How does this work . . .

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Oct 9, 2010 | 11:30 AM

Sleeko

Thread Starter

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 2,583

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From: Eastern North Carolina

How does this work . . .

I don't know a lot about the rear air shocks on the touring models so please school me.
I know you can increase and decrease the amount of air with a little hand pump, but my question has more to do with what the effects of doing this are? Is it like the adjustable air suspensions you can get for a softail where it raises and lowers the whole bike? For solo riding, does this adjust how soft or how firm the ride is?
I've taken a few touring bikes out for test rides. One Road King Classic was fairly soft and cushy and one was quite firm - almost jarring in fact. Possibly the second RKC was set up suspention-wise for riding two up. I'm not sure but it sure did feel different from the first one. The Street Glide I rode was equally firm although I realize these come with shorter shocks for that lowered look and this may be a consequence of that.
I may pick up a Road King Classic to add to my stable and was just curious how this all works. Thanks!

Last edited by Sleeko; Oct 11, 2010 at 08:39 PM.

Oct 9, 2010 | 11:38 AM

nvsteve

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2006

Posts: 5,977

Likes: 85

From: Nevada

You've got it right. One of the RKs probably had more air in the suspension and the Street Glide will ride a bit stiffer with the shorter shocks.

Oct 10, 2010 | 04:19 PM

Sleeko

Thread Starter

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 2,583

Likes: 96

From: Eastern North Carolina

Thanks nvsteve. Can anyone tell me if decreasing the air in the shocks lowers the bike at all or does it just soften the ride?

Oct 10, 2010 | 06:32 PM

shortride

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2009

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From: 46th State, USA

I can't tell that it lowers my Ultra Classic with low or no air in the rear shocks.

Oct 10, 2010 | 06:38 PM

nvsteve

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2006

Posts: 5,977

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From: Nevada

If it lowers at all it isn't much. Dropping the pressure will soften the ride some but also increase the chances of bottoming out.

Oct 11, 2010 | 10:31 AM

Mntsnow

Road Master

Joined: Apr 2010

Posts: 989

Likes: 3

From: SLC, UT

Will soften the ride with the increased chance of bottoming out the suspension...will not actually lower the bike..

Oct 11, 2010 | 10:54 AM

rhinotheking

Cruiser

Joined: Jul 2010

Posts: 114

Likes: 0

From: Saskatoon,Sk Canada

When I first got my 2010 RKC I was very disappointed with the ride. I kept bottoming out just going over railroad tracks. Very worrisome. Then I read the manual and checked my pressure. It was 0 psi.
Then I maxed it out (I'm 270 lbs and GF rides with me a lot), what a huge difference.
When you get your touring model, be careful, the air system fills quickly. Don't just use a compressor, use a hand pump!!!