Air Shock Question
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Outstanding HDF Member
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From: Asscrackistan
Air Shock Question
I figure I'd ask here since you guys with Touring bikes will likely know. In doing some research, I'm finding it extremely difficult to find specs and other related info on some shocks, in particular P/N 54635-09. The dealer has no specs on this shock and say they have no access. I know it's for an 09 and later Touring, FLHX- FLTRX etc. Two questions I have are, what is the length of this shock eye to eye and if the air fitting has been removed and then caped, wouldn't that relieve the air in the shock before being caped? If it does relieve the air, wouldn't the strut compress and the length eye to eye change?
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From: Asscrackistan
I know there was a frame change in 09 but these shocks pretty much stay the same with exceptions of them being better than previous ones and holding more air. Another question I have is, are the Low Profile shocks all pretty much 12" eye to eye? Or is there a change with them too. It's my understanding regular ones are between 13-13.5 inches. Can you guys please school me.
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09 they did upgrade(if u want to call it that) the shocks were redesigned for the new frame.they will be 12 or 13 inch.air will be let out if uncapped,air doesn't do much for height,its more for stiff or soft.
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From: Asscrackistan
I hear what everybody is saying, but what isn't adding up is, why is this shock that is caped, not 12"? The problem is, there is NO way to find out what a shock length is on a HD! Now if someone actually measured it on their 09 and later, I would feel a bit more comfortable.
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From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
the air pressure affects the "rebound" the valving , not the standing height of the shock.
these shocks are installed like the 13's with air lines- the same lines swap over easily.
generally referred to as 12"- I think actually 12.25".- so .75" drop from the 13" which has 3" travel.
the valving was changed going into 09 for a more "comfortable ride" as the drop is all in the travel ( total travel 2.25")
the mounts etc stay the same so any shock will interchange from 12 to early 80's.
I run them on my 09 EG Classic in town, tour pak off- 225 lbs or so with gear and 7 pounds pressure works for me. with tour pak on or passaenger I go maybe 12 pounds. ( paid $125 for take offs from anther rider, new about $230 from an online discount dealer
You can't see much from this angle but this is with the low shocks
when touring, the thick seat, tall windscreen, tourpak on, I put the stock shocks back on- takes 20 minutes incl. coffee
JJ has a pair for sale right now:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...ir-shocks.html
Mike
these shocks are installed like the 13's with air lines- the same lines swap over easily.
generally referred to as 12"- I think actually 12.25".- so .75" drop from the 13" which has 3" travel.
the valving was changed going into 09 for a more "comfortable ride" as the drop is all in the travel ( total travel 2.25")
the mounts etc stay the same so any shock will interchange from 12 to early 80's.
I run them on my 09 EG Classic in town, tour pak off- 225 lbs or so with gear and 7 pounds pressure works for me. with tour pak on or passaenger I go maybe 12 pounds. ( paid $125 for take offs from anther rider, new about $230 from an online discount dealer
You can't see much from this angle but this is with the low shocks
when touring, the thick seat, tall windscreen, tourpak on, I put the stock shocks back on- takes 20 minutes incl. coffee
JJ has a pair for sale right now:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...ir-shocks.html
Mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Dec 17, 2011 at 03:14 AM.
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Outstanding HDF Member
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From: Asscrackistan
Wouldn't the "standing" height of the shock represent it's length? Gotta laugh at all this, because there really isn't a concrete answer as to what this shock is. I depressed it on the ground to see if the strut would go further into the shock body, but wouldn't, it just rebounds back.
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From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
12.25"
eye to eye
these are often called "12's" but in fact they are 12.25"
standing height generally refers to height with weight on it ( like a bike and rider)---standing height is much the same as unladen height.
capped? don't understand- like the 13's these use air lines to change pressure which affect dampening and rebound- to compensate for laden weight such as passenger camping gear, luggage.
If the air pressure changes height at all it is minimal.
as described above, I run these on my 09.
are you trying to figure out a custom application?
Mike
eye to eye
these are often called "12's" but in fact they are 12.25"
standing height generally refers to height with weight on it ( like a bike and rider)---standing height is much the same as unladen height.
capped? don't understand- like the 13's these use air lines to change pressure which affect dampening and rebound- to compensate for laden weight such as passenger camping gear, luggage.
If the air pressure changes height at all it is minimal.
as described above, I run these on my 09.
are you trying to figure out a custom application?
Mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Dec 17, 2011 at 03:02 AM.