Concerns about Air Shocks
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,272
Likes: 20
From: Shamokin, PA
1/8 inch pipe threaded schraeder valves. Napa or the internet are the only place I found them. Napa had to order them for me. make sure you use teflon tape to seal them.
I bought some shocks on ebay with all the lines and valves for $85.00, brand new take offs from a 2011 SG.
I am getting ready to put the 12" SG shocks on the wife's 2008 883L. Because the 12" will raise the bike up an inch I was planning on the 1" lowering blocks but was told that the ride gets worse because the change in the angle of the shocks. But after what you said I will go with my plan. The bike in stock form was just right for her height wise. But after the change to a Mustang solo wide touring seat it raised her up a bit. Thinking that we will have to have the seat sent to Mean City cycles to be cut down and narrowed up in the front.
I am getting ready to put the 12" SG shocks on the wife's 2008 883L. Because the 12" will raise the bike up an inch I was planning on the 1" lowering blocks but was told that the ride gets worse because the change in the angle of the shocks. But after what you said I will go with my plan. The bike in stock form was just right for her height wise. But after the change to a Mustang solo wide touring seat it raised her up a bit. Thinking that we will have to have the seat sent to Mean City cycles to be cut down and narrowed up in the front.
Local auto zone had them on the shelf in Memphis a few years back when I got mine.
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 207
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
My local Ace Hardware had them for less $3 each.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 988
Likes: 8
From: Clinton IA
Yep, look for 1/8 NPT. I've heard some guys say they are finding them in hardware or auto parts stores with the air tank fittings. I wrapped mine with teflon tape, don't know if it's necessary, but it can't hurt.
I used the lowered street glide shocks on my Custom, only 1/4" height difference, but with the shocks at an angle, I couldn't tell a difference in ride height. I could tell a difference in ride, made a huge improvement.
I used the lowered street glide shocks on my Custom, only 1/4" height difference, but with the shocks at an angle, I couldn't tell a difference in ride height. I could tell a difference in ride, made a huge improvement.
Last edited by edgeofinsanity; Feb 16, 2012 at 07:22 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 787
Likes: 2
From: Salinas, CA
Just picked up a set of 13" RK's for $50 shipped. Have been going back and forth between selling the 13's and getting 12's or using the 13's and a lowering block kit (I feel like a broken record). Might just save my $$ and send them to Phoenix Customs and have the 13's cut down to stock height. I figured for all that money, I could've just saved me all the hassle and bought a set of Progressive 412's but have heard that there is nothing like the ride on the air shocks.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 642
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
Just picked up a set of 13" RK's for $50 shipped. Have been going back and forth between selling the 13's and getting 12's or using the 13's and a lowering block kit (I feel like a broken record). Might just save my $$ and send them to Phoenix Customs and have the 13's cut down to stock height. I figured for all that money, I could've just saved me all the hassle and bought a set of Progressive 412's but have heard that there is nothing like the ride on the air shocks.
Give it a month or so to see if you like it. If you don't, then either get a lowering block kit or you can just find some Street Glide 12'' shocks. At the price you got your 13''s for, you can easily get your money back by selling it on Ebay or on this forum.
Also, check any local HD dealerships. The one in Raleigh has a spare part department and I picked up my barely used SG 12'' shocks for $50.
For my set up, I just sat on the bike and installed the plugs on the air shocks and am running with 0 psi. It seems to work fine for me at 160 - 165 lbs. You might find that running 0 psi works for you as well. Start cheap, test things out and add stuff if needed instead of just buying everything at once and later finding you may not need air in your shocks. YMMV.
Last edited by jbyun; Feb 17, 2012 at 09:49 AM.
Novice
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota
Just picked up a set of 13" RK's for $50 shipped. Have been going back and forth between selling the 13's and getting 12's or using the 13's and a lowering block kit (I feel like a broken record). Might just save my $$ and send them to Phoenix Customs and have the 13's cut down to stock height. I figured for all that money, I could've just saved me all the hassle and bought a set of Progressive 412's but have heard that there is nothing like the ride on the air shocks.
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