Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[GregKhougaz]

       Need some advise here.  Thanks in advance! 

       I've had more than my share of issued with this bike:  2009 SERG Warranty Claims -- How many??.  The most recent is a leaking left rear shock.  Dealer orders one and when the tech goes to put it on, he finds that the incorrect shocks were installed on the bike at the factory:  13" instead of 12".  BTW, the correct part number on the shock is 45662-09.  If you have a SERG3 or SESG, you might want to check.  There's a little sticker at the bottom of the shock barrel with the part number.  Dealer has ordered a second 12" shock but installed new 13" to keep me rolling for now. 

       Checked the front fork and yes, it is lowered.  21" spring: #48787-09.  Regular is 22".  I know I've seen HD comment in the accessory book that you should not lower the front without the rear lowered as well.  But I've ridden the bike for a year this way.  I've found it to be a comfortable ride but have read other's complaints.  Previously, I had an 04 RG with front and rear lowered and it was fine.  So, do I keep the 13" shocks or have HD put the correct ones on  ? ? 

        Any thoughts would be appreciated.  Thanks again! 

[HOGMIKE]

       Need some advise here.  Thanks in advance! 

       I've had more than my share of issued with this bike:  2009 SERG Warranty Claims -- How many??.  The most recent is a leaking left rear shock.  Dealer orders one and when the tech goes to put it on, he finds that the incorrect shocks were installed on the bike at the factory:  13" instead of 12".  BTW, the correct part number on the shock is 45662-09.  If you have a SERG3 or SESG, you might want to check.  There's a little sticker at the bottom of the shock barrel with the part number.  Dealer has ordered a second 12" shock but installed new 13" to keep me rolling for now. 

       Checked the front fork and yes, it is lowered.  21" spring: #48787-09.  Regular is 22".  I know I've seen HD comment in the accessory book that you should not lower the front without the rear lowered as well.  But I've ridden the bike for a year this way.  I've found it to be a comfortable ride but have read other's complaints.  Previously, I had an 04 RG with front and rear lowered and it was fine.  So, do I keep the 13" shocks or have HD put the correct ones on  ? ? 

        Any thoughts would be appreciated.  Thanks again! 

Hmmmm.......shocks here on a '09 FLHX are 54636-09.
There is a notation on the box that says: "Stock on '09 FLHX, FLTRSE3"
They measure 12"
Hope this helps a bit!

[RayG]

I put 13" Bitubo's on my 08 SERK and due to the shock angle it only raised the bike 9/16" of an inch from the stock 12". I didn't due the AK-20"s until the next year, and the bike road fine. I do have a spine problem so I went with the longer length for the increased suspension travel. I'm only 5' 7" and can barely go flat footed but in my case it was worth it. I drove the 09 SERG and found it to be the best riding HD I have ever rode, I can't see where the slight increase would make a difference.

Good Luck

Ray G.   

[Screamin]

Now that the dealer / moco are aware I'd go w/ what's supposed to be. I'd also see about making a good great deal on the wrong ones that seem to work well.

[TN]

       Need some advise here.  Thanks in advance! 

       I've had more than my share of issued with this bike:  2009 SERG Warranty Claims -- How many??.  The most recent is a leaking left rear shock.  Dealer orders one and when the tech goes to put it on, he finds that the incorrect shocks were installed on the bike at the factory:  13" instead of 12".  BTW, the correct part number on the shock is 45662-09.  If you have a SERG3 or SESG, you might want to check.  There's a little sticker at the bottom of the shock barrel with the part number.  Dealer has ordered a second 12" shock but installed new 13" to keep me rolling for now. 

       Checked the front fork and yes, it is lowered.  21" spring: #48787-09.  Regular is 22".  I know I've seen HD comment in the accessory book that you should not lower the front without the rear lowered as well.  But I've ridden the bike for a year this way.  I've found it to be a comfortable ride but have read other's complaints.  Previously, I had an 04 RG with front and rear lowered and it was fine.  So, do I keep the 13" shocks or have HD put the correct ones on  ? ? 

        Any thoughts would be appreciated.  Thanks again! 

what day was your bike assembled? 

doesn't sound like it affected the handling with 13", i've been taught that on bikes its ok to have the rear a bit lower, but not higher. good luck and keep us apprised.



TN

[GregKhougaz]

Hmmmm.......shocks here on a '09 FLHX are 54636-09.
There is a notation on the box that says: "Stock on '09 FLHX, FLTRSE3"
They measure 12"
Hope this helps a bit!

Thanks Mike!  I think the 54636-09 is the lowering kit shock.  But the parts manual for the SERG says the correct number is 45662-09and that's what the dealer ordered.    

I put 13" Bitubo's on my 08 SERK and due to the shock angle it only raised the bike 9/16" of an inch from the stock 12". .....
 I drove the 09 SERG and found it to be the best riding HD I have ever rode, I can't see where the slight increase would make a difference.
Good Luck
Ray G.   

Ray, that's a good point.  I'll have to look at the angle.  We might be looking at 9/16th" height but still 1" of shock travel.  Probably only matters when you have a passenger.  Not sure I want to "upgrade" the suspension.  Seems like it's very pricey to do and I've never felt the need.  On the other hand, guys that have seem to love it.

Screamin'  HD's paying for all of this!

 

What day was your bike assembled? 

Doesn't sound like it affected the handling with 13", I've been taught that on bikes its OK to have the rear a bit lower, but not higher. good luck and keep us apprised.

TN

TN, The bike was assebled in Sept. 09.  That's what concerns me, having the front lowered but stock rear.  I've read that's baaaaad.  I'm thinking I'll go 12" unless someone has a reaon not to.  Anyone? 

THANK YOU ALL ! ! ! ! 

[RayG]

Greg,

Wasn't trying to push you into purchasing the Bitubo's, I only answered your post to make sure some understood that just because you are considering the difference in height between the 12" and the 13" it doesn't take in account for the angle of the shock once in place for actual seat height. I knew you understood what I was saying with the 9/16 height increase between either, I would personally prefer the additional travel. IMHO after riding your model a few times I found that the 09's rode significantly better than my 08 SERK even with mine having the Traxxion and the 13" Bitubo's and dozens of hours of trying to tune it for our nasty pot holes. If I had your 09 I would not spend the money on the suspension upgrades either, not knocking Traxxion, but the 09' ride much better than the older models IMO.  I would trade my 08 SERK with the upgrades for an 09 SERG in a heartbeat.

I don't think you will notice any substantial difference between the 12" or the 13" shock, but it should have been right from the factory to begin with.

Good Luck

Ray G.   

[BUBBLEHEAD]

Keep both sets of shocks and ride what feels good to you.




If I had your 09 I would not spend the money on the suspension upgrades either, not knocking Traxxion, but the 09' ride much better than the older models IMO.  I would trade my 08 SERK with the upgrades for an 09 SERG in a heartbeat.


That statement answers my question in the 09-2010 traxxion thread. Thanks

[GregKhougaz]

Ray, Bubblehead,

Thanks for the information!   I'm still waiting on the 12" correct shock.  Hope to have it in a couple of days.  The 13" the dealer put on did not help with holding air.  So, this weekends poker ride (two up) was not a fun ride at all.  I post when I get them on with a "ride report." 

Thanks again!! 

[GregKhougaz]

Oh My!  Dealer put on the correct shocks yesterday and by the time I got home I was bottoming out on nearly every bump or pot hole.  Shocks leaking again!  Tried the bubble test last night and again at dealer this a.m. to find leak to no avail.  Dealer replaced lines and valve and finally!  Bike now rides fine with the suspension it was supposed to have in the first place.  Not cushy by any means.  Firm but not too much with 30 psi in the shocks.  With the lowered rear, wind shield seems to work a bit better.  Hoping not to see the dealer for a while!   

Thanks again for the comments and information! !

[LarryB]

damn greg, you sure have had your problems with your bike.

[Highjagger]

Now Greg , after comparing your (wrong)old 13" shocks to the new stock 12" shocks , which version is better ?
Do you wish you would have the 13" back ?

[GregKhougaz]

Hey Klaus,

I don't think I can say one is better than the other.  Apparently one of the 13" shocks leaked most of the time it was on the bike.  Then I had an issue with the air system leaking. The 12" shocks seem fine to me but need about 5 more pounds of air that the 13's to make sure they don't bottom out.  I'm 185 lbs and my principle passenger these days is...   ...  ...   cute!  (Maybe, 120 lbs.)

Though there is a one inch difference i shock size, it's been pointed out here before that due to the angle, the difference in height is only about 5/8".  Thus the ride difference, while stiffer, is not that noticeable.  If I really push the bike, I can scrape the floor boards on either side with either shock.  Not that I've gotten past the issues, I'm at a loss to see why guys spend so much money on aftermarket suspensions.  On the other hand, I've yet to ride a bagger with progressives or bitubos any real distance.  Hope this answers your question. 

Merry Christmas to all!

[Highjagger]

thxs ,
imho it is a touring bike and not a race bike .

[bigmegina]

i have a 09 SERG shocks are 12 inches and part #is 544662-09