I want to find the sweet spot for 2 up riding on a 2012 we just brought home. I have the HD hand pump with gauge which is ok for adding air but since the valve on the trike only lets air in, how do you let air escape so as to check different pressures?

 

If u have the HD hand pump, then use the black button on the side.

I will take a PIX of mine and show u if u can not find the blk button.

BuzzCap7

 

Same way as a tire. Push in on the valve stem.

 

The shocks are low volume. the black button works well. or remove the pump and push the button in with a key or ink pen top.

 

Question is more air - softer or harder? Thanks - I'm not mmechanical

 

Before you let air out of the shocks, make sure you pump some more air in, then let it out using the button on the Harley hand pump.

 

I see you have the lift kit as I do, so you might try 28 to 30 pounds for a good ride 2 up.

 

I have found the best way to get the best PSI in the rear shocks is to find a road with a rough section that I can make multiple passes on.

I pick an arbitrary PSI and make a pass over the rough spot. I then change the PSI 2 lbs and make another pass. I keep doing this, making the 2 lbs psi change (BOTH above and below my starting psi) until I find the "sweet spot".

It is helpful to know that, because of the shock valving, it may actually be "softer" at a higher PSI than a lower one...so I just take the time to run the entire possible range in 2 psi increments.

I weigh 190, Mary weighs 135.

The best ride for me (1-up) is around 21 lbs, with both of us (2-up) it is around 25 lbs.

 

More air = harder ride.

Less air = softer ride.

Remember it this way, the more **** you watch..........

BuzzCap7

 

The problem with releasing air with the valve stem is that you will lose oil also, with the use of the black button on the hand pump you will avoid this.