Rear shocks, air pressure question
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Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 532
Likes: 21
From: Louisville, KY
Rear shocks, air pressure question
Have an 09 SG and wondering what the best setting is for air pressure on the stock rear shocks. Went out today for a 4 hour ride and seemed to really feel the "bumps" in the road. I ride solo and weigh 235 (hope to be closer to 200 soon, lol) I read a lot about Ohlins and not sure I need them...maybe I just don't know what I'm missing. Can ride about 2 hrs with a stock seat before having to stop. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 532
Likes: 21
From: Louisville, KY
Pete,
Straight up question. Money is fairly tight but I will spend it on the bike if the value is really there. Talked with Howard about Ohlins and ended up more confused than I started with. He's a great guy with a lot of experience and I think the problem is with me but not sure what the heck to expect. Can you give me real world experience on what to expect with Ohlins vs stock shocks? For instance, when I see a bump in the road, or dip, I instantly stand a bit on the floorboards to soften the "blow". Is this a non factor with Ohlins? Not sure I want to spend 600 for a slight difference
Straight up question. Money is fairly tight but I will spend it on the bike if the value is really there. Talked with Howard about Ohlins and ended up more confused than I started with. He's a great guy with a lot of experience and I think the problem is with me but not sure what the heck to expect. Can you give me real world experience on what to expect with Ohlins vs stock shocks? For instance, when I see a bump in the road, or dip, I instantly stand a bit on the floorboards to soften the "blow". Is this a non factor with Ohlins? Not sure I want to spend 600 for a slight difference
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,021
Likes: 304
From: Providence Forge, VA
Same Question
Pete,
Straight up question. Money is fairly tight but I will spend it on the bike if the value is really there. Talked with Howard about Ohlins and ended up more confused than I started with. He's a great guy with a lot of experience and I think the problem is with me but not sure what the heck to expect. Can you give me real world experience on what to expect with Ohlins vs stock shocks? For instance, when I see a bump in the road, or dip, I instantly stand a bit on the floorboards to soften the "blow". Is this a non factor with Ohlins? Not sure I want to spend 600 for a slight difference
Straight up question. Money is fairly tight but I will spend it on the bike if the value is really there. Talked with Howard about Ohlins and ended up more confused than I started with. He's a great guy with a lot of experience and I think the problem is with me but not sure what the heck to expect. Can you give me real world experience on what to expect with Ohlins vs stock shocks? For instance, when I see a bump in the road, or dip, I instantly stand a bit on the floorboards to soften the "blow". Is this a non factor with Ohlins? Not sure I want to spend 600 for a slight difference
Thanks in advance for your input.
Last edited by RiderX; Feb 3, 2012 at 12:02 AM. Reason: grammatical error
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
I use the 09+* streetglide shocks on my FLHTC for intown and day trips ( say, less than 6 hours riding). with the streetglide seat.
i weigh about 215.
best air pressure setting for me is 7 pounds.
that keeps the shock damping working well with out "topping" or "bottoming" out.
air is added for a passenger, tourpak, luggage or post-Thanksgiving dinner
For longer trips I put on the stock 13" shocks and ultra seat. For full 10 or 12 hour days i need a floaty Cadillac ride
some other riders have swapped to heavier oil, which they like but in over 15 years of riding baggers, I haven't needed to do this.
or to shell out for "premium" aftermarket brands
Mike
* Streetglide shocks were revised for 09+, with "revised" valving for a smoother ride.
i weigh about 215.
best air pressure setting for me is 7 pounds.
that keeps the shock damping working well with out "topping" or "bottoming" out.
air is added for a passenger, tourpak, luggage or post-Thanksgiving dinner
For longer trips I put on the stock 13" shocks and ultra seat. For full 10 or 12 hour days i need a floaty Cadillac ride
some other riders have swapped to heavier oil, which they like but in over 15 years of riding baggers, I haven't needed to do this.
or to shell out for "premium" aftermarket brands
Mike
* Streetglide shocks were revised for 09+, with "revised" valving for a smoother ride.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2012
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From: Louisville, KY
Mike
You switch out shocks for long rides? That sounds like a lot of work but you obviously have it dialed in to your likings. Amazing info and thanks for the reply
You switch out shocks for long rides? That sounds like a lot of work but you obviously have it dialed in to your likings. Amazing info and thanks for the reply
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 494
Likes: 1
From: Music City, USA
As mentioned above, alot of this is subjective (personal likes) and is based upon the year of your bike and the tires you run.
I would suggest you begin with the Owners Manual for guidance.
Mine (a Rd Glide) suggets 40 psi in the rear tire. 12 -15 lbs in the shocks - solo.
35 -40 psi in the shocks - 2 up.
Hope this helps.
I would suggest you begin with the Owners Manual for guidance.
Mine (a Rd Glide) suggets 40 psi in the rear tire. 12 -15 lbs in the shocks - solo.
35 -40 psi in the shocks - 2 up.
Hope this helps.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,156
Likes: 1
From: Nebraska
I switched my 99 FLHRCI shocks to 09 shocks for the heavier load capabilities. I also did Progressive monotubes up front at the same time. Worlds of difference. I weigh about 225lbs and run mine at 25lbs with 40 in the tire. When im 2 up with a trailer the tire gets bumped up along with the shocks to around 35lbs