on the bike you want, and the best thing with Harley Davidsons, is they retain their value better than any other vehicle on earth! The price you pay new, is practically the price you will get back for it in 10yrs time, provided you look after it... and you can't say that about much these days!
Good video mate! You guys are getting really good at this stuff!
Thanks Mackie, appreciate your kind words - see ya soon!
getting?? he was born GOOD!
Good vid Del....here in the USA I think I would have gone with Progressive Suspension softail shocks but there are several to choose from.
Great job Delroy... It's funny how everybody has a nice drill press, where they could put a wire wheel on it .and do an awesome job... like yourself.
Lmao.
Thank you so much,on how to show how to adjust , the preload.
I have to tighten the preload cuz I'm 190lbs... and it's bottoming out. Solo rider.
PS....I LOVE THE ADVERTISEMENT STICKER YSS, you added to your tool box, behind you, as soon as you bought the AFTER MARKET shocks, there mate!!! lmao
Excellent Video. Comment on adjusting the stiffness. Time mark 25:25. You show how to adjust the plate using the HD spanner. I have found it difficult to adjust the plate when mounted on the bike with my 2 piece spanner that requires a 3/8" ratchet or breaker. But, my compromise was to get the spanner in place on the plate then use a 3/4" open end wrench to adjust the rod. It seems to be much easier.
@25:30 you say the shock preload is less while turning anti clockwise,however,the harley manual says this increases preload?
anti clockwise facing which way..! you'll soon feel the spring getting tighter.!
@@Moonfleet41 im looking at the shock as it is in your vice,thats th eway it is on the bike.my softail is still hard after doing it the "manual"way.i know theyre "pull"shocks.just confused is all.
@@bertayoing Easiest way if it gets confusing is just to wind full travel to each end, and pick the spot you're happy with...
@@Moonfleet41 ok cheers del,i have posted a pic of what the manual says on your facebook page,it still doesnt make sense to me.haha.
Facing towards the adjusting face, turning anti-clockwise increases the preload.
Hey Del and Penny! Really great video! Del you really are a perfectionist, which is why I love to see your work. I'm not sure if you knew, but I bought a 1994 Heritage when it was new. It is now, 23 years old! It has 32,000 miles on it with the original shocks. I'm sure, just due to age it needs this upgrade and most likely new rubber seals. I will invest in new seals should I upgrade. I have a couple other projects right now to deal with like a new roof for our home. Storm/Wind damage recently removed several shingles. Thank goodness for home-owner insurance to help with some of the costs. Great camera work Penny, looks really professional! Lastly, so sorry for the horrible attack on your Mother Country today. I really feel so bad for the families who lost loved ones today. Just know your Yankee Cousins do feel your lose. Hopefully, together we can defeat this enemy. God Bless you both. Also, if I may, Long live England!!!! Love her people!!!!!!!
Hi Scott & Debbie, how lovely to hear from you again... we often think of you and hope you are ok, I didn't know you had a Heritage, I almost bought one before I got the FatBoy, they truly are a stunning bike! Good luck with your projects on it.
Thank you for your very kind words on the events of yesterday, will these people never realise that their attempts to de-rail Western freedom are pointless and meaningless, they will never have any effect and they will never achieve their ends by these means... when I ride my Harley Davidson I do it with a capital sized middle finger in the face of these people, they will never impede our lives or slow down our progress, we are peaceful, civilised human beings, and they are no more than pointless savages... the civilised world unites in situations like this and it's so good to know we have your love and respect from across the pond...... Take care both of you, and ride very safe, all the best, D&Px
Haven't had time to watch any of the videos for a while but you guys have really stepped up the editing game! Credit where it's due!
Thanks Tom, we're glad you notice, its a lot more work now.. but well worth it we think. .!
Most definitely worth it! The extra effort is appreciated!
Hey Del, I thought I'd just let you know, for the first time since 1989 I've bought a non Japanese bike, just bought a mint 1998 Triumph Daytona t595, 17000 miles, over the moon and back, collect tomorrow!
Awesome bike James... and the full power version, unlike the SpeedTriple that got the castrated one... you will have loads of fun and make sure it's as loud as possible cos that glorious triple with the right exhaust can sound like a Merlin aero engine... lol ! Enjoy your new bike...!
It's got an art silencer. Keep your ears open at noon when I pick it up. Lol
Absolutely The BEST 👌 video ever on softail shocks! Thank you for the step by step clear instruction and the why.
You're most welcome sir. Glad it was helpful!
Nice job fella - I put Progressive 422 on my 99 Softail - dropped the stance by 2” and transformed the ride (until I put a springer front end on!) 🤪
Ha ha.. "Springers"// Coolest Harley forks ever.. baddest handling ever..! the price we pay for style aye mate..1
I like the spacers on the YSS, I put on the Progressive 422's and they made a world of difference for rebound.
Meticulous and clean. Delboy brings it again 👍👍
From Southern California ~ Ride Forever! 🦅🇺🇸
Thank you Sir, for your kind words of support.
Thank you for this instruction video. Just wondering how the ride ended up with the new shocks as well as the height of the bike. I thought that with the one adjustment ring that you put on the new shocks it actually made them longer than the original shocks (contrary to what you claimed) - and therefore would lower the bike. How did they feel once you got on the bike and rode it?
Del, thank you very much for all your work to share your knowledge on TH-cam! I have a couple of HD's and the one that is my baby is my 2005 Anniversary Edition Fatboy (Golden Boy). I'm going to do some more research but I have been thinking about suspension upgrades. Again, great video and thanks for your work (hard work) in sharing with us all. Ride Safe! Brian - Denver, CO, USA.
Hey Brian, great to hear from you Sir, and a gold anniversary FatBoy is an icon, my 05 Fatboy was the regular anniversary model, but the gold one is seriously rare, most people don't realise they're 1550cc and the badges alone are priceless these days as they're impossible to find now, so take care of her, as I'm sure you do! You'll love the YSS shocks if you're going to fit them, they're a great upgrade and will smooth out the slightly harsh feel on the small ripples in an unkept road, and best of all, on a long fast sweeping bend, it can keep that terrifying death weave from developing, which Softails can suffer with. Ride safe and keep in touch buddy, all the best, Del
when you add spacer to the shock doesnt that change the drive belt length?
How does spacer affect ride for passenger
Thanks for another great video. I just scored a 2006 CVO Fat Boy. I will probably look for those shocks after I do a few other things like maybe upgrading my brakes to the new Brembo ones for a little bit better stopping power.
Congratultions on your CVO, wishing you many happy miles my friend.
Hi Delboy, like the vids you do much appreciated. You must have done a few miles on these shocks now how they holding up ? I'm looking to use a set of these which are 220mm long converting my bandit 1200 hardtail to a softail.
Love your content, I was wondering if you have a vid about removing the standard exhaust bracket on a Harley fat boy 1994 as it looks like it’s bolted on through the swing arm but can’t seem to find any information about this anywhere
Outstanding!!! Just picked up an 04 Night Train w/40k miles. Might just b my first modification!
Wow, probably one of the most iconic Harleys of the modern era, in my view, better than the FatBoy, but that's just personal taste, enjoy your bike and ride safe buddy.
Hey del thanks for another great video awesome mechanic you are my man, what a great idea putting the wheel on a drill press your the man!!
Tell Penny I said hello.
Rich from Queens New York!
Thanks so much Rich👍, great to hear from you as always.. Penny says Hi.
hello, very interesting video, I have a question, but are you sure that if you turn the ring counterclockwise you release the spring? I know that when you turn the ring counterclockwise you compress the spring, thanks for your help
Really great video, just got a new suspension and I also got a 2009 softail but man I don't know how you got those back bolt off, they are so tight that I don't know how to do it.
Hey Del ..with 400 plus centimetres still on the ground it may take a while but no worries it's all part of living in the far north ..thanks again my old friend.
I have one of those bolts that snapped inside the threaded inserts on the swingarm! Can I drill it and extract it or is there some other solution to this problem?? Thank for your great video
This was a great informative video! Thanks for making it as I am about to change my softail shocks and was looking for pointers.
Glad it was helpful mate, best of of luck with your projects!
Excellent video and kudos to Penny for the excellent camera work!
Why thank you Matthew, nice to have my work recognised... much appreciated, and glad you enjoyed! Ride safe, Penny!
Just a note about torque wrenches, if you use a crows foot to get to those inaccessible bolts, there are formulas to determine true torque with extensions at any angle. Most DIY won’t have access to unique tools to do this, so I see the “strong arm” method of torquing to be adequate. Do a few push ups first though.
great vid as usual. for hard to get at places there is a small tool shaped like a ring spanner with a ring on one end and a square drive on the other end for a torque wrench. A small recalculation in torque is needed. They can help in tight spaces.
Yeah, and stubby spanners for working under the bike, and ratchet spanners for bolts like this, and a two arm lift.... oh how i need more tools... lol Thanks buddy.!:-)
spanner porn... mmmmmmm kinky!
I've seen ones with open spanner ends, they're called 'crow's foot' spanners. Most seem to come with a 3/8 square drive, but adapters are no problem...
Great vid! What's the bolt/thread size of the front mount studs?
Hi Del & Penny, fantastic delivery once again, great explanation, great camera work too Penny, keep up the fantastic work guy's.
Thanks Colin... much appreciate matey, its a lot more work now, so great to get the feedback..!
The shock bolt that goes into the swing arm has snapped during a ride. I’m assuming that I’ll need to remove the whole swing arm to get half a chance at extracting it?
I subscribed today because you really break it down to the basics
Thank you Roy, and welcome aboard sir.
The preload adjust alone, without the “washers” could lower or raise the bike? My bike is too low and I’m think in zip I adjust the preload could make it more higher
great video for this job - I wish my shocks on my '06 Deluxe would pop out of the frame as easily as yours do! I finally got the big bolts broken loose and removed but the shocks seem too long to drop down, even when I jack up the swing arm. There must be a trick to this I don't know...
Thanks Paul, You may need to either drop the wheel out or remove the fender to lift the swing arm high enough to drop the shocks out..!
Top video again, Del. The potential for this channel is huge
Thanks for your kind words Ricky, that all depends on who's watching!
I don't even have a harley but love watching your videos. big thumbs up
Thanks mate, appreciate your support!
I've had one of the rear-most shockabsorber mounting bolts fail on my 1998 Softail. I've measured the threads and I think the bolts on mine are 1/2" UNC as it has 13 threads per inch too. I'm pretty sure they're larger than an M12. I can't seem to check this on the interweb though 😏
Hi Del, great video. I also ride a 2005 Softail but the Deluxe model. Do you have any info about the issue with the cam chain tensioners that is supposed to disintegrate / fail at around 30k miles and could possibly clog up the oild pump and cause engine failure? There is a lot of talk about it on the internet being a problem on pre 2007 models after which they upgraded to hydraulic tensioners that more or less sorts out the problem.
Hi Japie, the only time i have heard this panic about cam chain tensioners is from arm chair mechanics who "heard/read/saw/imagined it from somewhere they cant remember where".... In reality, i have spoken at length with several Harley Tech friends of mine, and basically its a Myth that has gotten out of hand... the Inside info from HD is that a batch pof oil pumps that were made in India were not made to spec...and quite a few failed, this lead to the motor partial seizing, and the force this placed on the plastic tensioner overcame it and they snapped.... so upon the ensuing investigation, the first cover to come off is the cam cover, and inside they find the broken wreckage.....and subsequently blame the tensioner as the cause..! now as the motors effected were pretty trashed, they got a new oil pump as a matter of course, thus eliminating the real cause without realizing it.....
Naw back on 2006 Harley were inundated with claims and angry customers, so found the problem, traced all but a hundred or so of the offending oil pumps (bikes) and replaced them with new ones... but those remaining bikes are still out there and every time one goes west, it fuels the myth again because people dont take the time ot find out from Harley what the real cause was.... its ridiculous to imagine that 18,000 Softail motors world wide are all doomed to fail at 30K miles... in real time, in fact only about 30 bikes are known to have been taken back to Harley with the 'So Called' Tensioner fault.. and any dealer will know about it and be happy to do an exploratory investigation to see if your bike has one of the infamous pumps. ..if it does, they pledge to replace it free... if it doesn't, then all you pay for is the inspection time.... cant say farer than that aye....
As for mine, i have always believed that Harley big twin motors need a good leathering as often as possible, so my Fatboy gets its hide wopped on every outing.... if the motor fails, its fails, cant live your life in fear.. mine has 33k miles, and its doing just fine..!
Moonfleet41 Thanks for the reply Del. I have enquired with my dealer in Cape Town and they did not offer to do a check but suggested that I purchase the Screaming Eagle upgrade kit to take my 2005 up to 2007+ spec. This includes a replacement cam plate, more potent oil pump, hydraulic tensioners and a smoother chain. I have received the kit and is going to have it installed by HD as I don't have the skill do do it myself. Off course HD is not shy about charging for their time and quoted me for 8 hours to do the job. There are also additional needle bearings and seal kits not included in the kit and the Rand/$ rate is not doing me any favours. But in the meantime I'm riding my Softail - it is a great bike. Just to keep things interesting I have just bought a Royal Enfield Classic Military to play on the backroads. Thanks again and keep up the excellent work with the videos. Best regards.
Read between the lines Japie my broer, of course they know about it, why would they do it for free if they can charge you major Dollars instead... look at the evidence... ""more potent oil pump"", so selling you this "Kit" eliminates the oil pump problem without admitting to it... Believe me brother, if they are an official HD main dealer, they will know all about it.. but many choose not to say anything, but instead to pamper to the myth, and sell you parts and labour time... Replacing your cam chain tensioner doesn't need a new oil pump, so why are they replacing it?..they will argue that "its an upgrade, and why wouldn't you want an upgrade for better oil feed....truth is.. you have no need for it.. the factory oil pumps are up to spec as long are they are healthy.... their never going to admit it....but dont trust HD to tell you the truth when there is a sale involved aye.!
Very thorough! Thanks! Great video and great camera work!
Thank you. Much appreciated!
Terrific details and I admire both of you for taking the time to film and then share with all of us. It takes the concerns out of the job with the unknown until you do it the first time for sure. I'd be curious if the oem hardware might corrode faster with the factory paint removed, even though it has a ss content. With everything apart I was expecting re-painting it or suggesting it before re-assembly. Can you comment on the current condition of the hardware now. We all try to ride on dry days but the weather doesn't always cooperate. Thanks again for the terrific video!!!
Thanks for your kind words of support, im glad the video could help you out. i sold this bike a while ago now, so cannot say how the fasteners are holding up, but all things require attention even if only on a once a year inspection to make sure everything is holding up... you can also coat them up with some heavy weight lithium grease for the wet months and that should keep them clean...
Can you change under shocks to outside shocks??
Perfect as usual ✌🏻❤️🇨🇦
Awesome video! My mechanic told me he had to remove the rear wheel to do this job!😈
Hey Delboy! Happy New Year brother! Another outstanding video! I always enjoy watching your excellent Harley Davidson videos. I own a 03' FLSTCI. You always do such a great job of explaining the ins and outs of everything providing the viewer with a much greater depth of understanding of the intended engineering & mechanics of the Harley motorcycle & how it is supposed to function synergistically, I always learn so much from your expert, easy to understand tutelage. Your Misses also does quite a nice job of video recording your episodes especially in those tight areas where it is difficult to see. A+++
Hi John.. Thank you so much indeed sir for your wonderful and kind praise, its an honour to be so highly regarded. I hav always had a passion for Harleys, and they are so easy to understand, the tech hasn't really advanced that much in the last 100 years and that suits me just fine... also with some of the utterly insane mileages that some bikes have reached they are surely a bike for your whole life.. they do have some strange and odd traits that will drive you mad, but i fogive them that because i know that the Harley you buy today will still be worth the money you paid for it in ten years time... what other vehicle can you ever say that about... Take care and keep in touch.. Del.
Was the difference noticeable between the factory and yss shocks while riding?
I have them exact saddle bags and I can't find or figure out the support bracket to hold them. I'm going to probably need to fabricate some. I can't find any around my area and not sure what to order.
The support frames came with the bags when i bough them, dedicated shape and size for the bags... so i guess fabrication would be the best route.. Good luck with it.
Thanks for uploading. Used this to install some progressive shocks. Worked great
This video was the best I've seen on how to change the shocks. Thank you for taking the time to make this video. I m not clear on what appears to be an important step. That is, the wooden blocks under the rear wheel and the jack under the frame. Are they doing the same job? To align the front mount did you adjust the jack or the blocks?
Hi Chris.. ok, sorry to be unclear on that buddy... The hole opperation can be done without the block.. you simply leave the wheel on the ground and jack the frame up or down to line up the mount holes... but with any Softail there would be no room to work under there, mine had about 5 inches of clearance under the frame, and thats not enough room to work... so if you place a 4 inch block under the wheel, then you increase the total working room under the bike to 9 inches, giving you lots of room to work and see what you're doing....o hope that makese sense mate, sorry again if it was cinfusing.. good luck with yours.. drop us a line if you get stuck... Del.
Love the video and the shocks. Tried to find them here in the US but couldn’t locate a website or a distributor. Any ideas on where to locate?
Not that I know of mate, YSS is a worldwide company, it's probably easier to find distributors over there in the USA than it is from here... best of luck with it!
Great video I have a heritage softail 94 I bought a pair of progressive shocks 422. I noticed the adjustment holes in mine face the rear wheel not like your model that faces towards the front wheel.
My question the shocks are terrible stiff and they are from factory all the way screwed clockwise, from your video what I understand is that if the spring is completely pushed inside would this make the suspension more stiff? In other words to make it softer should I release pressure from the spring?
Never mind... I found out that clockwise in softail Evo models is softer ride less preload. The shock in evo softails have the adjuster plate facing rear of bike and on newer models it’s on the front. The counterclockwise is actually harder, guessing that these shocks are less softer than OEM.
Excellent video as always mate , just wondering , have you got a video on how to replace the shocks on an Evo softail or is it similar to this video , it,s just that on my 1997 Fatboy it has Eyelets at both ends not like the shocks in this video which has Eyelets only at one end . Thanks again for your great videos .
Excellent advice, description, and technique. Subscribed.
Thank you Sir. Welcome aboard!
Excellent buddy, thanks for this. Was always curious about the tech specs around Softail shocks.
Hi Scott, good to hear from ya, they are a funny ol' design aye, but still my favourite Harley model!
Hey Del,
Thank you for another great instructional video. I'm anxiously waiting for which was a awful winter to finally melt away . I have a 2003 FatBoy and your correct that the stock shocks have their limitations. I'm thankful for your video and once we lose all of this white crap I think I'll look into a upgrade.
Thank you to you and your lovely camera woman.
Hi buddy, yes indeed, Penny puts in a lot of effort, and makes me look good, and let's face it, I need all the help I can get lol ! Horrible waiting for spring ain't it?? But don't worry, couple of rides in the sunshine and the winter literally melts away!
lol.. good man, you know the score alright! Old school Britool stubby set on ebay for £28.95 as we speak. They're the sort of thing you'll hardly ever use but kick yourself if you don't have one when you need it. A man can not have too many tools!
Thanks so much for your video on shocks Del , it,s helped me out a lot . Cheers mate from Australia
Thanks Aussie, glad the video could help you mate... and good to hear from all the way from Down Under.. Enjoy your coming summer, its 6 degrees and sleeting here today..!!!
@@Moonfleet41 Del at the moment it,s hot down here mate so you,ll defineatly notice the difference , so bring some sun screen 50+ with you , specially if your gonna hit our beautiful beaches . Enjoy ol mate . Cheers Aussie
What are the advantages of lowering or raising the shocks
Hey John what's the size of that jam nut that you loosened for the back plate of the spring load is it 1 - 1/16 or 1-11/16??
No offense need a quick answer. Thank you in advance
Once again amazing informational video Del and Penny, thank you.
How does one get the threadlock out of the thread on the bike? -it's doesn't appear to me as if there's room to run a tap through it either.
Little trick buddy, dab of cellulose thinners in the hole, run the bolt in and out a few times, and that will melt it, then blow it out with an airline!
As usual... Concise and wise words. Thank you sir from Gothenburg, Sweden.
You are very welcome Sir, and thank you so much for your kind support. D&Pxx
Delboy, I have a question for you not pertaining to shocks. My FLSTCI's rear wheel lines up with the frame as it should. However, the rear tire sits quite close to the left side fender with a gap on the right. I purchased this 2003 from a previous owner and have never had any issues with this. However, common sense dictates the fender should be correctly centered to the wheel. I cannot even get my fingers in between the fender and tire on the left. Any insight into why this is this way and what, if anything, I can do to properly align the rear fender to the wheel? Thank you brother! I'd love to visit your country to meet you and go for a ride! God Bless! John
Hi again John... This is one of those irritating jobs i talked about just now.. ive had that at least half a dozen times, and on my recent 2012 Swithcback, one side i had a 1/2" gap i could slip 4 fingers in, and the other side i had barely even daylight, not even enough to get a fingernail into...... But as long as the belt is running straight, and sits in the middle of the pulley more of less, with no rubbing one side, then the wheel is straight, and in its correct aligned position.. and that indicates that its the fender that is to blame... what i did to get about 50% of that misalignment back (i never got it perfect), was to loosen the fender mounding bolts so the whole thing rattles about loose.. then hold to the side thats closest, effectively forcing it back into place, then got a mate to tighten up the mount bolts while i held it in position..AND.. at thew same time i forced a fat wodge of rolled up cleaning cloth between the tyre and fender to hold that gap open... and when it was all remounted and tight.. the gap was maybe 60/40.. and that was fine for me...
Who knows why this happens, the theory is that these fenders are stamped out on thick sheet metal, and from new they are slight distorted, as long as its not too much, its ok to give them a forceful twist in the other direction to straiten them up a bit.. but be careful not to crack the paint.... like i said they haven't changed in 100 years.. the guys in the 1950's probably had to do the same thing to keep their Harley in shape.. and again... thats why i love them.. ! Hope that helps you buddy,, take care. Del.
John Warzybok I own a 2002 Flstf (FatBoy) with similar experience. I am the original owner and did the same thing Del recommended ( loosen the fender bolts and retighten while forcing the gap open).
love the music in the recent videos! much more relaxing than the stuff you've used in the past. Belt drive is great sometimes eh - on a lot of bikes (mine) that area gets covered in chain gunge!
really nice shocks Del, pity they are covered up, brilliant video as always, really good camera work to Pen, well done both of you, regards Stu
Thanks Stu, yeah, you have a point there, there is little reason to make them look nice, the whole point of Softails is that you can't see them!
Great video!! I have a 2007 Deuce and there's a squeaking noise when I bounce on the seat. I wonder if the shocks are worn out or if there is a lubricating point I don't know about. The bike has 19k miles on it and has been taken very good care of. Any advice is welcome.
Hi buddy, that's not uncommon with Harleys, there are several moving points that can cause a squeak, first take the seat off and eliminate that, just put a rag over the frame or something, then do it again... sometimes the seat can squeak against the frame... most common source is often the belt against it's pulley, just rock the bike backwards and forwards without sitting on it, if it stil does it, it's the belt... btut there's very little in the suspension itself that should cause a squeak.... if you can get underneath and look at the shocks, just make sure everything is tight and none of the shock fasteners have come loose! Good luck with it mate.
Nice video. Thank you. I have to change out my shocks before the warm weather comes.
Good luck with it Todd, hope it works out for you !
@@Moonfleet41 I changed my shocks on my Fatboy to the Progressive 422 Heavy Duty. I am having a hell of a time learning about the preload (clockwise or counterclockwise). To my understanding the strength of the spring is always there, the preload places a little pressure on the spring so the ride is a bit stiffer. I went with these shocks because the wife and I and all her hair products (kidding) tend to weigh it down and the stock shocks would bottom out. Does anyone know if progressive is clockwise or counterclockwise to increase preload? The other videos on here show the guy saying one thing but doing the opposite. Logic tells me (like removing a cap on a bottle) that counterclockwise would give the spring more room; hence less preload. But I have heard it's the opposite. I just did a turn of counter clockwise and my bike felt like a tank. So I'll play with it again this weekend. btw., your videos are great, you explain the things well and remind us of important things. Thank you.
Another great how too del keep em coming buddy 👍