Shocks again air vs normal
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,619
Likes: 117
From: ARIZONA
Schrader valves would be a good idea, but the problem is that you MUST get both shocks the same pressure exactly or the ride quality and handling will suffer.
Looks like the stock pressure valve keeps both shocks tied together and thus both shock pressure will always be equal.
Looks like the stock pressure valve keeps both shocks tied together and thus both shock pressure will always be equal.
Last edited by ebeattie; Dec 4, 2012 at 07:59 AM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,706
Likes: 14
From: Near Frankenmuth, MI
When I changed mine I discovered the air line on my older bike was a different size. I considered the new lines and "T" but opted for individual valves and filling points.
I have to loosen my bags to get to each one. Only need to pump them up when loading up for a trip and it's just part of the bike's checkup before hitting the road, like tire pressure (which used to be fun to find the valves before I got my lift).
Good luck and I hope the outcome is right for you too.
I have to loosen my bags to get to each one. Only need to pump them up when loading up for a trip and it's just part of the bike's checkup before hitting the road, like tire pressure (which used to be fun to find the valves before I got my lift).
Good luck and I hope the outcome is right for you too.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,553
Likes: 17
Don't worry about the ride quality or handling. That will suffer anyway.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 323
Likes: 0
From: Mishawaka, IN
I just used the schrader valves on mine..$5 @ Napa. Found a HD-like pump for $20 (you need one that won't lose pressure when releasing....the shocks are very touchy) Found a new set of take-off shocks on Craigslist for $40.( the 13 inch model)
As far as Trips post about ride quality & handling suffering...... I would say that's completely wrong, but everyone has their own opinion. IMO it's the best thing I've done with my bike.
As far as Trips post about ride quality & handling suffering...... I would say that's completely wrong, but everyone has their own opinion. IMO it's the best thing I've done with my bike.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 170
Likes: 1
From: Alhambra, CA
I've read the spring rates are much softer on these touring take-offs than regular dyna shocks. Would this have an adverse affect specifically on handling? Touring seems like it would be positively affected, but for those of you with them installed how is the cornering/handling?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,553
Likes: 17
I've read the spring rates are much softer on these touring take-offs than regular dyna shocks. Would this have an adverse affect specifically on handling? Touring seems like it would be positively affected, but for those of you with them installed how is the cornering/handling?
2-up riding wasn't good at all. I'm no expert but I think it has to do with the rear end geometry difference between Touring and Dyna. The Touring bikes have the rear shocks more vertical and more towards the rear of the bike. Whereas Dyna's have more of a forward lean to the shock and set more forward in front of the passenger. The shock is easier to compress kind of like a hand-held nut cracker where you put the nut closer to the pivot point to gain more leverage. The shocks compress easier for the same reason.
All supposition on my part. Either way, I ditched them after a season.
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 170
Likes: 1
From: Alhambra, CA
I found that high speed cornering (long sweepers coming on to the highway for example), the rear end felt like it was lumbering up and down and washing out. From a comfort perspective, when riding 1-up, it was a plush ride -- I just didn't think it was a good sport handling feel.
2-up riding wasn't good at all. I'm no expert but I think it has to do with the rear end geometry difference between Touring and Dyna. The Touring bikes have the rear shocks more vertical and more towards the rear of the bike. Whereas Dyna's have more of a forward lean to the shock and set more forward in front of the passenger. The shock is easier to compress kind of like a hand-held nut cracker where you put the nut closer to the pivot point to gain more leverage. The shocks compress easier for the same reason.
All supposition on my part. Either way, I ditched them after a season.
2-up riding wasn't good at all. I'm no expert but I think it has to do with the rear end geometry difference between Touring and Dyna. The Touring bikes have the rear shocks more vertical and more towards the rear of the bike. Whereas Dyna's have more of a forward lean to the shock and set more forward in front of the passenger. The shock is easier to compress kind of like a hand-held nut cracker where you put the nut closer to the pivot point to gain more leverage. The shocks compress easier for the same reason.
All supposition on my part. Either way, I ditched them after a season.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 5,105
Likes: 16
From: Blaine, WA
I found that high speed cornering (long sweepers coming on to the highway for example), the rear end felt like it was lumbering up and down and washing out. From a comfort perspective, when riding 1-up, it was a plush ride -- I just didn't think it was a good sport handling feel.
2-up riding wasn't good at all. I'm no expert but I think it has to do with the rear end geometry difference between Touring and Dyna. The Touring bikes have the rear shocks more vertical and more towards the rear of the bike. Whereas Dyna's have more of a forward lean to the shock and set more forward in front of the passenger. The shock is easier to compress kind of like a hand-held nut cracker where you put the nut closer to the pivot point to gain more leverage. The shocks compress easier for the same reason.
All supposition on my part. Either way, I ditched them after a season.
2-up riding wasn't good at all. I'm no expert but I think it has to do with the rear end geometry difference between Touring and Dyna. The Touring bikes have the rear shocks more vertical and more towards the rear of the bike. Whereas Dyna's have more of a forward lean to the shock and set more forward in front of the passenger. The shock is easier to compress kind of like a hand-held nut cracker where you put the nut closer to the pivot point to gain more leverage. The shocks compress easier for the same reason.
All supposition on my part. Either way, I ditched them after a season.
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