Stupid question
Stupid question
I got off my Night Train for an Ultra last week. When I left the dealer I was riding a rough road and felt like I was bottoming out. I have been riding it for about a week now and a felt that a few times since. I just checked the air in the shocks and there was absolutely no air in them. Not even a faint hiss when I tried to bleed them. What do I need to be looking for, for damage?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Reno, Nevada
I got off my Night Train for an Ultra last week. When I left the dealer I was riding a rough road and felt like I was bottoming out. I have been riding it for about a week now and a felt that a few times since. I just checked the air in the shocks and there was absolutely no air in them. Not even a faint hiss when I tried to bleed them. What do I need to be looking for, for damage?
Take it back to the dealer and let them fix it since it is a new bike. Your rear shocks needs to have between 10 to 15 psi of air pressure.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 776
Likes: 1
From:
Put some air in them before you go back to the dealer. Probably didn't have any to start with. I doubt you did any damage. I know several guys that ride with no air in their shocks. Just get yourself the right pump to add air. Do not put too much air in them, you'll blow the seals if you do. Start with 10-12 lbs, and adjust from there to suit your riding style.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 697
Likes: 51
From: Clarington, Ontario
Don't use a service station air pump, you will blow out the seals.
If you have one, use a bicycle pump and go slow, doesn't take much air to get the pressure up.
I have the HD pump as it is small and fits in saddlebag, max psi on mine is 35.
If you have one, use a bicycle pump and go slow, doesn't take much air to get the pressure up.
I have the HD pump as it is small and fits in saddlebag, max psi on mine is 35.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,698
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From: Longview, Washington
The Harley shock pump is expensive but it is worth every penny. Tried a cheaper one and ended up buying the HD. Do yourself a favor and get one. You will use it a lot. I change the air pressure when my wife rides with me or if we are loaded up for a trip.
Running the shocks at 0 will not hurt them. In fact, many people run them at 0 when solo. Depends on your weight.
Hope this helps. Good luck with your new Bagger and welcome to the Touring forum.
Steve
Running the shocks at 0 will not hurt them. In fact, many people run them at 0 when solo. Depends on your weight.
Hope this helps. Good luck with your new Bagger and welcome to the Touring forum.
Steve
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From: Grayland, WA.
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From: Hoboken, New Jersey
All the replies above are just about spot on. Look in your owners manual and find out exactly what the PSI should be for your weight. DO NOT use anything but a small hand pump to fill them, or you will do damage for sure. You ca use the HD pump or any of the pumps that are specifically designed for air shocks.
You do not need to go back to the dealer for something like this.....unless the shocks dont hold the air. Once you have the pump/gauge pump them up to the required PSI, and keep the line from the pump attached to the fill valve, so you can read the gauge and come back after a hour or two and check the gauge again to make sure no air has leaked out. If they are holding....your good to go.
You do not need to go back to the dealer for something like this.....unless the shocks dont hold the air. Once you have the pump/gauge pump them up to the required PSI, and keep the line from the pump attached to the fill valve, so you can read the gauge and come back after a hour or two and check the gauge again to make sure no air has leaked out. If they are holding....your good to go.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Florence, MT (Bitterroot Valley)
Prolly no damage. Just put a little in, and see how it rides. DO NOT USE gas station, or compressor to pump up. Hand PUMP only!!! Get your little owners book out, and read up on in. They have a good little page plum full of info for you right at your fingertips.