'09 SG Shock Question
First of all Im really sorry if I offended anyone, not my purpose. Original purpose was to find out what people are using that fit a body type and try to understand how Harley opperates. I was hoping the dealer I spoke to was full of it and I didn't have to worry a lot about checking the pressures (I enjoy riding not maintenance).
Again I apologize if I offended any one. Just trying to understand how different companies do things.
Again I apologize if I offended any one. Just trying to understand how different companies do things.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Pennsylvania
I just made the leap to a SG from a VTX1300S - The VTX doesn't even come close the the ride of the FLHX and I even added progressive shocks on the VTX and the SG still smokes the VTX in ride and stability and handling.
I will agree with the dealer - My dealer was pretty brief with me as well, I think he spent 15 minutes with me on the features of my bike - IMHO it was just enough to get me home and from rhere I poured over the owners manual, like one of the posters said - if you spend +$20K on a bike the least one should do is read the owners manual. I don't think you were disrespecting anyone nor your bike but I could sense your frustration - so go read your owners manual and relax and enjoy your bike, you made the right choice, HONEST!
I will agree with the dealer - My dealer was pretty brief with me as well, I think he spent 15 minutes with me on the features of my bike - IMHO it was just enough to get me home and from rhere I poured over the owners manual, like one of the posters said - if you spend +$20K on a bike the least one should do is read the owners manual. I don't think you were disrespecting anyone nor your bike but I could sense your frustration - so go read your owners manual and relax and enjoy your bike, you made the right choice, HONEST!
Cruiser
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
If you're losing air it's probably at the point where the line enters the shock. Might remove the line (depress the shoulder and pull the line), trim a little past the old crimp, reinsert the line. These work like many water connections you might have on a reverse osmosis, fridge water dispenser etc - not uncommon and susceptible to leakage with too much bend or over-crimped (yank on the line and it can happen) hose.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,961
Likes: 263
From: Conroe Texas
Okay okay, what you need to do is #1 read the owners manual, #2 get a shock pump #3 check your air a couple weeks apart, make sure you adjust for your weight, dont let the dealer do it, the 09's have different shocks and some of the kids keep adjusting mine to the old pressure settings during service. Check your shocks again in a few weeks to see if you have leakage, if you do take to dealer and tell them to find and fix the leak under warranty. Make sure you get the shock pump or bike pump, found the shock pump to be a great investment though.
#4 Read this section, best section of the best forum, and never mention trading in your work of art for a wing again, not even when pissed off and drunk.
#4 Read this section, best section of the best forum, and never mention trading in your work of art for a wing again, not even when pissed off and drunk.
Okay okay, what you need to do is #1 read the owners manual, #2 get a shock pump #3 check your air a couple weeks apart, make sure you adjust for your weight, dont let the dealer do it, the 09's have different shocks and some of the kids keep adjusting mine to the old pressure settings during service. Check your shocks again in a few weeks to see if you have leakage, if you do take to dealer and tell them to find and fix the leak under warranty. Make sure you get the shock pump or bike pump, found the shock pump to be a great investment though.
#4 Read this section, best section of the best forum, and never mention trading in your work of art for a wing again, not even when pissed off and drunk.
#4 Read this section, best section of the best forum, and never mention trading in your work of art for a wing again, not even when pissed off and drunk.
Thanks for the info. I would never trade a harley for a wing, just trying to figure out why I have to do this on a very classey bike. With technology the way it is today, and every harley dealer I've talked to says Harley's have the best technology, why should I have to get my hands dirty to check pressures when the bike is already wired with a computer. Again just a thought and quandry. Still love my Harley and will for years to come.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,543
Likes: 19
From: Ashland Ohio
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 5,072
Likes: 104
From: Prescott, AZ
as stated, your SG shocks are already 3/4 shorter than a EG and if you are hitting 280 depending on what the wife is - that is really putting a load on those short shocks... Not trying to be mean - just doing the math... You bought a bike that has lower rear shocks and - if you carry any thing in the bags - the weight only climbs...
You might want to look at after market rear shocks... I have an 04 and have tried several things to get a better ride - and I am 180 dressed with all gear and wife is 140 dressed in all here gear - Just came home from a 22 day coast to coast -- we have never really weighed our selfs fully dressed in our gear - was surprised just how much leather jacket, riding over pants, gloves and helmet added to our weight... Then we weighed each bag and tour pac contents...
Time for aftermarket shocks to get a better ride... Iam fine but the wife does feel all the road bumps and holes - passanger sits right over the rear axle.
after much looking - we are going with Works - their customer service has been great... Talked to Tom and gave all our weights - in fact he called today to tell me our shocks are built... I am 280 miles from the factory.. Works has a 30 day return - revalve/spring guarantee - but I am riding there and meeting with Tom for a factory tour and installing my shocks there and working out any issues before I leave.. I have really hated putting out this $$$$$ for shocks but its time to upgrade - want to keep the wife happy...
For about a year I had SG rear shocks on my FLHTCI - look cool but ride was just too ruff for both of us - with your total weight - its either going to bottom out or you will have to pump it up so much that it may ride like a buckboard????
good luck on your search... going to full rear shocks will help...
You might want to look at after market rear shocks... I have an 04 and have tried several things to get a better ride - and I am 180 dressed with all gear and wife is 140 dressed in all here gear - Just came home from a 22 day coast to coast -- we have never really weighed our selfs fully dressed in our gear - was surprised just how much leather jacket, riding over pants, gloves and helmet added to our weight... Then we weighed each bag and tour pac contents...
Time for aftermarket shocks to get a better ride... Iam fine but the wife does feel all the road bumps and holes - passanger sits right over the rear axle.
after much looking - we are going with Works - their customer service has been great... Talked to Tom and gave all our weights - in fact he called today to tell me our shocks are built... I am 280 miles from the factory.. Works has a 30 day return - revalve/spring guarantee - but I am riding there and meeting with Tom for a factory tour and installing my shocks there and working out any issues before I leave.. I have really hated putting out this $$$$$ for shocks but its time to upgrade - want to keep the wife happy...
For about a year I had SG rear shocks on my FLHTCI - look cool but ride was just too ruff for both of us - with your total weight - its either going to bottom out or you will have to pump it up so much that it may ride like a buckboard????
good luck on your search... going to full rear shocks will help...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,364
Likes: 33
From: So Cal The Golden State
Thanks for the info. I would never trade a harley for a wing, just trying to figure out why I have to do this on a very classey bike. With technology the way it is today, and every harley dealer I've talked to says Harley's have the best technology, why should I have to get my hands dirty to check pressures when the bike is already wired with a computer. Again just a thought and quandry. Still love my Harley and will for years to come.
Welcome to board and congrads on owning the one heck of a bike. No offense taken.
For the 09 can't stress really pore over your manual. There are some really cool nuances that you will miss if you don't read about them. As previously mention get the pump and start for your weight 20lbs and go up until you have the correct feel. Relative to the preride checking do not underetimate how important this is. Especially when riding with the wife. Harley is a bridge between new-old technology-tradition. Part of that is routine maintenance.
Check out how accurate your cruise control is with fly by wire throttle.
I am fortunate to have good dealer. Unfortunately I had to go through two to get there. When you get your critique letter from MOCO I would mention that the delivery on your bike was substandard. Those are things the MOCO would like to know. Also look for a better dealer that really wants your business. Maintenance on these things are a major revenue stream for the dealer so your business is important to them.
Take care ride safe.