stock air shock "sag" (moved post)
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,244
Likes: 3
From: Stamford, CT
stock air shock "sag" (moved post)
Re-posting this here. Had no luck in the suspension forum. I'm just trying to find out if there is another way to set the air shocks than going by the manual. I can find everyone's weight and preferred setting but that's not what I'm looking for.
Is there a specific sag I should be looking for when I sit on the bike? I weigh 180 and currently running about 9psi with no real luggage. I'm looking for a more plush ride over the bigger bumps. Right now I get thrown up off the seat quite a bit, even if I transfer weight to the footboards. I don't want to give up on these shocks. Just trying to do the cheapest mod I can here.
I tried a search but came up with nothing.
Is there a specific sag I should be looking for when I sit on the bike? I weigh 180 and currently running about 9psi with no real luggage. I'm looking for a more plush ride over the bigger bumps. Right now I get thrown up off the seat quite a bit, even if I transfer weight to the footboards. I don't want to give up on these shocks. Just trying to do the cheapest mod I can here.
I tried a search but came up with nothing.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 902
Likes: 6
From: STL
Throw your shock pump in a saddle bag and go find a big bump. Ride it with 5psi, 10psi, 20psi, etc. Hit it at 5 mph, 10 mph, 15mph etc...
If you wanted to get the best results, Record your impressions (perceived comfort for each speed and setting) on a slip of paper. A simple 1-10 scale should provide you with the knowledge of how much air you like to get the ride you are after.
There is no factory sag setting and a bit of experimentation is the only way you are going to find out what works for you. This should be your first step before dicking around with different oils or new shocks.
If you wanted to get the best results, Record your impressions (perceived comfort for each speed and setting) on a slip of paper. A simple 1-10 scale should provide you with the knowledge of how much air you like to get the ride you are after.
There is no factory sag setting and a bit of experimentation is the only way you are going to find out what works for you. This should be your first step before dicking around with different oils or new shocks.
Last edited by aggro_jo; Sep 21, 2011 at 09:53 AM.
Trending Topics
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 4,618
Likes: 290
From: Johnstown, PA
I know this is not the info you are searching for, but. . . . Everyone prefers a different ride, trial and error will be the best way to find your sweet spot. You don't have to run any PSI, start at 0 and move up a couple PSI each trial. I set mine at the lowest PSI without bottoming out. (8PSI for me) If I am thinking correctly, the Road Glides and Street Glides both have shorter shocks then the classics and Ultras, which gives them a stiffer ride. If you can't find your sweet spot with your current set up and before you spend a fortune on aftermarket shocks, you may like the ride from the longer stock shocks, and can be had on ebay for a fraction of the cost of the aftermarkets.
Last edited by steelerdude1; Sep 21, 2011 at 10:07 AM.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,244
Likes: 3
From: Stamford, CT
Mine's an '09 so I have the full lenght shock. I'll experiment as suggested. very rarely do I bottom out, or at least think I don't. Definitely not ready to upgrade to Ohlins yet.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,156
Likes: 41
From: So Cal
The previous suggestions are on the money, find a stretch of road and rode back and forth on it at the same speeds and change air pressure , keep a log and dial it in for your style.
We all have different preferences, therre is a guy over on the RG Forum that runs stock shocks an, 1 up with 30psi and puts a lot of miles on yearly (20,000 +) and loves his setup. Im on a 2011 Custom and ride 99% 1 up (210 lbs) and 1/2 full saddlebags and I find 14-16lbs is good for me. I do bottom out on the big bumps or holes, but for me overall I feel the handleing is firm and the ride is still pretty soft for comfort
We all have different preferences, therre is a guy over on the RG Forum that runs stock shocks an, 1 up with 30psi and puts a lot of miles on yearly (20,000 +) and loves his setup. Im on a 2011 Custom and ride 99% 1 up (210 lbs) and 1/2 full saddlebags and I find 14-16lbs is good for me. I do bottom out on the big bumps or holes, but for me overall I feel the handleing is firm and the ride is still pretty soft for comfort