Yet another shock question

[jwg383]

The owners manual for my 2010 nomad says that the rear of the bike must be elevated ie: tire off the ground, before air can be added. What is the purpose of elevating it? What will it hurt if I don't?

Thanks in advance.
Wes

[recumbentbob]

My 08 owners manual says the same thing.

I have added air both ways elevated and on the ground. On the ground I think yu get a little higher reading because of the weight of the bike.

Won't hurt a thing, just be careful and don't over fill it. DON"T use an air compressor or you will blow the seals out of the shock. The shock is low pressure and very low volume.

The best thing is a zero loss shock pump I have used a bicycle zero loss shock pump and also a Harley Davidson shock pump.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Bob is correct in that with the rear wheel on the ground you will get a slightly higher air pressure reading. It won't hurt anything to check your pressure and add air with the wheel on the ground. You will just have slightly less air than you think you do.

[ringadingh]

You could try it with the wheel off the ground, then check it with the wheel on the ground and see what the difference is.

[ramdam1]

I just purchased a 2011 Nomad and would like a little advise on shock pressure. Two up about 350lbs. Any experience from the group would help. Also on the damper adjustment. Thanks!!

[wiz]

If the bike is in the air, the shock will be at a consistent uncompressed volume and the pressures given will be accurate. If the bike is on the ground, you will put in less air since the shock is already compressed and get the same pressure reading. So, if you put in 30 pounds with the bike on the ground, you will not have as much air in the shocks as if you put 30 pounds in while the bike is elevated with the rear tire off the ground. Buy a Harbor Freight or Craftsmen (same thing - choose the one on sale) lift and you will get a lot of use out of it.

[wiz]

I just purchased a 2011 Nomad and would like a little advise on shock pressure. Two up about 350lbs. Any experience from the group would help. Also on the damper adjustment. Thanks!!

Congratulations and enjoy the new bike! (sorry, no experience with new Nomads)