Air Shock Newb - needs help
Air Shock Newb - needs help
I just installed a set of air shocks off an 05 ultra classic on my superglide - part number something-97c.
I bought them with the lines & t-fitting still attached. No oil residue or any sign of leaking on them or in the box. when i turn them up & down i can feel oil in them.
Here's my problem...
I am nearly 300 pounds. At 0 pounds of air where i started, 15 pounds, & 20 pounds the ride is the same - almost NO give - maybe 1/4 inch or so. It feels like a straight metal strut.
I pulled the bike around the front of my house, at 0 pounds, went over a sewer cover in my alley at maybe 10 mph, and my *** literally came off the seat in the air. just a little, but i never had this happen with stock shocks.
What am I doing wrong?
And before you ask, i took the stock set off because on the stiffest setting it sunk so far down that i would bottom out fairly often & could not have a passenger.
I bought them with the lines & t-fitting still attached. No oil residue or any sign of leaking on them or in the box. when i turn them up & down i can feel oil in them.
Here's my problem...
I am nearly 300 pounds. At 0 pounds of air where i started, 15 pounds, & 20 pounds the ride is the same - almost NO give - maybe 1/4 inch or so. It feels like a straight metal strut.
I pulled the bike around the front of my house, at 0 pounds, went over a sewer cover in my alley at maybe 10 mph, and my *** literally came off the seat in the air. just a little, but i never had this happen with stock shocks.
What am I doing wrong?
And before you ask, i took the stock set off because on the stiffest setting it sunk so far down that i would bottom out fairly often & could not have a passenger.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,642
Likes: 48
From: Ogden, UT
Sounds like the shocks are not working as they should, my experience with air shocks is limited to cars, but that seems wrong.
Personally I would have gone with a set of Heavy Duty progressives instead of air shocks, but then you have about 100#'s on me. But riding 2-up and loaded for a long road trip I have never had a bad ride with Heavy Duty shocks.
Personally I would have gone with a set of Heavy Duty progressives instead of air shocks, but then you have about 100#'s on me. But riding 2-up and loaded for a long road trip I have never had a bad ride with Heavy Duty shocks.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 5,105
Likes: 16
From: Blaine, WA
Sounds like a hydraulic lock, as I read your post I thought you were going to say they are bottoming out. I have the newer -09 versions and they ride quite nice, I'm about 190 with gear on and with no air they are a little soft, 10 lbs is pretty good, 12 lbs is about right but even with 20lbs solo (which I set it to for 2 up) it rides ok and no problems 2 up - still a nice ride .What are you using to put air in?
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 334
Likes: 3
From: Romeo, MI
Do they give when you're off the bike? It should lift considerably when you get off the seat and you should be able to push it down easily. Should be marshmallow soft. If not, the internal springs may be collapsed or broken, or someone filled them with too much oil.
i didn't measure them eye to eye yet, but my saddle is a little higher now when i sit. but when i sit & when i get off, there is almost no give in the shocks.
hog i went with these, because i can't afford progressives or any new/aftermarket shocks. I've got $40 in these.
how will i know if too much oil is in it?
hog i went with these, because i can't afford progressives or any new/aftermarket shocks. I've got $40 in these.
how will i know if too much oil is in it?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,642
Likes: 48
From: Ogden, UT
i didn't measure them eye to eye yet, but my saddle is a little higher now when i sit. but when i sit & when i get off, there is almost no give in the shocks.
hog i went with these, because i can't afford progressives or any new/aftermarket shocks. I've got $40 in these.
how will i know if too much oil is in it?
hog i went with these, because i can't afford progressives or any new/aftermarket shocks. I've got $40 in these.
how will i know if too much oil is in it?
You might start searching ebay just in case.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 5,105
Likes: 16
From: Blaine, WA
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I found the problem!
One shock is locked up. took it off & the bike dropped considerably, put it back on & took the other one off & the bike didnt move - EVEN with me on it!
So, does anyone have one whatever-97c shock they would sell me for cheap???
One shock is locked up. took it off & the bike dropped considerably, put it back on & took the other one off & the bike didnt move - EVEN with me on it!
So, does anyone have one whatever-97c shock they would sell me for cheap???
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 5,105
Likes: 16
From: Blaine, WA
Just a suggestion: since you have to replace one look for a set of the -09 versions, 54565-09 if you are using standard length............they can run higher pressures than the old ones. It's not that difficult to find a nearly new set of those for $50-80. Mine only cost $52 and were near new.