Air shocks
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6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 10
Likes: 1
From: Illinois
The gauge on the dash goes to 90-100. Today we didnt ride as far. Preassure was 30 when we left but got up to 70 after a while. Rode good at 70psi with two. Bike has true dual exhaust. Maybe heat is a factor. I dont want them blowing out on me.
Thanks for all the feed back. Will be doing a change over this winter.
Thanks for all the feed back. Will be doing a change over this winter.
I don't think there is an air pressure gauge in the dash for the rear shocks. At least not stock.
The air valve on my '14 limited is between the left saddlebag and the frame just below the seat. Check it there with the proper pump/gauge.
For a couple of bucks you can replace the air lines with fittings from a hardware store and adjust them individually. I replaced the oil in my shocks and put back in a little less (10oz instead of 12 of 10wt) and run 20lbs of air in each. Reasonably happy with the ride.
You're not going to get much out of any shock with just three inches of travel.
The air valve on my '14 limited is between the left saddlebag and the frame just below the seat. Check it there with the proper pump/gauge.
For a couple of bucks you can replace the air lines with fittings from a hardware store and adjust them individually. I replaced the oil in my shocks and put back in a little less (10oz instead of 12 of 10wt) and run 20lbs of air in each. Reasonably happy with the ride.
You're not going to get much out of any shock with just three inches of travel.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
I suspect there is more to this than meets the eye! Any air gauge on the dash has been added by a PO, which in turn begs the question what else has he added? I don't know of any stock air shocks that will go to 100psi, that is way over the top of the recommendations. H-D air shocks have changed spec over the years from around 20psi max to 50psi max. A photo of your shocks would be interesting to see. I also have Ohlins #3-3 shocks, which are wonderful!
By the way, it sounds as if you don't have an owners manual for your bike. You can download one from the H-D website, via the Owners tab.
By the way, it sounds as if you don't have an owners manual for your bike. You can download one from the H-D website, via the Owners tab.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 997
Likes: 489
From: Louisville, KY
Bought a new '13 RGC, air shocks seemed OK for about 2 years then started slowly leaking down. The leaking down got worse, I replaced them with the HD hand adjustables. WOW! Much better ride.
So 2+ years ago I bought a garage queen '16 RGU. Soon as I got home I ordered the HD adjustables from one of the dealers that discounts online. The OEM air shocks suck!
So 2+ years ago I bought a garage queen '16 RGU. Soon as I got home I ordered the HD adjustables from one of the dealers that discounts online. The OEM air shocks suck!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,061
Likes: 11,080
From: San Diego, CA
The gauge on the dash goes to 90-100. Today we didnt ride as far. Preassure was 30 when we left but got up to 70 after a while. Rode good at 70psi with two. Bike has true dual exhaust. Maybe heat is a factor. I dont want them blowing out on me.
Thanks for all the feed back. Will be doing a change over this winter.
Thanks for all the feed back. Will be doing a change over this winter.
I suspect you have an aftermarket air ride system.... There is no shock pressure guage, on OEM shocks from the factory. As mentioned, the HD shocks have a max limit about half of 100psi, Harley shocks would pop at 100psi.....
Last edited by hattitude; Oct 6, 2019 at 09:30 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,399
Likes: 8,509
From: Spartan Country, Michigan
I believe you see the air temp gage.... it says AIR and is a gage.... this is a thermometer. There are no air pressure gages for your shocks. I ran 40-50 pounds in mine depending.... and you had to measure air pressure through the Harley pump/gage. I saw a thread once where the OP kept adjusting his shocks based on the air temp gage.... was quite frustrated with the results until he figured out which was what!!!
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6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 10
Likes: 1
From: Illinois
Like you folks have said. Read the book. Dont listen to the salesman. Not sure why it reads 30 everytime I turn the power on. But yes it is ambient air temp. Guess who feels like a idiot. I bought a HD hand pump yesterday and put 45psi in it. Road great today. Thanks again.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,263
Likes: 935
From: Clearwater, Fl
Originally Posted by JtQuinn
Like you folks have said. Read the book. Dont listen to the salesman. Not sure why it reads 30 everytime I turn the power on. But yes it is ambient air temp. Guess who feels like a idiot. I bought a HD hand pump yesterday and put 45psi in it. Road great today. Thanks again.
Enjoy the new ride...
Last edited by Red; Oct 6, 2019 at 07:34 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 673
Likes: 252
From: Alberta
I keep my air shocks pumped into the high 40 psig range. The bike rides much better when the air shocks are near max even when solo. Also recommend running the SE heavy fork oil as it tames a lot of the stock forks bad behaviour. Plus it is a lot less costly than chasing expensive suspension components. I prefer a firm ride and what I do does not make the ride harsh.
If you are a high performance rider the expensive stuff might be worth it.
If you are a high performance rider the expensive stuff might be worth it.
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