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[SBB]

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?

 

[grc]

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?

 

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

[sblair]

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.

[sirbells]

so you guys don't agree with the stated pressures in the manual  mine seems to be workin' with 12 psi

[knothead]

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?

[JasonDeezy]

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...

[1abastarsmda]

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.

[Highjagger]

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 .

[Highjagger]

My dealer did put in 30 psi and it was very good to drive home , no bottomed solo driving.

[Highjagger]

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 ?
??

[Fired00d]

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 ).

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[9 1/2 Beers]

I run 40 psi in my 09, and the manual says 50 psi on two up..

Marty

[Highjagger]

I run 40 psi in my 09, and the manual says 50 psi on two up..

Marty

Still stock shocks ?

[grc]

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.  

[LarryB]

Klaus, maybe if you posted a pic of your BSR we could give you the appropriate air pressure