Question about suspension
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 786
Likes: 9
From: Oceanside, California
Question about suspension
To me it seems my bikes suspension is hard since I feel every little bump
that I hit. I know I can add air to the rear shocks but to what pressure do
most of you use? I'm 185lbs
What can I do for the front ones? Change the oil since I imagine the oil may
be bad since it is a 17 year old bike? What type of oil is best to use on it?
What is the best method of doing this?
that I hit. I know I can add air to the rear shocks but to what pressure do
most of you use? I'm 185lbs
What can I do for the front ones? Change the oil since I imagine the oil may
be bad since it is a 17 year old bike? What type of oil is best to use on it?
What is the best method of doing this?
Supporter
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 1,170
Likes: 32
From: Ft.Worth, Texas
You should find the recommended air pressures for your suspension in your owners manual. The lower the air pressure, the softer the ride. For example, on my bike, I run zero air pressure in the rear and 10 lbs in the front. Set your pressures per your manual and go from there. When I got my back, someone had 20 lbs in the front and rear and it rode like a wagon.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,830
Likes: 302
From: Lorain Ohio
if you have the touring air shocks in the rear you can change the oil in them too. I hear 7 weight is good for a smooth ride. I haven't tried changing it yet, it looks like it helps to have a press to compress the shock upside down with the air valve removed to get the old oil out.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...y-08-flhx.html
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...y-08-flhx.html
Road Master
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 827
Likes: 59
From: Canada
if you have the touring air shocks in the rear you can change the oil in them too. I hear 7 weight is good for a smooth ride. I haven't tried changing it yet, it looks like it helps to have a press to compress the shock upside down with the air valve removed to get the old oil out.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...y-08-flhx.html
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...y-08-flhx.html
Thanks for the link, didn't know I could change the shocks oil.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
The topic of suspension expends a lot of hot air around HDF! The air systems, front and rear, get a lot of criticism, partly because they are cheap'n cheerful, not very forgiving, also they don't cope very well when riding 2-up or heavily laden. A few of us have tackled the challenge of improving ride quality, which also improves ride safety, so if you want more info we can help!
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 786
Likes: 9
From: Oceanside, California
The topic of suspension expends a lot of hot air around HDF! The air systems, front and rear, get a lot of criticism, partly because they are cheap'n cheerful, not very forgiving, also they don't cope very well when riding 2-up or heavily laden. A few of us have tackled the challenge of improving ride quality, which also improves ride safety, so if you want more info we can help!
next year, I'll add air for now unless I find it leaks or is damaged, PO may of
have put too much air in them.
I know my wife will not be riding with me anytime with her illness since it will not improve.
Thanks
Michael
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
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From: Farmington ,MS
The rear shocks are very likely toast, and replacement with a nice set of non-air shocks would improve the ride dramatically...you can search for days on which brand is best...but it will come down to how much you want to spend.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,830
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From: Lorain Ohio
if I can find a set of chrome stock air shock take offs I'd like trying to put the lighter fork oil in them an throw them on my V rod. I ride it solo 99.5% of the time an the muscle shocks I picked up are stiff as he!!. It'd be nice to throw some $800+ shocks on but I can't see myself droppin that much coin for shocks. If you ride a lot it's probably worth it but I don't ride a ton an it's normally short trips with frequent stops.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 786
Likes: 9
From: Oceanside, California
air in then until early next year. But once I do start looking what if anything
should I look out for? What would fit on my bike?
Last edited by WindowMan; Nov 26, 2015 at 10:40 PM.