Hi there, I've just ordered my spanner to adjust my 883 progressive Pre load and see if it will improve my ride.

I purchased the bike second hand and it was set up like this when I got it.

I've been trying to research and there seems to be a lot of different answers, and a lot of people throwing around "maximum", "minimum" "softest" "hardest" etc, for a device that has no indication of which is which. I'm pretty sure there are people confused out there as to these settings and I'm hoping someone can set it straight.

Attached is a pic of my current setting. From what I can see, it seems to be on the "maximum preload" setting which means that the spring is slightly compressed. Is this correct?

At the moment my exhaust scrapes on right turns so I'm trying to get a little but more clearance. From what I can see, adjusting the settings to the maximum opposite direction should decompress or lengthen the spring, raising the rear of the bike and giving the exhaust slightly more clearance, is this correct?

The bike at the moment is also a very stiff ride and I'm hoping to also soften it up a bit, but from what I've been told by a mechanic the suspension is already on it's "softest" setting, is this also correct?

I'm 80kg and at the moment when I sit on the bike and bounce my weight down, it bottoms out though it doesn't do that when I ride, though I feel every bump harshly.

Any advice re the settings appreciated, thanks.

It IS on the minimum preload. For lightweight folk.

Turning the adjuster the other way will compress the spring and you will have less chance of bottoming out. However that will make for a stiffer ride.

Try it at the other end of adjustment, if it still bottoms out.......

The shocks could be fucked, they do not last that long.

What mileage is your bike.?

Thanks for that, I was thinking the wrong section moves. I was thinking that turning it would extend the overall length but now I've had a second look, turning it will compress the spring further. Only 5000km, shockers fitted when it was new. I might have to shop around for longer shockers then!

Not yet mate

At least try the other settings.

Turning it the other way will decrease the chance of bottoming out.

And as of the sip of concrete, how will that help me when my exhaust catches on the road and throws me off the bike? I'm still confused though, wouldn't compressing the springs more give me more of a chance to bottom out???

No. Compressing the springs will make for a firmer ride and stiffen them up.

As for the concrete. Bad timing mate I deleted that bit before you got the chance to respond. Decided attitude was not good and my bad, this is a happy forum.

Perhaps you think it is a very stiff ride as it is because you ARE bottoming out? that does jolt the old spinal cord.

When you turn the adjuster the other way it oughta fix the problem.

Haha nah all good dude, you're right- I didn't get a Harley for a smooth ride, just don't want to wreck my exhaust. Thanks for the replies, I'll tune it to the other end and see how I go.

Cool

If you are around SE QLD I could come over and adjust the suspension for you. That is a pretty darn soft setting on your suspension right now. I ride on the other end of the spectrum at 107kgs. My custom's stock suspension length is 11.5 inch, and I think I can get away by swapping them to 12.5 without having to change fork springs.
Your stock 883 should be 13.5 inch if am correct?

Some exhausts hang down quite a bit and are more prone to scraping. V&H Short shots for example are renowned for this. When looking at exhausts try and find out where they sit. Harleys are not known for ground clearance in the first place, I wouldn't want to compromise that with the new exhaust further more just to give it a good look.