Air Shock Question
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 102
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Air Shock Question
Was riding to Laconia week before last and stopped into Rochester HD to take a short break. I had noticed the ride was a bit harsh ( had my wife with me as well) and decided to put a few more pounds of air in the rear shocks. When I attached the pupmp, there was no pressure at all. Fortunately, The Roch HD guys told me to pull right in and immediately found an air line rub on the rear tire. New piece of air line, tie wrap or two and on my way with 50 lbs ( 2012 Limited). Went to let some out a week later for a solo ride and the pressure read only 35 lbs. Is it normal to lose pressure in a week like that? Was super hot ( for Maine -- 90s and the bike is in a garage all week) and wonder if that may have contributed? My 2010 SG never seemed to lose any. Checked it again a few days later and sitting still at 35 lbs. Does the bike temd to lose air during a longer ride? Thanks for the help.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 171
From: Simi Valley, CA
When the dealer did the repair and filled the shocks to 50 psi did you see the pressure or simply take their word for it. And was it checked with the same gauge at the dealership as you are checking it with now? That could be your answer right there. As for the temperature, it may have a little effect if your garage is significantly cooler, but I'm not sure how much and wouldn't think it would be anywhere near 15 psi.
Regardless, if it's holding steady for you now at 35 psi it's unlikely that you have another significant leak. Just keep an eye on it for a week or two.
Regardless, if it's holding steady for you now at 35 psi it's unlikely that you have another significant leak. Just keep an eye on it for a week or two.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,413
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From: eastern oklahoma
you can put a bit of dishwashing liquid in a spray bottle with water and spray the connections, tubing and fittings after you air up your shocks. it might be helpful to have someone heavy sit on the bike while doing this too. if bubbles appear, then you have a leak and you'll know where to repair the system. just a suggestion.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
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From: Bedford UK
The amount of air in the shocks is very small, so changes of air temperature can have quite an effect on pressure. Check pressure with your own gauge over the next week or two, to see how it behaves.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
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From:
also ck schrader valve mine was just a hair loose losing about 15 lbs a week Tightened it and now has not lost a lb in a month
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
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From: Moline, IL
i filled mine on my sg yesterday and the pump said 22lb andd i checked it w/ digital gause and it read 15 lb, so i dont think the lil pump gauges are acurate
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Wisconsin
It always interests me the guys who say the shocks bleed down over time. My RK and my SG never lose air unless I am letting it out for a softer ride. I bought my SG last Septmeber and just checked the shocks over the weekend getting ready for a vacation ride, still reads exactly the same as it did 10,000 miles ago.