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[jimmy g]

Just bought a new Screaming Eagle Road Glide.  The ride is very HARD.  I had a 2002 glide and loved it.  I assume lowered kit, low profile tires, and new "hard tread tires", and thin seat as the culprits.  It is breaking my back on rough roads.  Anybody else experiencing the same?  What have you done to minimize the issues?  I hope I did not make a $31,000 mistake!

[gordy]

$31000 is the starting point, you should know that by now.  Invest in a seat, lots to choose from and ride on.

[Fired00d]

You may want to check the air in the shocks they have been known to come from the factory/dealer with little to no air. The items you mentioned in your post will give the bike a different ride then your previous RG. Good luck in getting it set up and enjoying the new bike.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[jimmy g]

Any recommendation as to the air pressure?  I am about 165 lbs.

[Fired00d]

Check to see what is (if any is) in there, check the manual to see what is recommended for your weight, make sure that amount is in there, if the pressure is what it should be add 5lbs, ride the bike. If you think it's getting better, but not what you want keep adding at 5lb increments until you find something that suits you. This may or may not help, but it couldn't hurt.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[jimmy g]

Thanks, but by adding more pressure to the shocks, won't the ride become harder??

[Fired00d]

Not necessarily if there is no/low air in there you will feel every bump.. think about riding a hard tail. That's why you should check what's in there first, adjust to factory recommended level for your weight, then adjust from there.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[Highjagger]

it is definitely rougher and harder to handle because of the 18" wheels , the FLHX has the same shocks but is easier to handle , and the rides are more aggressive because of the handlebar , but i love it and i don`t want to go back to a batwing again , the sharknose is the non-plus-ultra .
It needs a little time to get used to this scooter but it is worth it .
Just my 2 cents 

[LarryB]

Pump it up to 30 lbs, and adjust from there. the max on these new SERG's is 50 lbs.

[9 1/2 Beers]

I have been using  this pump on my 09 seuc

     http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/gma_product.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442292571&default=none

This new pump is great, it doesn't allow the air pressure to decrease as you are trying to get the hose off the stem.

I use 40 psi in my shocks

[dartman]

Just bought a new Screaming Eagle Road Glide.  The ride is very HARD.  I had a 2002 glide and loved it.  I assume lowered kit, low profile tires, and new "hard tread tires", and thin seat as the culprits.  It is breaking my back on rough roads.  Anybody else experiencing the same?  What have you done to minimize the issues?  I hope I did not make a $31,000 mistake!

Its never going to ride like your 02 in stock form, bringing mine home from the dealer I hit a tar strip and almost broke my spine, On bad pavement I grit my teeth and raise up a little so im off the seat, I have several friends with street Glides that are lowered as well, they have swapped the low profile shocks with good results. Looks good and handle great otherwise, form over function.

[ragrep]

Hey Jimmy- for sure it wont be spongy like the older bikes- the seat seems harder over the stock 09 touring bikes, and lower profile tires 18" wheels give more road input- But dont worry the ride quality can be improved a lot. You will come to really love this bike especially on the highway.

Try adjusting the air pressure in the tires front to 36 and the rear tire to 38psi- if you are carrying 300+ lbs keep max pressure. Then try adjusting the air suspension: make sure to use the pump mentioned above or similar progressive suspension pump- otherwise go back to the dealer and have them check it and adjust.  Don't use anything else- like a bicycle pump or compressed air- you will blow out your shocks. You mentioned you are 165lbs- start at 20 psi-ride it then try 25psi-or 30 psi I set mine at 35 psi, and I weigh 215- and it was a little hard. 

I took off the airshocks and installed the Progressive 440 series shocks- and I am happy to say the ride quality improved significantly. These are a little pricey, but IMO worth the investment. You might find a second hand set from someone on  the forum; or look around on ebay. Alternatively the Progressive 412 series is more of a budget series shock compared to the 440- and I havent tried them on the 09 SERG, but they worked very well on my 06 RK, and are half the price. If you decide to go with the progressive shock- you would want the standard sping- not heavy duty, and they are 12" length.

I first thought the bike road a little rough compared to my old FLHX, but after new shocks, I really enjoy riding this bike more and more every day- it is ( so far) the best riding and handling Harley I have ever owned. So there is hope! Good luck-

[GregKhougaz]

Hey Jimmy, 

      I was surprised by your post.  I think you'll find the advice above helpful.   I (5'11", 185lbs) find the ride of the SERG just fine.  I run 39lbs front and 40 rear.  Use the leather conditioner the bike came with and the seat will soften up a lot.  I run 10 lbs air in the shocks, 25 with a passenger.  Los Angeles has it's share of bad roads.  Some of our freeways never recovered from the earthquakes.  I know from experience about the bad roads around Chicago.  I think it's what your expectations are.  I came off an 04 RG with the HD lowering kit.  When I put 18" wheels on it, it was firmer but also more precise, which I liked.  Good luck with the bike!

GK

[altugo]

I had a similar problem i had 25 on the shocks and rear tire tend to jump so i loweres it to 15 and it sworks fine now.I have 36 in front and 40 in back tire.I am about 200 pounds

[LarryB]

I am about 200 pounds

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