09 RK rough ride
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 552
Likes: 50
From:
Wow. Sorry to hear you're having so much discomfort on a new bike. I don't have any recommendations, just a data point. I weigh 150 lbs., ride solo only, and don't carry much extra weight on my 2009 Ultra. Believe I run about 12 psi in shocks (I just looked at the chart in the owner's manual and used their recommendation.) I always run 36 psi in the front tire and 40 psi in the rear. I think I'm pretty hard to please in the comfort department and yet I find that the Ultra gives me as nice a ride as anything I've ridden. My lower back isn't in great shape but I've never been uncomfortable, even after 10 hours on the Ultra. I can't say the same for any of my BMWs.
Is it possible there's actually something wrong with the bike?
Hope you find something that works for you.
Is it possible there's actually something wrong with the bike?
Hope you find something that works for you.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 444
Likes: 0
From: MI
Was just thinking about this.....how is it that MOCO recommends the same air pressure in the tires and the shocks for a Ultra and a Road King? Won't the added weight of the tour pack make a difference? Seems like it would be lower for the RK.
Just wondering.
Just wondering.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
MOCO does not recomend a static air pressure for the air shocks.
They have a suggested shock pressure for your wt though. + or -
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
Wow. Sorry to hear you're having so much discomfort on a new bike. I don't have any recommendations, just a data point. I weigh 150 lbs., ride solo only, and don't carry much extra weight on my 2009 Ultra. Believe I run about 12 psi in shocks (I just looked at the chart in the owner's manual and used their recommendation.) I always run 36 psi in the front tire and 40 psi in the rear. I think I'm pretty hard to please in the comfort department and yet I find that the Ultra gives me as nice a ride as anything I've ridden. My lower back isn't in great shape but I've never been uncomfortable, even after 10 hours on the Ultra. I can't say the same for any of my BMWs.
Is it possible there's actually something wrong with the bike?
Hope you find something that works for you.
Is it possible there's actually something wrong with the bike?
Hope you find something that works for you.
As far as "something wrong with the bike?" yeah, it has some cheap air shocks on it.
You might not be riding your ultra hard enough if you are that comfortable. try gassing it up a bit.
But thanks for the reply regardless.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 208
Likes: 2
From: Middle Georgia
The rear wheel bouncing off the ground is not due to too much air but not enough. The shock not being stiff enough is what's causing the rear tire to bounce. I was surprised with my ultra how much difference only three or four pounds of air makes in the rear shocks. Bump the pressure up to 24 or so and I think you will be surprised how much better the bike rides and handles.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 354
Likes: 2
From: Toledo, Oregon
I was having a rough ride too....pumped up the shocks to about 38...and have kept it there for both one and two up and the ride is much improved. Also the sundowner seat helped alot too.
I keep tire pressure at 40 cuz I want it to last as long as possible and that is what is reccommended.
I weigh about 225.
I keep tire pressure at 40 cuz I want it to last as long as possible and that is what is reccommended.
I weigh about 225.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,086
Likes: 154
From: Buffalo, NY
Tire pressure, try 36 all around. For me, big difference from the 36F/40R that I was riding at. Doubt that little bit will impact your tire milage, and even if it does, it is worth it to have a decent ride.
My cars have always been the same, ride 35PSI and they bounce down the road, 30PSI and they are smooth as heck
My cars have always been the same, ride 35PSI and they bounce down the road, 30PSI and they are smooth as heck
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 104
From: Mississippi
Thanks- but the book says- like 10-12lbs. single for my weight. I am worried that if I pump em to 35-40lbs- that if I ride over a leaf it would hurt. Won't do that. If I lower the tire air pressure below recomended that will ruin my tires. Don't wanna do that either. $$$
You CAN have a smoth ride on a motorcycle, There is no reason that the rear tire should bounce off of the road on a 2 inch bump. It is like a hard tail almost.
Glad to know others have the same problem.
You CAN have a smoth ride on a motorcycle, There is no reason that the rear tire should bounce off of the road on a 2 inch bump. It is like a hard tail almost.
Glad to know others have the same problem.