Rear Shock Setting for Two-Up Riding?

[Tony C.]

Sherry wants to get back on the Valkyrie after with I think is 17 years. What rear shock setting is typically used for 2-Up riding? I've currently got them set at the standard setting of 2. Using the shock wrench supplied by Honda, I tried to increase the setting today but could not get them to budge. Next try I'll remove the saddle bags and somehow fasten an extension on to the shock wrench to get more leverage for upping the shock setting.

With the rear shocks still set on 2, Sherry took her first ride today in a long time. Having very little 2-Up riding experience I was nervous and took it slow and steady. Kept to the speed limits and everything worked out fine.

We got stuck in terrible detour traffic in Marlboro because of a Labor Day parade. We were shunted on to traffic choked steep side streets with a poorly signed detour route. Lots of stop and go clutch work on steep hills. It sucked.

Finally got on 85 N and was going to pick up 62 W in Hudson. But after the cluster-F in Marlboro I told Sherry we were getting on 495 for one exit to get to 62. So she got a quick taste of highway speeds, I think for the first time.

We ended up at Meadowbrook Orchards in Sterling for a nice lunch. Took all back roads home and got back safely. It was fun.

I appreciate your advice on the rear shock setting.

 

[ybnorml]

That's awesome Tony....Sherry wants to join you for some riding.
As much as I enjoyed riding with the guys, or doing the solo ride....
Nothing compares to sharing the ride with the one you love....  
Got nothing for your shock settings....

P.S.    I enjoy the aroma of Sharpie markers first thing in the morning !!!!

[oldsmokey]

Well that's a good thing, except for the parade.
I have gone with 4 on the half a dozen times the wife has been on it, and I believe I left it on 3 yesterday for a hour or so ride. (easy roads) As far as leverage, are you using the spark plug socket on it now?

[Tony C.]

Well that's a good thing, except for the parade.
I have gone with 4 on the half a dozen times the wife has been on it, and I believe I left it on 3 yesterday for a hour or so ride. (easy roads) As far as leverage, are you using the spark plug socket on it now?

Didn't think to use the spark plug socket on it. I'll give that a try. Thanks!

[Tony C.]

Nothing compares to sharing the ride with the one you love....  

Thanks Terry!

[GaryC]

Hope your wife likes riding as much as Deb does. Maybe it's time for a Wing!

[Beardo]

I have Interstate shocks on my Tourer and have them set on 5. I commute to work solo every day but go 2-up in the evenings and weekends with the wife. I can't be bothered to switch hem back and forth, I don't mind the stiffer ride when solo. No bottoming out even on the biggest bumps 2-up.

If it's hard to turn the shock preload, take the weight off the rear end with a jack, makes it much easier.

Having said that, we are looking and saving up for a Goldwing for our longer trips.

[Tony C.]

Hope your wife likes riding as much as Deb does. Maybe it's time for a Wing!

Thanks Gary. I'm sticking with the Valkyrie for a bit longer. 

[Tony C.]

If it's hard to turn the shock preload, take the weight off the rear end with a jack, makes it much easier.

Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[Jess from VA]

If it's hard to turn the shock preload, take the weight off the rear end with a jack, makes it much easier.

Thanks for the suggestion!

 

If shocks have not been moved in ages, squirting a bit of lube up in the top end caps is helpful.

Using a jack to take some weight off them, realize you want to not lift the wheel off the ground (so they are holding all the swingarm and drive and wheel tire weight on them), leave the wheel on the ground, but take as much weight off as you can with the tire still on the ground.

[Tony C.]

Using a jack to take some weight off them, realize you want to not lift the wheel off the ground (so they are holding all the swing arm and drive and wheel tire weight on them), leave the wheel on the ground, but take as much weight off as you can with the tire still on the ground.

That's what I thought, but thanks Jess for confirming it.