I recently replaced my rear shocks with a set of 54662-02A's, which I believe came off a Street Glide. The ebay seller said he changed the oil in them prior to putting them up for sale. I took a quick run around the neighborhood to make sure all was well. I was impressed from the start.

However this weekend, the wife and I took a quick road trip to the Tennessee River to stay with my in-laws. About 120 miles one way. I stopped for gas before we got out of town. The first thing my wife said when we stopped was that she could tell how much better the bike felt to her. I agree. Seemed to just soak up bumps in the highway.

So if anyone is on the fence about going with the touring shocks, do it. I put 10 PSI in the shocks with a bike pump. I might lower it when riding solo. But seemed perfect for the two of us.

 

Many Sportster riders get those oil/air shocks in pursuit of a better ride...had one on my sporty for a little while and loved them. Even Kevin of DK tours with them.

Suggest you get this type of air pump (or similar) for those shocks since regular bike pumps normally lose air pressure when taking off the valve unless you have a no-pressure release type. This type of pump is needed when you want to set lower psi on the shocks....I ran 2 psi solo. Enjoy your ride!

 

I've no doubt the proper pump is a jolly fine thing, but when I bought my 1990 Glide new they were in short supply and I gave up looking for one. A bike pump served me fine for around 20 years, along with a low-range tyre pump (I used to ride off road). Pump up, check pressure and change as required - simples!

 

true - I guess one can over-pressurize and release. For me, I like to use precision equipment that makes life easier, but I do use the former method on my tires...haha.

 

I will keep the air pump in mind. I threw my mini pump that I strap to the frame of my mountain bike in my tool bag. Seemed to work fine. Thanks for the tip though.

 

RK air shocks made my 1200C the softest ride I've had other than a big twin Harley, and better than some of those I've ridden. I'm very happy with them. I also got one of those little pumps that release without losing air, makes it easy to get it right on, especially since I didn't bother with an equalizing tube between the shocks.

I did change the oil in mine because they came with a crossover tube that was leaking. Glad I did, it was really cruddy looking. I also wanted to make sure it had 10 weight oil, and only used 9 ounces; I've read that can work better on a sportster, and whether it's better or not, it's working well. I've read a few different, complicated ways to get the oil out (it won't just drain upside down), but I just had my mechanic in training put them on upside down, one shock on the bike at a time so it was easy to pump it up and down pushing on the seat. Shot it out in a few seconds. Then just put them on right side up when finished and put the new oil in - that I haven't found a quick way for, it's tedious and messy if you aren't careful.