Shotgun time
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 310
Likes: 58
From: UAE
I needed a t-bone to put shock bolts to spec ( wheel side), my torque wrench's Head is too big to fit in between the frame and the bolt.
Further, you might want to check the holes (3)in the bracket for the compressor. These can be very precise and the bolt might put up a fight getting aligned with hole in the engine block. They have done a good job with the amount paint used, though the coating had narrowed the holes of the brackets. Nothing much, just my experience.
I used my J&S jack and the lifting forks are not spaced far enough from each other to mount the suspension and the compressor at the same time. So this had to be done in 2 steps and reposition the jack accordingly each time.
To torque the bolts I needed a lot of room under my frame to get the long handle of torque wrench under. Not sure how this works with a lift. Please let me know how that goes. I am always interested to learn and pick up something new.
While you are there, and the suspension is not yet installed, it's a good time to drain the oil from the gearbox and put new. This drain plug will be blocked from easy access.
My shotgun shocks stick a little bit out under the frame , so whenever I put the bike on the jack I use frame protectors ( 4, front and back- left and right) so the jack does not lift on the case of suspension. This also keeps the bike on level while on the jack.
This is what I can give as info, and they are awesome.
There is amazing write up by jam436 about how to use the shocks on this forum. Check it out.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/air-s...-write-up.html
Further, you might want to check the holes (3)in the bracket for the compressor. These can be very precise and the bolt might put up a fight getting aligned with hole in the engine block. They have done a good job with the amount paint used, though the coating had narrowed the holes of the brackets. Nothing much, just my experience.
I used my J&S jack and the lifting forks are not spaced far enough from each other to mount the suspension and the compressor at the same time. So this had to be done in 2 steps and reposition the jack accordingly each time.
To torque the bolts I needed a lot of room under my frame to get the long handle of torque wrench under. Not sure how this works with a lift. Please let me know how that goes. I am always interested to learn and pick up something new.
While you are there, and the suspension is not yet installed, it's a good time to drain the oil from the gearbox and put new. This drain plug will be blocked from easy access.
My shotgun shocks stick a little bit out under the frame , so whenever I put the bike on the jack I use frame protectors ( 4, front and back- left and right) so the jack does not lift on the case of suspension. This also keeps the bike on level while on the jack.
This is what I can give as info, and they are awesome.
There is amazing write up by jam436 about how to use the shocks on this forum. Check it out.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/air-s...-write-up.html
Supporter
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,912
Likes: 73
From: Pittsburgh, PA
I used my J&S jack and the lifting forks are not spaced far enough from each other to mount the suspension and the compressor at the same time. So this had to be done in 2 steps and reposition the jack accordingly each time.
To torque the bolts I needed a lot of room under my frame to get the long handle of torque wrench under. Not sure how this works with a lift. Please let me know how that goes. I am always interested to learn and pick up something new.
To torque the bolts I needed a lot of room under my frame to get the long handle of torque wrench under. Not sure how this works with a lift. Please let me know how that goes. I am always interested to learn and pick up something new.
Once lowered back down onto the 4x4's I just pulled the jack out.
This not only made for a very stable platform to work from, but it opened up the entire underside for installation.
There is amazing write up by jam436 about how to use the shocks on this forum. Check it out.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/air-s...-write-up.html
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/air-s...-write-up.html
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 301
Likes: 30
From: ETX
My dad has a handy motorcycle air lift but honestly for what I plan on doing o think it’s gonna be a little over kill and a lot of work to bring over to my house. Anyone have any comments or concerns about those craftsman motorcycle lifts?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2,575
Likes: 3,171
From: Lake Geneva WI
I had to pull out the rear shocks on my bike and used a craftsman lift. Worked ok for me. Just don't go crazy pulling on wrenches that'll rock the bike. Pretty sure I used a 4x4 or a retaining wall block under the rear wheel to hold it up as I lowered the jack when I put the shocks back in.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 199
Likes: 39
From: Pennsylvania
I'm sure ya know this too! Use straps to tie it down too! Don't want any problems while you're laying under the bike!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,997
Likes: 2,083
From: Newport,TN area
When I did mine I raised the bike up on the jack, then I put a concrete block with a piece of 4x4 on top of that, on both sides of the jack.
Once lowered back down onto the 4x4's I just pulled the jack out.
This not only made for a very stable platform to work from, but it opened up the entire underside for installation.
!
Once lowered back down onto the 4x4's I just pulled the jack out.
This not only made for a very stable platform to work from, but it opened up the entire underside for installation.
!
I'm installing mine (on a '13 Slim) and I have not seen another "detailed" picture showing how the
compressor line to the diverter valve is exactly like what I have (non-ABS model). I've seen
several pics with just the compressor mounted, but not one with the airline to the diverter....
FWIW, the install is on-hold, tore the meniscus in my left knee, cant walk now, probably having sugery soon...
Thanks!
T.
Supporter
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,912
Likes: 73
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Hey Jam - did you take any detailed pictures of the compressor install ? More specifically the air lines?
I'm installing mine (on a '13 Slim) and I have not seen another "detailed" picture showing how the
compressor line to the diverter valve is exactly like what I have (non-ABS model). I've seen
several pics with just the compressor mounted, but not one with the airline to the diverter....
FWIW, the install is on-hold, tore the meniscus in my left knee, cant walk now, probably having sugery soon...
Thanks!
T.
I'm installing mine (on a '13 Slim) and I have not seen another "detailed" picture showing how the
compressor line to the diverter valve is exactly like what I have (non-ABS model). I've seen
several pics with just the compressor mounted, but not one with the airline to the diverter....
FWIW, the install is on-hold, tore the meniscus in my left knee, cant walk now, probably having sugery soon...
Thanks!
T.
But I do remember leaving a decent-sized loop of airline on top to make sure there was enough for those times when you may want to swing the shock body down - like for draining the transmission.
Good luck on the knee surgery. Been there. Six times. Three on each knee.
Followed by three more surgeries, for partial, then total replacements.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,997
Likes: 2,083
From: Newport,TN area
a cheater bar over the end for more leverage. They came loose with that....
T. (crutches suck)
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 1,751
Likes: 263
From: Catalina AZ
I get that the bikes look GOOD
after this install.BUT what about the ride?
Is this shock all that for both single rider (local rides) as well as loaded up with gear and rider on long trips?
Thanks