Road King Special Preload Calculator
Enter the load carried on the motorcycle to find the nearest published Harley-Davidson rear-preload setting and check it separately against the 251 kg payload limit.
Weight inputs
Quick setupSupport the load, preserve the ride
Rear preload changes the spring’s starting compression and helps maintain ride height and suspension travel as weight is added. A passenger, luggage, accessories and riding gear increase the load, so preload generally needs to increase with them.
Enter rider weight ready to ride, including worn riding gear. Use the riding-gear field only for gear not already included in the rider or passenger weight. For the factory lookup, additional load is passenger plus cargo, accessories and any uncounted gear.
The published suspension table and the motorcycle’s 251 kg payload limit are separate checks. Table 24 tops out at 23 full turns. When a high-load combination reaches a dash or exceeds the table’s additional-load columns, the calculator reports MAX PRELOAD while continuing to check payload separately. The motorcycle must also remain within GVWR and front and rear GAWR.
How to set it
- Remove the left saddlebag if required for access.
- Wind the preload adjuster back to minimum.
- Increase preload by the calculated number of full turns.
- The adjuster clicks every half-turn.
- If the calculator reports MAX PRELOAD, set the adjuster to 23 full turns from minimum.
- If the rider weight itself is outside the published range, consult the owner’s manual rather than inferring a rider setting.
Keep it on your Home Screen
Open this page in Safari, then use:
Use the short label RKS Preload.
2018 Road King Special only
This calculator is specific to the 2018 Harley-Davidson FLHRXS Road King Special with its stock hand-adjustable rear shocks. Do not apply the settings to another shock, motorcycle or suspension configuration.
Factory source: Shane’s physical 2018 Harley-Davidson Owner’s Manual, Controls and Indicators pages 88–92, Table 24: “Suspension Preload Table: Standard Length Shocks, without Tour-Pak.” The owner’s-manual photographs are the controlling source for this calculator.
Disclaimer: This convenience tool uses Harley-Davidson published setup information and does not replace the motorcycle owner’s manual, confirmation of GVWR and GAWR, correct loading practice or a proper suspension inspection. If the adjuster, shocks or handling do not feel right, stop and have the motorcycle checked.