Front fork psi level.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,509
Likes: 2
From: Atlanta, GA
Front fork psi level.
I was checking my (00 RK) stock front and rear air pressure level and the front was showing 0. I used the HD pump to pump up the front via the nipple on the right rear fender. But everytime I pump it up the pump gauge shows it losing pressure all the way to zero.. Any suggestions? Also, what is the correct psi level for the front forks and the rear stock shocks? Thx
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 519
Likes: 4
From: USA
The air pressure range is listed in your owners manual. On my 06, the range for the shocks is :
Solo rider
Up to 150 lbs. - 0 psi
150 - 200 lbs - 0 - 10 psi
200 - 250 lbs - 5 - 15 psi
Two up
Up to 150 lbs - 10 - 15 psi
Up to 200 lbs - 20 - 25 psi
Im unsure about the front air pressure, I didnt think that HD had air dampening on the forks, mine does not have this.
If you are losing air when you pump it up, it could be a few things, leaking air lines, fittings, schrader valve, or the shock seals. Get a spray bottle with a soap solution and start spraying those areas and you should find the leak.
Solo rider
Up to 150 lbs. - 0 psi
150 - 200 lbs - 0 - 10 psi
200 - 250 lbs - 5 - 15 psi
Two up
Up to 150 lbs - 10 - 15 psi
Up to 200 lbs - 20 - 25 psi
Im unsure about the front air pressure, I didnt think that HD had air dampening on the forks, mine does not have this.
If you are losing air when you pump it up, it could be a few things, leaking air lines, fittings, schrader valve, or the shock seals. Get a spray bottle with a soap solution and start spraying those areas and you should find the leak.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,236
Likes: 7
From: Bellingham, WA
If you can put air in the rear without any problem then you have a leak somewhere to the forks. I sold my manual along with my 01 RG but I do recall that the forks don't take much air. 1 to 2 lbs is all I'd run, I think max is 10 but don't you trust my memory. I also had one of the Harley pumps go bad and it would let you pump up, but leak out the air before you could disconnect.
Last edited by wldbill; Oct 25, 2009 at 12:04 PM.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
The air forks on my old bike take up to 20psi - I normally run 10psi solo, 20psi 2-up. They are pumped up from the left handlebar, which acts as reservoir and provides additional springing (not damping). The air system also provides a degree of anti-dive when braking. On operating the front brake an electric switch shuts off the handlebar reservoir, effectively stiffening up the front forks.
To modify a later bike would require a few extra parts. On my bike there is an air manifold attached across the top of the fork nuts, which connects via a short rubber tube to the handlebars. The bars are sealed and have a tyre valve in the left-hand end, so a new (old-style) pair would be needed.
I assume later touring forks have improved internals over my old bike, so H-D dropped the air system?
To modify a later bike would require a few extra parts. On my bike there is an air manifold attached across the top of the fork nuts, which connects via a short rubber tube to the handlebars. The bars are sealed and have a tyre valve in the left-hand end, so a new (old-style) pair would be needed.
I assume later touring forks have improved internals over my old bike, so H-D dropped the air system?
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,236
Likes: 7
From: Bellingham, WA
I wouldn't bother adding air to the newer forks. My '01' has the front and rear air inputs back at the saddlebags.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,509
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From: Atlanta, GA
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Check your pump connections FIRST before taking the time to search throughout the front air lines. I've had a time or two when that happened and it was just the connection to the shraeder valve. Might also be a stuck pressure relief valve on the pump?
Another thought, if the pump connections aren't the issue, you might want to wait until you wash your bike down the next time. When you apply the soapy solution all over the bike, pump the front forks up with air and look for any bubbling action coming from the air lines/connections!
(This comical interlude has been brought to you in the sincerest hopes that you have a good sense of humor!)
Another thought, if the pump connections aren't the issue, you might want to wait until you wash your bike down the next time. When you apply the soapy solution all over the bike, pump the front forks up with air and look for any bubbling action coming from the air lines/connections!
(This comical interlude has been brought to you in the sincerest hopes that you have a good sense of humor!)
Last edited by CroK; Oct 31, 2009 at 01:17 PM.
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
From: NC
unless its been removed, if you open your right saddlebag there should be a sticker on the inside of the saddlebag showing the recommended air pressure for the front and rear.
at least this sticker is there on my 01 ultra. seems it calls for around 10psi or so in the front and 15 in the rear.
however those amounts are for a 150 pound rider. believe you add a additional 1 psi for ever 25 pounds of rider weight over the 150.
then there is addtional amounts for passenger and weight in the bags.
not sure why harley dropped the air adjust forks though or what year it was dropped.
at least this sticker is there on my 01 ultra. seems it calls for around 10psi or so in the front and 15 in the rear.
however those amounts are for a 150 pound rider. believe you add a additional 1 psi for ever 25 pounds of rider weight over the 150.
then there is addtional amounts for passenger and weight in the bags.
not sure why harley dropped the air adjust forks though or what year it was dropped.