Rear shocks: Dial and air pressure question

bobhamlin · 10-28-2010, 07:13 PM

On the rear air shocks, do the 4 position dial and the ability to vary air pressure perform the same function?

For example, if I want a softer ride, can I lower the dial setting OR lower the air pressure? I've played with both settings and am not noticing any difference other than stiffer/bouncier-- and bottoming out if too little air.

**Cajunrider** · 10-28-2010, 07:29 PM

Bob, I set my rebound on IIII when riding 2 up and pulling the trailer with 37# of air. Riding alone, I set the rebound at II with 20# in the shocks. I prefer the firmer ride over the soft and mushy ride. With the condition of many of our roads I tend to drag the pipes in curves when there is a dip in the curve. Having a stiffer rear suspension helps prevent the dragging.

**ringadingh** · 10-28-2010, 08:48 PM

The #1 to #4 are the spring stiffness settings. the higher the number the stiffer the ride.The amount of air you put in the shock gives you some support, and helps keep you from bottoming out.

VulcanE · 10-28-2010, 10:43 PM

The air pressure controls how fast/much the shock compresses (more air, less compression= stiffer suspension), and the rebound dampening (I-IIII settings) controls how fast the shock expands back to where it was before it compressed. The higher the number, the quicker the expansion.

AlabamaNomadRider · 10-28-2010, 11:51 PM

Keep my set on II and about 20 pounds, which reminds me I need to check the air tomorrow. With cooler temps I am sure the air pressure has gone down.

10-28-2010, 07:29 PM	#2
Cajunrider Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: (SE Louisiana) Posts: 8,340	Rear shocks: Dial and air pressure question Bob, I set my rebound on IIII when riding 2 up and pulling the trailer with 37# of air. Riding alone, I set the rebound at II with 20# in the shocks. I prefer the firmer ride over the soft and mushy ride. With the condition of many of our roads I tend to drag the pipes in curves when there is a dip in the curve. Having a stiffer rear suspension helps prevent the dragging. __________________ 2016 Electra Glide Ultra Limited CVO Palladium Silver / Phantom Blue 110 cu in SE 2012 Electra Glide Ultra Limited (Traded 6/22/16) Tequila Sunrise / HD Orange Vance & Hines true dual headers Rinehart 4" slip ons Screamin Eagle Super Tuner Screamin Eagle Stage 1 intake Dyno tuned H.O.G.# 4514015 2007 Nomad 1600 (Traded 6/23/12) VBA #482
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10-28-2010, 08:48 PM	#3
ringadingh Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Newmarket Ontario Canada Posts: 35,387	Rear shocks: Dial and air pressure question The #1 to #4 are the spring stiffness settings. the higher the number the stiffer the ride.The amount of air you put in the shock gives you some support, and helps keep you from bottoming out. __________________ 2002 Nomad aka Bountyhunter VBA #27 VROC #18951
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10-28-2010, 11:51 PM	#5
AlabamaNomadRider Sr. Contributor Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Boaz, Alabama Posts: 13,742	Rear shocks: Dial and air pressure question Keep my set on II and about 20 pounds, which reminds me I need to check the air tomorrow. With cooler temps I am sure the air pressure has gone down. __________________ Gene Cross, Jr. Boaz, Alabama KawaNOW/VBA #1181 Login or Register to Remove Ads
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10-28-2010, 07:13 PM	#1
bobhamlin Advanced Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Thurmont MD Posts: 760	Rear shocks: Dial and air pressure question On the rear air shocks, do the 4 position dial and the ability to vary air pressure perform the same function? For example, if I want a softer ride, can I lower the dial setting OR lower the air pressure? I've played with both settings and am not noticing any difference other than stiffer/bouncier-- and bottoming out if too little air. __________________ Bob Hamlin RC PGR '06 VN1600D6F Login or Register to Remove Ads
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10-28-2010, 10:43 PM	#4
VulcanE Sr. Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Cartersville, Georgia Posts: 4,838	Rear shocks: Dial and air pressure question The air pressure controls how fast/much the shock compresses (more air, less compression= stiffer suspension), and the rebound dampening (I-IIII settings) controls how fast the shock expands back to where it was before it compressed. The higher the number, the quicker the expansion. __________________ Cliff "VulcanE" Evans 2005 Blue & Silver 1600 Nomad VBA # 320 VROC # 20381
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