Air shocks option
Thread Starter
|
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,114
Likes: 29
From: Vancouver B.C. Canada
Air shocks option
I have been looking at a few threads about air shocks, I want it! Do you guys buy aftermarket or HD? This SB will be my solo ride, lower the better. Is the HD one 12.5inch?
Do you think this one will fit? click here By the way, I want a black pair. Thanks! Alex
Do you think this one will fit? click here By the way, I want a black pair. Thanks! Alex
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,553
Likes: 17
I have a set on my bike now from a 2009 Ultra (that's the 13" version). I like them for comfort but when riding 2-up and packed up for a trip I tend to bottom out. So I'm putting on a new set of shocks Thursday and ditching these. Thought about keeping them because I do like the way they float like a cadillac when riding alone but realistically I won't be swapping back and forth between shocks.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 5,105
Likes: 16
From: Blaine, WA
I'd stay away from aftermarket - I got a set of chrome ones because they looked nice and were way cheaper than the HD ones (from dealer) but took them off 2 weeks later because they were crap..........bottomed out all over the place. Replaced them with a take off set of standard height (13") HD air shocks - 54565-09 If you get some look for the -09 version, they are supposed to be able to handle higher pressures (up to 60lbs I think) but I can't verify this. I'm happy with mine though, much better ride than the stock shocks, have done nothing bad in the handling dept, can be adjusted for load and at least for the longer one...........dirt cheap at only $52 even though they are virtually new. The will raise the rear of your bob though so if you want lower look for the lowering shocks which I think are 11" - they will cost more, probably $150ish on ebay - get as close to new as you can and make sure they were capped on removal or the oil level will be an unknown - though they can be refilled, there's a few threads on that.
Thread Starter
|
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,114
Likes: 29
From: Vancouver B.C. Canada
Thanks! I think the HD lower shocks will never get that low.
Do you think 13 looks good when you sit on it? I don't have to lower my bike but this is an option.
Do you think 13 looks good when you sit on it? I don't have to lower my bike but this is an option.
Thread Starter
|
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,114
Likes: 29
From: Vancouver B.C. Canada
I like yours, you have the tubing kits installed, am I right? Where do you place the valve? I have seen shock air valves pointing up, can you flip the shock 180 and make the valves upside down, it looks much better in my opinion.
I'd stay away from aftermarket - I got a set of chrome ones because they looked nice and were way cheaper than the HD ones (from dealer) but took them off 2 weeks later because they were crap..........bottomed out all over the place. Replaced them with a take off set of standard height (13") HD air shocks - 54565-09 If you get some look for the -09 version, they are supposed to be able to handle higher pressures (up to 60lbs I think) but I can't verify this. I'm happy with mine though, much better ride than the stock shocks, have done nothing bad in the handling dept, can be adjusted for load and at least for the longer one...........dirt cheap at only $52 even though they are virtually new. The will raise the rear of your bob though so if you want lower look for the lowering shocks which I think are 11" - they will cost more, probably $150ish on ebay - get as close to new as you can and make sure they were capped on removal or the oil level will be an unknown - though they can be refilled, there's a few threads on that.
Trending Topics
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,553
Likes: 17
I don't know what it is really, but I think the geometry of the Dyna rear end shock mounts make these touring shocks less effective than when they're mounted on a touring bike. What I'm saying is the Dyna rear end can compress the shocks easier (at least it seems that way to me). So going with a shorter version just isn't a good idea in my opinion.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 5,105
Likes: 16
From: Blaine, WA
I have a set on my bike now from a 2009 Ultra (that's the 13" version). I like them for comfort but when riding 2-up and packed up for a trip I tend to bottom out. So I'm putting on a new set of shocks Thursday and ditching these. Thought about keeping them because I do like the way they float like a cadillac when riding alone but realistically I won't be swapping back and forth between shocks.
Thread Starter
|
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,114
Likes: 29
From: Vancouver B.C. Canada
Wyde Glyde Bry, thanks so much! One more question, what year touring model will fit? I am trying to find used one on craigslist, new is around $280 from HD, not too bad tho.