Shock help
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,012
Likes: 298
From: Central Fl
None of my baggers stock HD shocks hold air for long periods of time. usually 2-3 weeks they would require topping off. I bought the over priced HD shock pump and carried in my tool bag. Still do for others in need. Should be standard equipment on baggers. A set of Ohlins solved the problem for me but I digress.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 211
Likes: 4
From: Ohio
I think some of you guys have missed my point, I know how to fix the air leak, I already have a Harley hand pump on board.......my question is: are the premium shocks better? And will they hold more weight without bottoming out?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,650
Likes: 9,112
From: Snow Hill, NC
My shocks on my 07 FLHTC with 35 lbs support my wife n I good. We are also big folks...I recently changed the shock oil in my rear shocks with Belray 10wt oil...new fittings, trim the ends of the line and make sure your shrader valve is tight. Voilŕ.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,650
Likes: 9,112
From: Snow Hill, NC
Sorry, didn't see this before I posted but the heavier weight oil jade a ton of difference on my 8 year old shocks.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 52
From: South Jersey
I don't think the hand adjustable shocks will work with your swingarm if you have an'05.
They are designed for '09 and up.
They are designed for '09 and up.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 566
Likes: 70
From: The Redneck Riviera
'Have the HD Premium (f&r) on the '09 for about 45k mi. now, when they do bottom out it is a gentle thud, not bone jarring like the air shocks...
We're not lightweights either...
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 3,820
Likes: 587
From: Michigan
I think you're missing the point; you installed 12" shocks & lost a full inch of suspension travel. Now you're having bottoming issues because you & passenger are heavy load w/o enough suspension travel. The 12" hand adjustables won't fix your problem; don't waste your money.
Sorry to be blunt, but it's the way suspensions work. As others have said; fix your air leaks. Then save your money & buy some better aftermarket 13" shocks.
BTW - I have the H-D premium hand adjustable 13" shocks on my 14 Limited & they work much better than the stock air shocks, but aren't nearly as good as Ohlins, JRI, or Pro-Action products.
Last edited by Hammz; Jun 2, 2016 at 12:40 AM.