hey guys

i bought some sg air shocks from a member here and they should arrive next week.

any tips, tricks, install tricks i should know? as far as i know it's a simple bolt on install right?

 

Throw some Schrader valves on them. If you do them don't do it on a bench. Prop them up and ensure all the air is out then disconnect lines. Unscrew and install Schroeder valves. Napa part number 90-290. Pay attention to what year SG they came off and their air pressures. I think 2012 uses less max air or the other way around. Since the angle of them on our bikes have a little more leverage I've read switching the oil to 10wt is a nicer ride and less air is needed. I have the HD pump with a gauge built on it and a deflate button, and it's small. Do not use an air compressor to fill them or turn it way down. Some use a bicycle pump if they don't spend the money on the HD one.

Install is easy bolt on, but need a jack.

I re-painted my shocks and air valves with rust oleum appliance epoxy.

 

Here some info I saved for my 2012 12" SG shocks

Street glide shocks 54636-09

Air valves Napa
Short NTH 90294 (90-294)
Long NTH 90290 (90-290)

from the 12 sg manual:

up to 150 lbs 0
150 - 200lbs 0 - 10
200 - 250lbs 10 - 20
250 - 300lbs 20 - 30
300 max load 30 - 50

 

awesome.. thanks man.

they're coming with Schrader's already installed. knowing the part number should let me know the year correct?

also where'd you pick up the 10 wt oil?

 

I'm an amsoil dealer so I use shock therapy medium. I haven't done it yet. I do it this winter maybe. I have the shock therapy in the forks and I like it. You should be able to cross reference the year with the part number. If they are the older ones search the forum and find the specs, that's what I did and keep them in my phone because I know I'll forget.

 

double post

 

That pretty much sums up all you need to know.

One more thing is to check that the belt guard does not hit the boot.

Mine actually pushed the boot down on mine. I used a washer for a spacer to move the shock away, but need to put something just a little thicker in there.

 

I don't have a belt guard...lol! I failed to inform on that!!

 

I'm running the 12" SG version on my 07. Here's something to think about ... run the air lines with one valve. That way you are insured to have equal air pressure in both shocks. I used a long spacer and longer bolt on the battery box cover and mounted the valve there. Easy to check and adjust air pressure.

 

Something to think about, if you get a hole rubbed into one of the lines, you loose air in both shocks and may not be able to ride the bike.

I have enough fittings and stuff that I may run a single valve (running separate now) but i will have some quick compression fittings to fix a line if needed. I will also slide some rubber hose over the line to protect from rubbing.

I would suggest carrying one or two quick compression fittings in case of emergency.
Couple straight ones and a razor blade is all you'd need: