Suspension is a let down

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Apr 19, 2009 | 08:49 PM

#11

Intrepid175

Road Warrior

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 1,383

Likes: 3

From: Texas City, TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by neversatisfied

Im pretty sure the owners manual says 50psi if you have a passenger, no matter how much you have in the bags.

Harley raised the specs with the 09 models. 50 psi is a valid number for the 09's but it's well above the max recommended for the 08 and older bikes. The OP doesn't say what year model bike he's riding. Knowing that would help with the recommedations. Double checking the owners manual would probably be a good idea too!

PS: I'm not entirely satisfied with the rear suspension on my 09 Ultra either. I'm up to 30 psi on it and I still think it bottoms out a little too easily and I'm just riding solo.

Last edited by Intrepid175; Apr 19, 2009 at 08:51 PM.

Apr 19, 2009 | 08:49 PM

#12

ezriderpgh

Thread Starter

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 2,156

Likes: 1

From: Pittsburgh, PA

I have an '08, manual says 25 max FLHT, 30 FLHX. They did changed the shocks on '09's. Doesn't '08 show with my sig pic?

Last edited by ezriderpgh; Apr 19, 2009 at 08:59 PM.

Apr 19, 2009 | 09:23 PM

#13

RexBuck

Road Master

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 899

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From:

Quote:

Originally Posted by ezriderpgh

I have an '08, manual says 25 max FLHT, 30 FLHX. They did changed the shocks on '09's. Doesn't '08 show with my sig pic?

Must have changed the owners manual somewhere along the 08 production. In my manual, Pg 62 says max 35 psi for FLHTCU fully loaded. Pg 63 says 50 psi for an FLHX with Low Profle Suspension.

Edit: I have found running 25# works the best for me. One up, 200# plus another 20 or 30# if on a trip. I find pressures at this level give me better stability - I find the ride quite comfortable.

Last edited by RexBuck; Apr 20, 2009 at 12:06 PM.

Apr 19, 2009 | 09:32 PM

#14

JacktheBagger

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 7,463

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From: Deep Inna Heart of Bama

'08 I run 25 solo (220) or two up (+130) , no problems either way ... Jus right ..

Apr 19, 2009 | 10:33 PM

#15

FastHarley

Former Sponsor

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 5,360

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From: Davie, FL

Buy good suspension and be done with it.

Apr 20, 2009 | 09:15 AM

#16

Intrepid175

Road Warrior

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 1,383

Likes: 3

From: Texas City, TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by FastHarley

Buy good suspension and be done with it.

Do you have an opinion on what constitutes a "good suspension?"

Apr 20, 2009 | 10:43 AM

#17

jberg

Road Warrior

Joined: Oct 2008

Posts: 1,832

Likes: 37

From: Rockland County, NY

I still haven't found the perfect setting. For rider alone (220) or for two up (380? total) I'm either bottoming out (too low) or jolting my spine over hard bumps (too high).
I think there must be an ideal setting though I haven't found it yet.
Nevertheless, I find the suspension quite a bit harsher than I expected for a touring model. My friends riding Ultra's agree. Has anyone found a perfect setting or a modification that combines comfort and performance?

Apr 20, 2009 | 10:51 AM

#18

Wassup8687

Club Member

Joined: Jun 2008

Posts: 17,717

Likes: 1

From: NY

I bought the Harley hand pump and added some air pressure a few weeks ago. Made a big difference in the ride. Pump it up a little more and all should be good.

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Apr 20, 2009 | 11:21 AM

#19

Jim Dawson

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 7,498

Likes: 19

From: East Alton, IL

Quote:

Originally Posted by Intrepid175

Do you have an opinion on what constitutes a "good suspension?"

Probably whatever he sells today.

Apr 20, 2009 | 11:31 AM

#20

testifer

Road Master

Joined: Jan 2008

Posts: 963

Likes: 0

From: pa

hell i am 165...i ride with 10 pounds, when 2 up...i ride no more then 12 to 15...i never botttom out...38 pounds of air in the rear tire...smooth sailing....if i run 40 pounds in tire...rides harsh

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