ok so i am very new to riding and motorcycle maintenance in general.....i noticed today checking my tire pressure there is a small valve on the shocks with a little nozzle just like a tire......this is to add or let out air i assume?

could i add air to have a smoother ride?....i am a big guy, thats why i was wondering....thanks for any help...ryan

 

Yes, use a high volume low pressure punp or you'll blow the seals.

 

ok so stupid question....whats a high volume low pressure pump?.....not like a bicycle pump?....do i need an air compressor or anything....also how do i know how much to add or whats in there already?....sorry for all the questions but if i can improve my ride id like to do it....ryan

 

Backwards! Low volume, high pressure pump. Harley sells 'em for around $50, Ebay around $30.

http://www.google.com/products/catal...d=0CJkBEPICMAA

 

I take it these are roadking type rear shocks? if so the air only adjusts the shock valving, more air stiffer ride-less air smoother ride.
I run mine at 0 PSI one up (I'm 180 lbs), I put in about 4-5 PSI with a passenger. I think the max is very low, something like 12 PSI so be careful adding air, a bike pump works fine but I had to buy a digital pressure gauge made for quads to be able to check the pressure at those low values.

 

The hand pump harley sells works very well. The guage is on the pump and when removing the pump there is no air lost like with most bicycle pumps.

 

Max pressure on road king shocks, 50 psi

 

I would go with the Harley pump. Not only does it have a built in pressure guage, but it's also made to disconnect with zero air loss. These take very small amounts or air. Doesn't help anything is part of the air comes out after adjusting.

The HD part number is: 54630-03A Cost is $50.

 

That is only the most recent ones, for earlier versions it is a max of 20psi, although the difference is unlikely to bother Sporty owners!

I have air shocks and forks on my Glide and have used an ordinary bicycle pump and tyre gauge for over 20 years. The pump described above is a wonderful thing and works very well, but for the few times I check my pressures my setup works fine. It is true I lose a little air when disconnecting, but that is easy to compensate for.

 

I don't why there are so many Sporty riders that are enamored with air shocks. In my option, the Progressive shocks on my Sporty are better suspension than the air shocks on my Ultra Classic.

For what it's worth, the max air pressure on my Ultra is 20 psi, and there is a big difference even with just a one pound adjustment.