Shock psi
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
Likes: 494
From: Richmond, VA
If they come from the factory, they are factory stock length......"lowered, not stock length" does not make any sense. If they are shorter than the RK or Ultra, that would make more sense. but not stock length from the factory does not.
My shocks are what came on the bike new, I am assuming. They have not been altered.
My shocks are what came on the bike new, I am assuming. They have not been altered.
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
would I be better off ordering the H-D heavy duty "lowered" shocks.....they sell those for the '07 SG. Or would that just be the same shock that is already on the bike? I am not debating you, I am new the the H-D bagger (motorcycle in general) world....it just didn't make any sense to me that factory shocks were not "factory length shocks"...not really sure what else they would be.
Last edited by Dshock20; Feb 8, 2016 at 01:42 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,080
Likes: 1,957
From: Somewhere on the Bourbon trail
Originally Posted by Dshock20
If they come from the factory, they are factory stock length......"lowered, not stock length" does not make any sense.
The Street Glides and Road Glides are the only current factory Touring bikes that come with a 12" rear shock from the factory. All other Touring bikes are 13". Part of the slammed look HD is marketing.
I'm just a smidge shorter than you and I had 12" shocks originally installed on my RK. Had seat modified (lowered and narrowed) to get me flat-footed. Recently upgraded my shocks (front and rear) and have a slight knee bent and flat-footed.
As you can tell, lowering brackets may not work well with the already lowered bike. Start with your 12" factory stock shocks and seat mod to start with and go from there. There are better shocks out there with much better damping and preload.
Last edited by RKZen; Feb 8, 2016 at 01:59 PM.
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 16
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From: Ohio
The Street Glides and Road Glides are the only current factory Touring bikes that come with a 12" rear shock from the factory. All other Touring bikes are 13". Part of the slammed look HD is marketing.
I'm just a smidge shorter than you and I had 12" shocks originally installed on my RK. Had seat modified (lowered and narrowed) to get me flat-footed. Recently upgraded my Shocks (front and rear) and have a slight knee bent and flat-footed.
As you can tell, lowering brackets may not work well with the already lowered bike. Start with your 12" factory stock shocks and seat mod to start with and go from there.
I'm just a smidge shorter than you and I had 12" shocks originally installed on my RK. Had seat modified (lowered and narrowed) to get me flat-footed. Recently upgraded my Shocks (front and rear) and have a slight knee bent and flat-footed.
As you can tell, lowering brackets may not work well with the already lowered bike. Start with your 12" factory stock shocks and seat mod to start with and go from there.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,080
Likes: 1,957
From: Somewhere on the Bourbon trail
Originally Posted by Dshock20
What shocks did you upgrade to and who did your seat mod, or did you buy an aftermarket seat?
My current rear shocks are Ohlins from Motorcycle Metal. They are 12 1/8" in length with a 3 1/4" stroke. The fronts are Progressive monotube lowering kit.
Mean City and Motorcycle Metal are popular vendors here.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 620
Likes: 61
From: Castle Rock, CO
There are three bits of info you need.
First, do NOT use an air compressor on your shocks. It is very easy to blow the seals in the shocks.
Second, use a lossless air pump with gauge. Harley shocks use very little air and if you use a regular gauge you will almost always drop the pressure so much that whatever pressure you put in will be gone by the time you get a reading. Harley makes a good one but there are other brands that will work. Most of those are used on high end bicycles.
Finally, Harley changed the shocks, I think in 2009. Shocks before then maxed out at 35 psi. Later shocks max is 50. If you try to put 50 psi in the older shocks you might blow the seals again.
First, do NOT use an air compressor on your shocks. It is very easy to blow the seals in the shocks.
Second, use a lossless air pump with gauge. Harley shocks use very little air and if you use a regular gauge you will almost always drop the pressure so much that whatever pressure you put in will be gone by the time you get a reading. Harley makes a good one but there are other brands that will work. Most of those are used on high end bicycles.
Finally, Harley changed the shocks, I think in 2009. Shocks before then maxed out at 35 psi. Later shocks max is 50. If you try to put 50 psi in the older shocks you might blow the seals again.
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Novice
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 16
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From: Ohio
I have an hand-shock pump... and set it to 25 psi. Will see how that works and tweek an necessary.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,878
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From: Northern California
I realize some prefer the stock suspension, I also thought I was going to be happy with it until a ride I took last year to Canada riding two up with all the gear. Between the front end dive and shock bounce, especially on rough roads or higher speeds.
Did a lot of research and decided to give Legend Suspension a try. Had Progressive on my 07 Ultra and wanted something better for my 14 Limited. NOT knocking Progressive just felt the new Legend Suspension front end kit along with Revo shocks would better fit my needs.
Could not be happier. The difference is really amazing. The bike is smoother and firmer at the same time, much more comfortable. Handles much better, the front end dive is almost gone. The bike has a more solid feel, will add to the miles I can ride in comfort.
Check out this YouTube video about REVO-A shocks
Video about the Legend AXEO front end system
Made in the USA, come with a Lifetime warranty, I could go on and on. Are there other great brands? I'm sure there are, I just really like this choice.
Did a lot of research and decided to give Legend Suspension a try. Had Progressive on my 07 Ultra and wanted something better for my 14 Limited. NOT knocking Progressive just felt the new Legend Suspension front end kit along with Revo shocks would better fit my needs.
Could not be happier. The difference is really amazing. The bike is smoother and firmer at the same time, much more comfortable. Handles much better, the front end dive is almost gone. The bike has a more solid feel, will add to the miles I can ride in comfort.
Check out this YouTube video about REVO-A shocks
Video about the Legend AXEO front end system
Made in the USA, come with a Lifetime warranty, I could go on and on. Are there other great brands? I'm sure there are, I just really like this choice.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 10,216
Likes: 224
From: Glendale AZ
Ok, I have a 2007 Street Glide, stock shocks, 1" lowering brackets. I am 5'8" 330 lbs and have been bottoming out ever since the lowering brackets have been installed. I checked the psi, and they were at 10?! I have some friends with bag gets but they are all over the map, 15, 17, 21, 25, 35......what is a good starting spot?