suspension air pressure
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
suspension air pressure
I took delivery of my new Ultra a few weeks ago and I am wondering what kind of air pressure I should be running in the suspension. I am not sure what they delivered it to me with but it seems like it is awfully stiff. I normally ride by myself withoutmy wife. I noticed last night when it was pretty cool outside that the bike was way too firm on a rough piece of two lane highway. I just wondering what most of you run on a normal one up ride. Also can I you a regular tire pressure gauge to check the rear pressure?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,801
Likes: 13
RE: suspension air pressure
How much pressure you run depends upon the load on it. I weigh about 165, and solo I run about 10-12 lbs. When the wife or kid ride with, I run it up to about 18.
Easiest way to check it is with an air pump made for those shocks. Not sure what HD sells em for, but I paid like 30 for mine. It's a very small hand pump, with a needle type gauge built in to it.
Easiest way to check it is with an air pump made for those shocks. Not sure what HD sells em for, but I paid like 30 for mine. It's a very small hand pump, with a needle type gauge built in to it.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 5
RE: suspension air pressure
Mine came delivered with zero air in the rear shocks. I boosted mine to 22 since I ride 2-up most of the time, but even alone it feels ok to me, but then I prefer a stiff suspensiion from something too bouncy.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 1
From: Graham, NC
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 295
Likes: 1
RE: suspension air pressure
Yeah, what CSI said. Spend the money on the hand pump for the shocks. Otherwise, you will drive yourself crazy trying to set the air, not to mention the fact that you may blow the bladders out of the shocks if you use a regular air hose.
Take the pump on a ride with you and if the bike isn't handling right, adjust the air pressure. The Progressive hand pump I have has a screw on fitting and if I open the saddlebag lid I can get to the fitting on the shocks.
When you set the shocks, don't just go by how the back of the bike feels. If the shocks are set up too light, the front end will probably be twitchy, especially if you are two up. Believe it or not, 2 or 3 pounds will make a noticable difference.
Take the pump on a ride with you and if the bike isn't handling right, adjust the air pressure. The Progressive hand pump I have has a screw on fitting and if I open the saddlebag lid I can get to the fitting on the shocks.
When you set the shocks, don't just go by how the back of the bike feels. If the shocks are set up too light, the front end will probably be twitchy, especially if you are two up. Believe it or not, 2 or 3 pounds will make a noticable difference.
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 438
Likes: 1
From: Euless, TX
RE: suspension air pressure
Great web site; http://www.expertvillage.com/videos/motorcycle-air-shocks.htm
I like being able to do as much of the wrenching on my bike as I can. This site not only tells, it shows you what is sometimes hard to understand just by reading the manual. Anyone should be able to do all their required mantance and save a ton of money. Thank mrb302 you have saved enough money to add some more bling to my bike.
I like being able to do as much of the wrenching on my bike as I can. This site not only tells, it shows you what is sometimes hard to understand just by reading the manual. Anyone should be able to do all their required mantance and save a ton of money. Thank mrb302 you have saved enough money to add some more bling to my bike.
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