Air shocks
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6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 10
Likes: 1
From: Illinois
Air shocks
I just bought a 14 Ultra. The dealer said run about 25psi in the shocks. On my first ride it started out at 30. After 75 miles the gauge was reading 100psi. Ride was comfortable. Next day psi was back down. Took off with the wife on and pressure was about 60. Bottomed out alot. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,132
Likes: 228
From: Garland, TX
I replaced my air shocks on my 2014 ultra limited with 13 inch premium adjustable shocks off of a 2018 ultra limited and haven't looked back. The premium adjustable shocks are a lot more firm, better riding and I never bottom out. The air shocks gave a lot more bumpy and uncomfortable ride.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,466
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From: Illinois
Mine's only an '06,different shocks,but they don't increase pressure at all,during riding. 18 lbs stays 18 lbs,all day. If your '14 has a gauge[I'm guessing in the fairing??} Maybe the air hose routing to the gauge is being heated by engine heat? 100 lbs seems like it could damage the shocks.. Also,my owners manual has a chart in it for recommended air pressure according to the weight of the riders-Mine says like 20-25 lbs fot riding two up,I know the newer shocks call for more pressure than the old ones. Check what the factory recommends,rather than listening to the guy at the dealer!
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,045
Likes: 102
From: Waukesha, WI
Two things:
1 Make sure you use the HD shock pump, you risk blowing things out with regular shop air, plus the gauge is very easy to read. It has a no-loss system as well so the pressure won't drop while fiddling with the valve
2 Switch over to some Legend Revo rear shocks. Definitely worth the investment.
1 Make sure you use the HD shock pump, you risk blowing things out with regular shop air, plus the gauge is very easy to read. It has a no-loss system as well so the pressure won't drop while fiddling with the valve
2 Switch over to some Legend Revo rear shocks. Definitely worth the investment.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,263
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From: Clearwater, Fl
Originally Posted by JtQuinn
I just bought a 14 Ultra. The dealer said run about 25psi in the shocks. On my first ride it started out at 30. After 75 miles the gauge was reading 100psi. Ride was comfortable. Next day psi was back down. Took off with the wife on and pressure was about 60. Bottomed out alot. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
What gauge was reading 100 psi?
I agree with a couple others. Go with the 13" Hand Adjustable Shocks used on later models.
Last edited by Red; Oct 5, 2019 at 04:03 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,065
Likes: 11,084
From: San Diego, CA
I started out with OEM air shocks on both my '12 Limited (bought new) and now with my '16 Ultra (bought used). I replaced them ASAP on both bikes, and now have #3-#3 Ohlins from Howard at Motorcycle Metal on the '16... I'm finally happy with a rear suspension..!
FWIW.... When I had the air shocks, I used the HD pump... never went over 50psi, never checked the air after a ride, but when I would check it the next day, if it was at the same pressure I pumped it to the day or two before.... I was happy... Most times, it was lower. Neither bike would hold air pressure for more than a few days.... OEM air shocks really sucked...