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Custom Vehicle Discussions => Screamin' Eagle® Road Glide® => Topic started by: Highjagger on January 03, 2009, 03:03:39 AM
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Does your dealer have asked you whether you ride solo or what is your weight and adapted the air-pressure in the rear shocks ?
Or do you make this for your own ?
Do you have a pump ?
Is it easy to change the pressure ?
What is the pressure you drive with which weight on the bike ?
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Mine came set at 20 lbs, I ride two up and set it at 45 lbs , so far I like it, little stiff if I ride solo. Doc Yes get the pump.
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The HD pump is probably the best value from an HD item I own... I use it all the time and its a great product!
It does exactly what it has to and you don't need to modify anything.
I run mine at 40lbs, and check it once a month.
It will make a huge difference control wise if you neglect the air pressure, not just for bumps, but conering as well!
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I've got a HD pump that I would sell for half price. I aired up the Bitubos once, and they should be good for the duration of their life.
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I've got a HD pump that I would sell for half price. I aired up the Bitubos once, and they should be good for the duration of their life.
I've been wondering how to do that service. Looked everywhere. Can't find the servicing port. Even checked to see if the gigilator was malflurted. Nope.......no malflurtation, and the gigilator is gigilatin'.
How'd you do that?
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I've been wondering how to do that service. Looked everywhere. Can't find the servicing port. Even checked to see if the gigilator was malflurted. Nope.......no malflurtation, and the gigilator is gigilatin'.
How'd you do that?
Remove the BRT behind the gigilator, and the port is right there.
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Remove the BRT behind the gigilator, and the port is right there.
Well, that ain't happenin' today. I need a BFW and a BFH to do that and the only ones I've seen lately are in your toolbox.
ROAD TRIP! :2vrolijk_21: :huepfenlol2: :huepfenjump3:
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Port, port, did you say port? my Ghost better not have any port, a little bourban, fine but no port. And if highjagger asks about inseam on this thread I'm outta here.
I ride the Ghost at 30lbs solo. will push it to 40 with the TP on.
Hogbreath, I have heard others say that they wished they still had the pump. good for blowing up the companions as needed, if you can find the Kanutin valve :cucumber:
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Those type of companions are tough to have when you ride. Even if you get them blown up to 40 PSI, they have a tendancy to fly off the back. ;D
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Port, port, did you say port? my Ghost better not have any port, a little bourban, fine but no port. And if highjagger asks about inseam on this thread I'm outta here.
I ride the Ghost at 30lbs solo. will push it to 40 with the TP on.
Hogbreath, I have heard others say that they wished they still had the pump. good for blowing up the companions as needed, if you can find the Kanutin valve :cucumber:
Muhuhuhahaha , i will not , promised . :jack:
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1 Does your dealer have asked you whether you ride solo or what is your weight and adapted the air-pressure in the rear shocks ?
2 Or do you make this for your own ?
3 Do you have a pump ?
4 Is it easy to change the pressure ?
5 What is the pressure you drive with which weight on the bike ?
1 Most dealers probably will not ask.
2 Yes, probably best to do it on your own so you can fine tune it to your riding style and comfort.
3 Yes, I have the Suspension Air Pump (http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/gma_product.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442292571&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374309149264&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374309149264&bmUID=1230997424390&bmLocale=en_US)
4 Yes it is. It requires removing the left saddlebag to get to the chuck.
5 I keep mine at 45lbs. They will need to be checked often as they have a tendency to leak down
:pumpkin:
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
:fireman:
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My 06 RG leaked too. I took 5 mins and re-cut the ends of all the tubing and re-installed and That was the last time I aired it. I check it every 5k and its still where I originally set it. I have not had the chance to cut the tubing on the SERG.
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All I can say is there must be a lot of heavyweights ( note I did not say FT A$$'s) on this site if you are having to run that much air pressure in the rear shocks. I run 10lbs in the rear solo and 40 max 2-up loaded and trailer. Pressure may be different on the later models. Mine is a 99. Rides good and is comfortable.
Mike
:drink:
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Well, that ain't happenin' today. I need a BFW and a BFH to do that and the only ones I've seen lately are in your toolbox.
ROAD TRIP! :2vrolijk_21: :huepfenlol2: :huepfenjump3:
Got a friend who goes by the name B.U.D.
Blow Up Doll.
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All I can say is there must be a lot of heavyweights ( note I did not say FT A$$'s) on this site if you are having to run that much air pressure in the rear shocks. I run 10lbs in the rear solo and 40 max 2-up loaded and trailer. Pressure may be different on the later models. Mine is a 99. Rides good and is comfortable.
Mike
:drink:
Makes a difference Mike if you have the full length shocks, or the lowered shocks that come on the SEEG's, SERK's, and I believe on the SERG's as well.
I run around 20 solo (180 lbs. nekkid), 45-50 two-up. The shorter shocks also have a higher max pressure (50) than the standard length.
Jerry
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Makes a difference Mike if you have the full length shocks, or the lowered shocks that come on the SEEG's, SERK's, and I believe on the SERG's as well.
I run around 20 solo (180 lbs. nekkid), 45-50 two-up. The shorter shocks also have a higher max pressure (50) than the standard length.
Jerry
Thanks Jerry,
Mine are full length. I knew there had to be something different. OBTW I'm a slim trim 250lbs. Just short for my weight 5'11". ;D
Mike
:drink:
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Then all of you have this suspension air pump and you would say that i need it too ?
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Then all of you have this suspension air pump and you would say that i need it too ?
If you've got air shocks on the bike you need the pump to adjust them. It's a must-have item. In fact it's stupid they're not supplied as basic equipment with the bikes. The stock shocks are so poor, however, that given a choice between buying a pump and buying better shocks I'd buy better shocks.
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Ok, so what am I missing? I think the factory shocks are OK. What should I be looking for that I'm missing. I have a feeling I'll be opening the wallet again real soon...... :multi:
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Ok, so what am I missing? I think the factory shocks are OK. What should I be looking for that I'm missing. I have a feeling I'll be opening the wallet again real soon...... :multi:
Bill
Bill
Bill
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Ok, so what am I missing? I think the factory shocks are OK. What should I be looking for that I'm missing. I have a feeling I'll be opening the wallet again real soon...... :multi:
You not missing anything yet... until you buy more shocks then you'll be missing $$$ :huepfenlol2: :huepfenlol2:
I still have my stock (factory) shocks too, but I've been told I'm a "hard a___" :nixweiss: :D :D
:pumpkin:
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
:fireman:
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You not missing anything yet... until you buy more shocks then you'll be missing $$$ :huepfenlol2: :huepfenlol2:
I still have my stock (factory) shocks too, but I've been told I'm a "hard a___" :nixweiss: :D :D
:pumpkin:
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
:fireman:
No one should use Dood's ass for a suspension comparison. His has extra bits. And he only rides across the street anyway.
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No one should use Dood's ass for a suspension comparison. His has extra bits. And he only rides across the street anyway.
Don't be hating. :P ::) :D ;D
:pumpkin:
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
:fireman:
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Don't be hating. :P ::) :D ;D
:pumpkin:
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
:fireman:
Yes sir :coolblue: .
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You guys are too funny!!
I just read about the hype over this shock and that shock and figured I must be missing something. The '09 SEUC rides so much better than the '08 SERK, the '08 SERK rode like chit, so I get it on that model, so I just figured the shock issue was over.
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Does your dealer have asked you whether you ride solo or what is your weight and adapted the air-pressure in the rear shocks ?
Or do you make this for your own ?
Do you have a pump ?
Is it easy to change the pressure ?
What is the pressure you drive with which weight on the bike ?
Hi there,
a.) The dealer did not bother.
b.) Yep.
c.) Yes. I bought the little one from Harley-Davison.
d.) Very easy
e.) It varies.
I suggest you get the pump, it is not expensive, and run a couple of experiments with different pressure. You'll quickly find out, what you like best.
Word of caution: Do not use the pressure pumps at the gas stations - they are way to powerful.
Ride safely,
Louis
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THXS , I ordered , another 50 bucks ::)
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THXS , I ordered , another 50 bucks ::)
Yep. This site makes you spend money ;-)
Ride safely,
Louis
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I love to spend money , but i hate to earn it . ::)
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There's a big difference between the new shocks on the 09 frames and previous years. I run 12-15 in my RG but on the SERG I'm running 25-30. Manual states you can go up to 50 and recommends it if you have a TP and passenger.
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There's a big difference between the new shocks on the 09 frames and previous years. I run 12-15 in my RG but on the SERG I'm running 25-30. Manual states you can go up to 50 and recommends it if you have a TP and passenger.
So whats the big difference?
:nixweiss: :nixweiss:
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There's a big difference between the new shocks on the 09 frames and previous years. I run 12-15 in my RG but on the SERG I'm running 25-30. Manual states you can go up to 50 and recommends it if you have a TP and passenger.
So whats the big difference?
:nixweiss: :nixweiss:
That sounds like the same difference that existed on the older models between the standard length shocks and the "Profile" lowered shocks. The lowered shocks require more air pressure for the same load, and the maximum pressure is higher.
Jerry
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Not sure but if I remember correctly, The shocks was a re-design along with the frame. I just know when I put 15 psi in the new one and with the wife on back, I bottomed out. She only weighs 120. On my 06 I have not changed it since I originally put 15lbs in it and its a cadillac.
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so you guys don't agree with the stated pressures in the manual :nixweiss: :nixweiss: mine seems to be workin' with 12 psi
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I have the H.D air pump...the problem is, I like to ride solo with @7lbs in the shocks, when we ride two up 45 lbs. seems to makethe ride perfect. I'm constantly adjusting the pressure.....
Does anyone know if it's possible is install an electric pump with a release valve?
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Get the pump and experiment. I bought the pump when I picked up my bike and checked the psi when I got home. They set it at 10psi. I weigh 160lbs and it seems fine. When the wife is on board I'll pump it up to at least 25psi, maybe up to 35psi. It all depends on you...
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On my 07, I put 10 to 15 psi depending on solo or passenger. On the 09, I think I put it up around 40 psi. It was at 10psi when I picked up the bike and bottomed out big time every time I hit any kind of bump. I spoke to someone at the dealer about that just yesterday and was told to keep it between 30 and 50 psi at all times.
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Yes , the 15psi ( put in from the dealer ) bottomed by solo-ride on the highway , i have to go there and let him put 25 psi into it , my pump is ordered but not yet arrived .
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My dealer did put in 30 psi and it was very good to drive home , no bottomed solo driving. :2vrolijk_21:
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Today i rode to another dealer and asked him to put plus 5 psi into my rearshocks because they bottomed ( allthough my dealer had put in 30 psi , 4 weeks ago ) .
He wanted to know how much psi i have , and i answered 30 psi .
He was astonished and said that he has no rider with more than 15 psi in the rear shocks ( i don`t know whether he ment special SERG or all tourer ) .
He took the roadglide away and came back with a pump in his hand:
" Look , there have been 15 psi inside and now i have put in 30 psi , because this is the most i was able to put in , the pump only runs upto 30 psi , you need a pump because the shocks do loose pressure " .
Now i was astonished because i thought that one could go upto 50 psi in the SERG rearshocks and i thought ( as a few here wrote ) that the shocks would keep the air-pressure . ( the pump is on the way to me ) .
Now , tell me , what is the truth .
Do the shocks really loose air-pressure ( 4 weeks from 30 to 15 psi ) ?
Is it possible and does it make sense to put 50 psi into the shocks , or are they limited upto 30 psi ?
???????????
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Today i rode to another dealer and asked him to put plus 5 psi into my rearshocks because they bottomed ( allthough my dealer had put in 30 psi , 4 weeks ago ) .
He wanted to know how much psi i have , and i answered 30 psi .
He was astonished and said that he has no rider with more than 15 psi in the rear shocks ( i don`t know whether he ment special SERG or all tourer ) .
He took the roadglide away and came back with a pump in his hand:
" Look , there have been 15 psi inside and now i have put in 30 psi , because this is the most i was able to put in , the pump only runs upto 30 psi , you need a pump because the shocks do loose pressure " .
Now i was astonished because i thought that one could go upto 50 psi in the SERG rearshocks and i thought ( as a few here wrote ) that the shocks would keep the air-pressure . ( the pump is on the way to me ) .
Now , tell me , what is the truth .
Do the shocks really loose air-pressure ( 4 weeks from 30 to 15 psi ) ?
Is it possible and does it make sense to put 50 psi into the shocks , or are they limited upto 30 psi ?
???????????
Yes, and yes.
The shocks (OEM's) will bleed down and most that have kept those shocks have the MoCo pump for them. You don't want to use a high pressure pump as they have the potential to pop the bladders in the shocks.
Unless they have changed the shocks they will take a maximum of 50lbs. I usually keep mine at 45lbs (me riding solo is the size/weight of two average size riders ;D).
:pumpkin:
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
:fireman:
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I run 40 psi in my 09, and the manual says 50 psi on two up..
Marty
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I run 40 psi in my 09, and the manual says 50 psi on two up..
Marty
Still stock shocks ?
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It isn't necessary to live with large air pressure losses with the stock rear shocks. Just as is the case with tires, over time you will see some loss, but if you're losing more than a pound or two a week they can be fixed. First thing to look at is the plastic air lines where they attach to the fittings for the fill valve and where they enter the shocks. If the plastic lines aren't prepped correctly before assembly, they will leak. Test them the same way you would a natural gas connection, with soapy water and look for bubbles. If they leak, remove the line from the fitting and use a brand new, extremely sharp straight edge razor blade to trim the end off so it is square and smooth. Reinstall and move on to the next line until they all have been corrected. Next, check to make sure the fill valve core is tightened properly in the fill valve and isn't leaking. You can find a cheap tool to tighten them, along with a supply of replacement cores, at any auto parts store near the valve stem caps. Then, after making certain there are no leaks in the lines and fill valve, document how much air you are losing over how much time and then contact your dealer and/or the MoCo for shock replacement under warranty. No matter what they may try to tell you, it is not normal or commercially acceptable for an air shock to require constant monitoring and replenishment of the air.
You really need the specialized pump and gauge for these shocks, either from H-D or folks like Progressive Suspension. The shocks work with a small volume of air, and the pump & gauge need to have a special chuck that will not leak as you screw it on and off if you are to get a repeatable reading. And the official pump and gauge reads up to 60 psi, which is more than sufficient for the 50 psi max specification of the short shocks.
I still see what I believe are people comparing apples to oranges with regard to air pressure in this thread. The recommended air pressures will be significantly higher on bikes with lowered shocks. You may not know if you have lowered shocks, since the documentation from Harley kind of sucks on some of their bikes, but before you believe the guys with a CUSE who swear they run 15 psi with no problems and drop your pressure to match on a RK or RG, make certain what length shocks you have.
Jerry
BTW, I'm still looking for a 12 inch aftermarket air shock which would be better than the Harley Profile junk. Progressive and others have 13" models, but so far no one I've checked has a shorter version. Not interested in the adjustable on the fly stuff, just want the same seat height as stock but with decent damping and manual air fill.
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Klaus, maybe if you posted a pic of your BSR we could give you the appropriate air pressure
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IMO the pump is a ness-necc--necessss-you should definitely have one.A word of caution, whenever I change or check the pressure with the pump, I make sure that I have a little positive pressure on the pump as I make the connection.This will help keep any oil droplets or mist from getting out on the paint.I put some small dimples in my saddlebag lid on my RK.Not too noticable but I know there there.
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Good topic, made me check. "0" out of the box, yep, rode kind of hard. Got 30 in it now, much better. Can't remember who said it but it is so very true.....the air pump is the only thing I've ever purchased that was under a $100 :apple: Thought I got one hell of a deal.
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BTW, I'm still looking for a 12 inch aftermarket air shock which would be better than the Harley Profile junk. Progressive and others have 13" models, but so far no one I've checked has a shorter version. Not interested in the adjustable on the fly stuff, just want the same seat height as stock but with decent damping and manual air fill.
Hi Jerry,
I am not sure if I get you correctly, but Progressive has not only 13, but also 12 and 11.5 inch shocks in regular and heavy duty. Check this out
http://www.progressivesuspension.com/prodSearchResults.aspx?yearID=2009&makeID=37&modelID=1014
Ride safely,
Louis
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Klaus, maybe if you posted a pic of your BSR we could give you the appropriate air pressure
What do you mean with " pic of my BSR " ?
The SERG do have the short 12" stock shocks .
Is it possible that the dealers have old pumps ( which are limited to 30 psi ) ?
Are there available different pumps from hd ?
Loosing one pound per week means that i should loose 4 psi in 4 weeks , but from 30 to 15 it would mean 3,5 psi per week , that`s not acceptable , i think that i have to mention this thing when i bring it to the first service .
And then i have to check it on my own ( when i receive the pump , hope next week ) .
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What do you mean with " pic of my BSR " ?
(...)
He means that you should post a picture of your back seat rider ;-)
Ha ha ha
Louis
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Aaaah ,
I think that i better should not do this because then you will highjack this thread , Muhuhuhahaha .
But i can tell you that my BSR is not really often on the bike , and has only a little more than half my weight .
Ok , here it is on my Fatboy .
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Hi Jerry,
I am not sure if I get you correctly, but Progressive has not only 13, but also 12 and 11.5 inch shocks in regular and heavy duty. Check this out
http://www.progressivesuspension.com/prodSearchResults.aspx?yearID=2009&makeID=37&modelID=1014
Ride safely,
Louis
Hi Louis. On that fitment chart the basic air shock is the model 416, and it's the one that would most closely match what I'm looking for as a straight swap for the original Harley shocks. Back when I first researched these the web site only showed the 13.0 inch "stock" length. I notice they now also show 12.6" and 13.5" versions. That's closer, but still not the 12.0" I'm looking for. I guess the 12.6" may be the compromise I'll eventually have to go with, but since I seem to be shrinking a little as I age that .6" difference may be just enough to keep me from being able to flat foot the bike when moving it around. Oh well, such is life.
Thanks for posting that chart though, I was still under the impression that shock only came in one length (13.0) and it's good to know that this alternative is out there.
Jerry
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I am running 20 pounds in my shocks on the SERG. I weigh 185 and have not had a BSR on the bike. I have not bottomed out yet. Still trying to decide the best pressure for me, 30 was to high, and 15 to soft.
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Hi Louis. On that fitment chart the basic air shock is the model 416, and it's the one that would most closely match what I'm looking for as a straight swap for the original Harley shocks. Back when I first researched these the web site only showed the 13.0 inch "stock" length. I notice they now also show 12.6" and 13.5" versions. That's closer, but still not the 12.0" I'm looking for. I guess the 12.6" may be the compromise I'll eventually have to go with, but since I seem to be shrinking a little as I age that .6" difference may be just enough to keep me from being able to flat foot the bike when moving it around. Oh well, such is life.
Thanks for posting that chart though, I was still under the impression that shock only came in one length (13.0) and it's good to know that this alternative is out there.
Jerry
Those are 12" - 440-4061B/C and I just put the 11.5" - 440-4060B on my '09 SEUG, to lower it. All shocks are also available in heavy duty, and the ride is just about great.
Take a look at this thread
http://www.cvoharley.com/smf/index.php?topic=31428.30
and my reply #43
Ride safely,
Louis
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@ Louis ,
are those heavy duty shocks from hd and do they have air-pressure or do they work just with oil like the progressive ones , i seasrched on the " wilbers " website but i do not know anything about shocks .
Can you tell me which ones are best and which ones fit my SERG ?
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@ Louis ,
are those heavy duty shocks from hd and do they have air-pressure or do they work just with oil like the progressive ones , i seasrched on the " wilbers " website but i do not know anything about shocks .
Can you tell me which ones are best and which ones fit my SERG ?
Progressive 440's do not use air.
Earlier in the thread you mention that the '09 SERG has 12" shocks. In case you do not want to change this parameter (my main reason was to get the E-Glide lowered from 13" to 11.5" in the back), Progressive 12" will be best. There are several shocks to select from, I bought mine from OneStopMoto, the site is fabulous, http://www.onestopmoto.com , they have the
PROGRESSIVE SUSPENSION 440 Series I.A.S. Shocks - FLH/FLT (All) [06-09]
12" Heavy Duty (Black) - P/N 440-4058B
Current price $ 456.95 plus shipping
Note: 1) The 440-4058B/C and the 440-4060B/C part numbers listed above are newly designed in 2009 for all Touring Models 2006-2009. Purchasing the older design (old part numbers) will result in potential tire-fender rubbing and other interference.
2) Heavy Duty Shocks are recommended for bikes that are operated at or near the manufacturer’s maximum load rating over 50% of the time.
The ride improvement on my Ultra was significant, and despite being lower the comfort was almost as stock.
Ride safely,
Louis
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@ Louis :
THXS , great side-link .
Do you often ride such ( heavy)-loaded ?
Do you have to change or modify something because of the lowering ?
I think of trying the 11.5" heavyduty , do you think this 0.5" lowering will cause any problems or changes in handling ?
Do you replace yours on your own or at the dealer ?
They do not offer the shipping to germany , what did you pay ( if they do ) ?
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@ Louis :
THXS , great side-link .
Do you often ride such ( heavy)-loaded ?
On the E-Glide more often than on the other bikes.
Do you have to change or modify something because of the lowering ?
No. Just change the shocks.
I think of trying the 11.5" heavyduty , do you think this 0.5" lowering will cause any problems or changes in handling ?
I cant think of any reason, it worked on my '09 SEUC, and the '09 SERG should be similar ...
Do you replace yours on your own or at the dealer ?
The dealer replaced it, it only take five minutes. I guess you could do it on your own as well.
They do not offer the shipping to germany , what did you pay ( if they do ) ?
They did ship to Germany, it was about $65. They need a U.S. credit card, however. If they can't do that for you, maybe you should pm hd-dude on this site.
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@ Louis :
Do you have to change the oil in the progressives ?
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@ Louis :
Do you have to change the oil in the progressives ?
Not that I know of.
Ride safely,
Louis