More questions about the bagger air shocks on a Dyna
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 275
Likes: 1
From:
RE: More questions about the bagger air shocks on a Dyna
Your rear shocks are 12.5" long. Progressive offers replacement shocks for your bike up to 13.5" long which should increase ground clearance and seat height by at least an inch. Also, their springs are progressive rate vs constant rate for the stock springs. This should also help to minimize bottoming out.
Another option to consider is extended reach forward controls. They'll push your feet forward another 2-3" depending on the make. A buddy of mine has Harley 3" extended reach forward controls on his Night Train and is very happy with them . Harley doesn't offer these for Dynas. But a quick search through J&P cycles shows several available for '05 and older Dynas.
Another option to consider is extended reach forward controls. They'll push your feet forward another 2-3" depending on the make. A buddy of mine has Harley 3" extended reach forward controls on his Night Train and is very happy with them . Harley doesn't offer these for Dynas. But a quick search through J&P cycles shows several available for '05 and older Dynas.
ORIGINAL: Ole Geezer
How do the shocks increase ground clearance?
I have an 05 Wide Glide and every now and then it bottoms out on bumpy roads. And, that is with only me on it. Then again, I ain't no little guy
I need to do something.
I am thinking of the new 2-up seat like the one on the 07 Soft Tail Custom. Nice and comfy but more importantly it would be at least 2 inches higher. My knees are getting sore, everytime I have to stop they drag on the road, lol. Harleys aren't made for tall people
I don't normally care for the mostly black look but I must say your bike is sweet.
Ole Geezer
How do the shocks increase ground clearance?
I have an 05 Wide Glide and every now and then it bottoms out on bumpy roads. And, that is with only me on it. Then again, I ain't no little guy
I need to do something.
I am thinking of the new 2-up seat like the one on the 07 Soft Tail Custom. Nice and comfy but more importantly it would be at least 2 inches higher. My knees are getting sore, everytime I have to stop they drag on the road, lol. Harleys aren't made for tall people
I don't normally care for the mostly black look but I must say your bike is sweet.
Ole Geezer
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 160
Likes: 0
From:
RE: More questions about the bagger air shocks on a Dyna
Joe,
Thanks for the info. I think we are talking apples to oranges with regards to ground clearance. When I think of ground clearance I think of the height from the ground to the bottom of the bike - whatever sticks out closest to the ground. I think what you are saying is the shock is 1" longer and raises the rear fender up an inch off the wheel. Sounds logical, but thats not ground clearance.
With regards to the forward controls. I kind of like them where they are. My upper legs are parallel to the ground when my feet are on the pegs. I had to cut 3/4" off the rear brake extension arm to get the rear back pedal low enough to where I didn't have to take my foot off the peg to apply the rear brake. Other then that, it is quite comfortable. My feet rest on the stock forward controls about the same as, lets say a 5' 8" person would on mid controls. I don't need a heal rest because my feet basically sit flat (parallel to the ground) on the pegs, when riding. Hope that all made sense, lol. I don't get any fatigue when riding because of my feet position.
I will look into the "Shock" info. Thanks for that
Ole Geezer
Thanks for the info. I think we are talking apples to oranges with regards to ground clearance. When I think of ground clearance I think of the height from the ground to the bottom of the bike - whatever sticks out closest to the ground. I think what you are saying is the shock is 1" longer and raises the rear fender up an inch off the wheel. Sounds logical, but thats not ground clearance.
With regards to the forward controls. I kind of like them where they are. My upper legs are parallel to the ground when my feet are on the pegs. I had to cut 3/4" off the rear brake extension arm to get the rear back pedal low enough to where I didn't have to take my foot off the peg to apply the rear brake. Other then that, it is quite comfortable. My feet rest on the stock forward controls about the same as, lets say a 5' 8" person would on mid controls. I don't need a heal rest because my feet basically sit flat (parallel to the ground) on the pegs, when riding. Hope that all made sense, lol. I don't get any fatigue when riding because of my feet position.
I will look into the "Shock" info. Thanks for that
Ole Geezer
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 682
Likes: 1
From: Wichita, KS
RE: More questions about the bagger air shocks on a Dyna
Actually, I think that is ground clearance. The swingarm is the pivot point, so if youlenghten the rear suspension one inch, you should raise the frame height as well. It won't quite be an inch, unless you were to add longer front suspenders too. Yes?
Anyway, this topic has got me talked into putting air-ride on my lowrider. The rideis a little harsh for wifey. This looks like it should smooth things out nicely. Plus I HATE the way the preload is adjusted! POS, IMO. Thanks to special ed and all that have contributed!
Mike
Anyway, this topic has got me talked into putting air-ride on my lowrider. The rideis a little harsh for wifey. This looks like it should smooth things out nicely. Plus I HATE the way the preload is adjusted! POS, IMO. Thanks to special ed and all that have contributed!
Mike
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 754
Likes: 1
From:
RE: More questions about the bagger air shocks on a Dyna
I did this mod with the stock 13.5" bagger shocks. I really didn't notice much improvement. I was running 15lbs of air in them. I kept them on for one 1500 mile trip.The harley air pump is really useful when filling them. They only need a TINY amount of air. I also just stuck the valve under the seat.
I had clearance problems on mine with the belt guard. The rubber boots also rubbed my bags when I had them mounted. They eventually broke the boots completely. I'm now back to stock shocks and will probably go with 412 progressives.
It is an easy and cheap mod tho if you like it.
I had clearance problems on mine with the belt guard. The rubber boots also rubbed my bags when I had them mounted. They eventually broke the boots completely. I'm now back to stock shocks and will probably go with 412 progressives.
It is an easy and cheap mod tho if you like it.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 275
Likes: 1
From:
RE: More questions about the bagger air shocks on a Dyna
Progressive's longer rear shocks (13.5") will raise the entire back of the frame - whether it's the bottom (kickstand) or the top (fender). If more ground clearance is what you're after, these seem like your best option. And maybe a matching set of springs for the front fork tubes (if available).
But before you throw money at the problem - did you try adjusting the rear shocks? I ask only because I didn't see it in your original post. And also because my Street Bob was set at the lowest setting when I bought it. It was way too easy to bottom out! The pre-load on the rear springs can be set higher which will help to minimize bottoming out. Dyna's come with 5 way adjustable shocks but you need a special tool to adjust them - the tool is about $10 from the dealer. It's about 8" long with a small curve and hook at the end to grab one of the holes at the bottom of your shocks. I'd start by setting both rear shocks in the middle (#3) position. Test ride and maybe bump them up or down a notch as needed.
But before you throw money at the problem - did you try adjusting the rear shocks? I ask only because I didn't see it in your original post. And also because my Street Bob was set at the lowest setting when I bought it. It was way too easy to bottom out! The pre-load on the rear springs can be set higher which will help to minimize bottoming out. Dyna's come with 5 way adjustable shocks but you need a special tool to adjust them - the tool is about $10 from the dealer. It's about 8" long with a small curve and hook at the end to grab one of the holes at the bottom of your shocks. I'd start by setting both rear shocks in the middle (#3) position. Test ride and maybe bump them up or down a notch as needed.
ORIGINAL: Ole Geezer
Joe,
Thanks for the info. I think we are talking apples to oranges with regards to ground clearance. When I think of ground clearance I think of the height from the ground to the bottom of the bike - whatever sticks out closest to the ground. I think what you are saying is the shock is 1" longer and raises the rear fender up an inch off the wheel. Sounds logical, but thats not ground clearance.
Joe,
Thanks for the info. I think we are talking apples to oranges with regards to ground clearance. When I think of ground clearance I think of the height from the ground to the bottom of the bike - whatever sticks out closest to the ground. I think what you are saying is the shock is 1" longer and raises the rear fender up an inch off the wheel. Sounds logical, but thats not ground clearance.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,124
Likes: 255
From: From Long Island, now in So. Cal
RE: More questions about the bagger air shocks on a Dyna
ORIGINAL: Mascman
One thing that I had to do, but never read about, was to remove the belt cover.
On my first ride, the shock boot was pushed down from rubbing on the cover.
I could probably space it out a little, but for now it's just removed.
Anyone else have clearance issues with the cover?
One thing that I had to do, but never read about, was to remove the belt cover.
On my first ride, the shock boot was pushed down from rubbing on the cover.
I could probably space it out a little, but for now it's just removed.
Anyone else have clearance issues with the cover?
Thread Starter
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,572
Likes: 5
From: Templeton California
RE: More questions about the bagger air shocks on a Dyna
As you can see from my signature pic I no longer have these on the bike.When I bobbed my rear fender the extra length made it look like a dirt bike.I do miss the plush ride and the extra cornering clearance.Anyway I paid $80 for these http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u...rstpics006.jpg on Ebay but I'm willing to let them go for considerably less if somebody else would like to give them a try.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,124
Likes: 255
From: From Long Island, now in So. Cal
RE: More questions about the bagger air shocks on a Dyna
Here's some more information on the air shocks below. The chrome shocks that I ordered above in my previous post had a couple of problems.
One problem is mentioned above. I used individual Schrader valves, which brought my attention to another problem, one of the shocks will not take any air, almost seems like the port in the head of the shock was not drilled all the way through.
So if your using the Harley set up with the single Schrader valve splitting off to both shocks, chances are you wouldn't notice the decreased air capacity of one shock not taken any air.
Recommended air pressures
0-10 lbs for a 150-lb to 200-lb rider.
5-15 lbs for a 200-lb to 250-lb rider.
20-25 lbs for a rider with passenger.
FL air preload rear suspension range is 0-35 lbs of pressure.
FLHRS and FLXH low-profile shocks are 0-50 lbs max.
Harley Davidson, air valve, and hose set up
(One Schrader valve that splits off to both shocks)
54536-02A air shock valve / hose
54320-97 push-in hose fittings (order two, one for each shock)
Individual Schrader Valves
Milton Industries (MILS684) Tank Air Valve
http://www.tooltopia.com/milton-s684.aspx
NAPA part # NTH 90294 (90-294)
http://napaonline.com/Search/Detail....294_0006476757
NAPA part # NTH 90290 (90-290)
http://napaonline.com/Search/Detail....290_0215254349
One problem is mentioned above. I used individual Schrader valves, which brought my attention to another problem, one of the shocks will not take any air, almost seems like the port in the head of the shock was not drilled all the way through.
So if your using the Harley set up with the single Schrader valve splitting off to both shocks, chances are you wouldn't notice the decreased air capacity of one shock not taken any air.
Recommended air pressures
0-10 lbs for a 150-lb to 200-lb rider.
5-15 lbs for a 200-lb to 250-lb rider.
20-25 lbs for a rider with passenger.
FL air preload rear suspension range is 0-35 lbs of pressure.
FLHRS and FLXH low-profile shocks are 0-50 lbs max.
Harley Davidson, air valve, and hose set up
(One Schrader valve that splits off to both shocks)
54536-02A air shock valve / hose
54320-97 push-in hose fittings (order two, one for each shock)
Individual Schrader Valves
Milton Industries (MILS684) Tank Air Valve
http://www.tooltopia.com/milton-s684.aspx
NAPA part # NTH 90294 (90-294)
http://napaonline.com/Search/Detail....294_0006476757
NAPA part # NTH 90290 (90-290)
http://napaonline.com/Search/Detail....290_0215254349
Last edited by WS6 Formula; Dec 31, 2009 at 01:45 PM.
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1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
RE: More questions about the bagger air shocks on a Dyna
Great looking bike Ed! [sm=smiley32.gif]
I have one question for you though, what air cleaner cover are you using on your exposed filter there? I've been trying to find a nice clean cover like that for my Bob.
I have one question for you though, what air cleaner cover are you using on your exposed filter there? I've been trying to find a nice clean cover like that for my Bob.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 673
Likes: 30
From: Warrington England
RE: More questions about the bagger air shocks on a Dyna
Please stop posting pics.of your bike it's making me Green.
ORIGINAL: WS6 Formula
Here's some more information on the air shocks below. The chrome shocks that I ordered above in my previous post had a couple of problems. One problem is mentioned above.[/align][/align]Iused individual Schrader valves, which brought my attention to another problem, one of the shocks will not take any air, almost seems like the port in the head of the shock was not drilled all the way through. So if your using the Harley set up with the single Schrader valve splitting off to both shocks, chances are you wouldn't notice the decreased air capacity of one shock not taken any air.[/align][/align][/align]Recommended air pressures[/align]0-10 lbs for a 150-lb to 200-lb rider.[/align]5-15 lbs for a 200-lb to 250-lb rider.[/align]20-25 lbs for a rider with passenger.[/align]FL air preload rear suspension range is 0-35 lbs of pressure. [/align]FLHRS and FLXH low-profile shocks are 0-50 lbs max.[/align][/align]
Harley Davidson, air valve, and hose set up [/align][/align](One Schrader valve that splits off to both shocks) [/align]54536-02A air shock valve / hose [/align]54320-97 push-in hose fittings (order two, one for each shock)[/align][/align][/align]Individual Schrader Valves[/align][/align]
Milton Industries (MILS684) Tank Air Valve[/align]http://www.tooltopia.com/index.asp?P...p;ProdID=29901[/align]
[/align]
NAPA part # NTH90294 (90-294)[/align]http://napaonline.com/MasterPages/NO...ion=Tank+Valve[/align]
[/align][/align][/align][/align][/align]
Here's some more information on the air shocks below. The chrome shocks that I ordered above in my previous post had a couple of problems. One problem is mentioned above.[/align][/align]Iused individual Schrader valves, which brought my attention to another problem, one of the shocks will not take any air, almost seems like the port in the head of the shock was not drilled all the way through. So if your using the Harley set up with the single Schrader valve splitting off to both shocks, chances are you wouldn't notice the decreased air capacity of one shock not taken any air.[/align][/align][/align]Recommended air pressures[/align]0-10 lbs for a 150-lb to 200-lb rider.[/align]5-15 lbs for a 200-lb to 250-lb rider.[/align]20-25 lbs for a rider with passenger.[/align]FL air preload rear suspension range is 0-35 lbs of pressure. [/align]FLHRS and FLXH low-profile shocks are 0-50 lbs max.[/align][/align]
Harley Davidson, air valve, and hose set up [/align][/align](One Schrader valve that splits off to both shocks) [/align]54536-02A air shock valve / hose [/align]54320-97 push-in hose fittings (order two, one for each shock)[/align][/align][/align]Individual Schrader Valves[/align][/align]
Milton Industries (MILS684) Tank Air Valve[/align]http://www.tooltopia.com/index.asp?P...p;ProdID=29901[/align]
[/align]
NAPA part # NTH90294 (90-294)[/align]http://napaonline.com/MasterPages/NO...ion=Tank+Valve[/align]
[/align][/align][/align][/align][/align]