How often do you guys check the air pressure in your rear shocks and what do you guys usually use to check them with, just a regular tire gauge?
Also how important is it to use the Harley air pump? I know my dealer told me do not use a air compressor or bicycle pump when adding air because you can blow the seals out of them. Is that true? what do you guys using?
Thanks for the help.

 

Yes, stay away from a compressor. You can blow them. I think there's nothing wrong with a bicycle pump, but that's me.

 

you can use a bicycle suspension pump, but not the one for the tires. the big reason on that is you need a zero loss pump. otherwise, you're just wasting your time. it doesn't take a lot of air to change the pressure in your shocks by a couple of pounds.

i check the air in my shocks every couple of weeks. more often if it feels like its bottoming out, or i'm going on a long trip. but, i also have the bitchin baggers mod to make my shocks 11-1/4'' so i have to run a little higher pressure to maintain a decent ride.

 

Easiest way (IMO) is to buy the HD shock pump. Works good, and it's small/light. Also has a small chuck that lets you adjust air without taking off the left bag. They should include the pumps with bikes that run air shock. Toss the pump in your saddlebag and check the air every couple weeks.

 

There is no doubt the Harley pump (there are similar alternatives) is the easiest way, but I have used a short bicycle pump and low pressure pencil gauge for almost 20 years. I just pump it above the pressure I want (it is easy to learn that) then let a little air out. Not as quick or easy as the proper pump, but they weren't available when I started doing that!

 

Get the H-D pump. It's not all that expensive and it works great. I check mine every week and find that I don't lose any pressure between checks. BTW...I run 50 lbs in mine...I weigh 260 lbs and my wife frequently rides with me.