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[Deerhead]

Hi All
I would like to adjust my shocks for the CVO Rally on my FXR3 but can't seem to ge more than three 'rings' showing? I thought there were 5?

[RedFXR2]

I've had my shocks adjusted to the third line for years so I had to go look.  I turned my adjustment ring down to the fourth line so I know they have at least that many.  As far as a fifth line, could be--I was still turning, but it's hot as Heck in my garage right now, and my adjustment rings are pretty tight.

Which may be your problem.  Do they turn freely or are they difficult?  Mine turn, but it's pretty hard.  I spray some WD40 at the seam between the barrel and adjustment cone so it seeps down on the threads.  Really tough without doing that.

Anyway, I saw four rings so I woudn't doubt the presence of five.  There's more than three for sure--assuming of course, you have the same shocks as I do--Fox brand

[Deerhead]

I just WD40'em. Mine are tough to turn/adjust but I believe there are 5 rings. Find out tomorrow.

[Deerhead]

Well yesterday I saw 6 rings and I could have twisted more! WD 40 worked well.

[RedFXR2]

Well yesterday I saw 6 rings and I could have twisted more! WD 40 worked well.

Wow, six rings!  I'll be interested in hearing about the difference in ride quality.  Approaching rigid frame territory?

[Deerhead]

Red
With both saddlebags loaded the ride is nice and firm at 6 rings. I am going to retake the ERC again today just to see how it handles with full bags. I will leave it at 6 rings for the trip to Maggie Valley because I haven't mounted my T-bag with its extra weight yet. I have mounted my tall sissy bar and backrest. Actually for this trip I really won't use much of the T-bags space, I was surprised at how much gear the saddlebags hold. I had a Dyna convertible and those bags were cavernous. I will keep the saddlebags full for low weight balance. Getting excited about Maggie Valley!!!!
When I get back from MV, I also will take off the Harley Highway lights and replace them with the PIAA 1100x's like I have on my K1200RS. The PIAA's are SIGNIFICANTLY brighter. Also, I am looking around for the BRAKE LED light like I have on my BMW, it is great, extremely bright, flashes 5-7 times before being solid. I emailed the company to see if they make one for Harley's, couldn't find any info on the web. I like this light so much I will change the Harley stop light to whatever it takes to have this stop light.
Ride Safe!

[FXRon2]

From the Source,

   It just so happens that I had to recently look this stuff up ( I purchased a set of full chrome, stock,Fox FXR4 shocks for my FXR2....proving once again that you can never have too much chrome).
   So, when I removed the originals, and installed the replacements I consulted the owners guide and the shop manual. Both factory publications clearly warn not to adjust preload beyond the 5th ring.
   The originals came set at the third ring and I had never adjusted them. It was tough to get them moving before I removed them. I tried all different settings with the new ones just to see what range they had. I've settled on the 4th ring (I'm 6'2" 225lbs) and I occasionally ride with my lady (5'2" 116 lbs).
   They are the best "original equip." shocks I have ever felt on a Harley.
I wonder if I can use the origanal fxr2 shocks on my RoadKing? Any thoughts?...

[fxr3joe]

I brought my Service Manual in to work and can confirm that there are only 5 adjustment rings.
Ron is correct on the caution to not exceed the 5th ring adjustment as well.  
I am the original owner and when I picked my FXR3 up at the dealer it was set to "0". I live about 25 miles away so after a teeth shattering kidney bustin ride I finally realized that the shocks were adjustable and without a tool which is nice by the way.  I go about 220lbs and find that the 5th ring works bets for me.

Good luck!

[Deerhead]

From the above replies I guess I'll go back to 5 rings when loaded, 3 or 4 otherwise. However, I just rode 1700 miles with and without the loaded saddlebags and it was firm but I kinda like it that way. Especially around the twisties.