So I lowered my 05 Electra Glide Classic 1 1/2". Now when riding 2 up, I bottom out (rear tire hitting the underside of the rear fender) when I hit just about any dip in the road. Last year, I had a rear tube blow out at 70+ mph with my niece on the back. We hit a transition in the pavement (approx. 4 inches) that the paving crew left while paving the interstate! Scared the S**T out of me. Anyway, what pressure do you guys think I should be running in the rear air shocks to keep this from happening again? I've got 3 different answers from 3 different HD dealerships here in NC!!!!!! Thanks!

 

I hate to sound like a smartalec, but more pressure than you are running now. I would try gradually adding more than you have now but not more than the max in the manual, maybe even try the manual's recommended pressure for the payload. You can max the shock out on air, but the shock still may not be bottoming before the tire hits the fender, so you could still have contact between the tire and fender and the ride will be harsh as hell with too much air. If you can't just add a little air pressure and make it work to your satisfaction, I think you already know the answer is raising it back up 1/2", and try it there. How much pressure are you running now, and what is the combined weight of rider/passenger/gear?

 

...sorry, but you are going to keep having problems with it that low...you can maybe get away with lowering an inch..but 1 1/2 is too much for a classic when 2 up, and any kind of gear in the trunk...if you are on stock shocks...the shocks just aren't that good..

my advice is to get a good heavy duty shock like Progressive 440's..in a 12 inch length..

 

Mine is lowered and I find running about 22lbs is just about right

 

12 inch 13 inch and different years all have different max pressures,i think the 12 inch shocks are dampend a little stiffer to help avoid bottoming.you will likely rub the taillight wires until they short out as well.

 

Better check your wiring harness...

 

There is nothing you can do that will guarantee not bottoming out while your rear suspension is too short. Put that right by throwing away your lowering kit, or if it is adjustable, set it so nothing bottoms out. Once you have done that we can start talking about shock pressures that will improve ride quality!

 

By lowering the bike 1-1/2", you've left yourself with 1-1/2" of travel. You're going to either bottom out or have a ride that's so stiff, it's miserable.

 

Send your shocks to bitchin baggers and have Ron to rework them,he will make them shorter and install a stop in them so you won't bottom out on your fender, then get get rid of the lowering kit. They will ride much better.

 

Thinking the lowering kit is going away. Maybe tomorrow! Thanks for the input!