Rough Ride
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Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Omaha,NE
Rough Ride
My 89 Electra Glide's ride is really rough. This bike is new to me and only has 12,000 miles on it. It obviously sat around a lot. I replaced the front seals because they were leaking. I assume the rear shocks are not doing their part but how do you check them? They do hold air. Any recommendations? Upgrade/replace?
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Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Wisconsin
First off , do yourself a favor and buy the Harley Service Manual for your year & Model.The Harley manual is much better than the Haynes or Clymer and worth the extra money.It seems that with the low miles on that year of bike you will need to be doing maint. periodically.Also did you get the hand pump for the air suspension? Mine has a gauge on it and makes adjusting & checking the air in my suspension easy!
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From: New Hartford CT
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Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Omaha,NE
Rough Ride
Thanks for the responses. I have the factory manuel, and I have the air pump. It just seems to be rougher than it should be. If I hit a bump on the road it sometimes feel as if I will come off the seat. I don't have anything to compare the ride to except my BMW 1200 RT which is quite smooth. Is it possible that even though this bike doesn't have a lot of miles that the shocks are worn out?
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That's weird. I posted a reply and I saw it in here, but now it's gone?
OK, one more time. Those stock air shocks are sorry at best, even when new. I wouldn't waste a dime on them. If you can swing it, but a set of the plain and simple Progressive 440's rear shocks. Not air shocks, just their standard heavy duty shocks. The difference is like night and day. No more hard frame wracking bumps when you hit a pothole...no more passenger complaints of jars. Total comfort.
And when you want to make another huge improvement...install a nice simple Progressive Stabilizer. It's the cheapest priced stabilizer out there and it install easy. Better yet, it WORKS. Not one bit of wallow when you're riding hard into a curve. Tracks perfect. Steers sweet.
OK, one more time. Those stock air shocks are sorry at best, even when new. I wouldn't waste a dime on them. If you can swing it, but a set of the plain and simple Progressive 440's rear shocks. Not air shocks, just their standard heavy duty shocks. The difference is like night and day. No more hard frame wracking bumps when you hit a pothole...no more passenger complaints of jars. Total comfort.
And when you want to make another huge improvement...install a nice simple Progressive Stabilizer. It's the cheapest priced stabilizer out there and it install easy. Better yet, it WORKS. Not one bit of wallow when you're riding hard into a curve. Tracks perfect. Steers sweet.
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bedford UK
Welcome to the world of evo dressers! We can help with any problems, even tell you about ones you don't know you have. Just open your wallet and everything will be OK.
I agree with 1956boy about the stock shocks. I have gone even further with my 1990 bike (owned from new) and have just fitted a 2007 swingarm with later wheel and brake, to get better control of the rear wheel and topped that lot off with Ohlins shocks from HDF sponsor Motorcycle Metal.
I already have a True-Track Trackula kit (original and best) which deals with keeping everything travelling where it is pointed. there are many solutions available out there!
I agree with 1956boy about the stock shocks. I have gone even further with my 1990 bike (owned from new) and have just fitted a 2007 swingarm with later wheel and brake, to get better control of the rear wheel and topped that lot off with Ohlins shocks from HDF sponsor Motorcycle Metal.
I already have a True-Track Trackula kit (original and best) which deals with keeping everything travelling where it is pointed. there are many solutions available out there!
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From: New Hartford CT
Shocks will be next, but I'm not sure yet which ones. Have to do some research....
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2007
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Thanks for the responses. I have the factory manuel, and I have the air pump. It just seems to be rougher than it should be. If I hit a bump on the road it sometimes feel as if I will come off the seat. I don't have anything to compare the ride to except my BMW 1200 RT which is quite smooth. Is it possible that even though this bike doesn't have a lot of miles that the shocks are worn out?
How much air are you running in them? I would try only about 8-10 psi. All the above postings about installing true tracks and such arent going to give you a smoother ride. Also, if all you want is a soft ride, I beg to differ with the above postings, but a take off set of factory shocks from a new or nearly new bike would be a step up from what you have. I also have a 1990 Ultra and I'm running the shorter street glide shocks I got off Ebay for $60 or so. Along with about 8 psi of pressure in the front gives me a nice soft ride, I'm not out to try to do 70mph in the twisties.
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Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Omaha,NE
Rough Ride
I don't want to spend a lot of money and had heard that buying shocks off a newer HD would work. Do all the newer Touring bikes shocks fit an 89 or are there only certain years that work.
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From: Bedford UK
From what I have read they all fit. If you check Progressive's website you will see that the same model of their shocks fit many years of bikes.