Rear shock settings??

mobandy78 · 11-08-2010, 02:48 PM

I know there are several answers to this question, but I'm open to all of them.

I was looking the bike over and noticed that the shocks can be adjusted. I have never messed with them or made any adjustments. How do I know where they should be set for the best ride? I am 6'2" and weigh 220 lbs. Most of my riding is one up, but occasionally my fiance will ride.

I see there is a dial setting and an air nozzle to adjust them. What are the numbers for and how much air should be in the shocks? Thanks in advance.

**Top Cat** · 11-08-2010, 03:07 PM

It is kinda like seats. Everybody has a different comfort level.
I am 5'11" and weigh 238. Ride solo almost always. Have my air at 15 lbs and my dial set at 2.
One thing is certain, do NOT use an air hose at a gas station to air up the shocks. You will probably blow out the seals.
Get a no loss air pump like the Progerssive hand pump.
I believe the shocks hold a max of 40psi but could be wrong on that. Some one will be along to clear that up I'm sure.
Main thing I wanted to convey is do NOT use a an air hose at a gas station to air up the shocks.

redjay · 11-08-2010, 04:45 PM

Solo #1 and 20 psi. Two up #4 and 20psi, works for me. I am 220 lbs, the wife is ????
I aint stupid enough to ask.

cactusjack · 11-08-2010, 05:25 PM

When I removed my tourpak, I went to setting II and 30 psi. With the tourpak, I keep it on setting III. I never ride two-up.

**glwilson** · 11-08-2010, 07:45 PM

I am assuming those of you that posted were measuring the air pressure in the shocks while the bike was on the ground.

If I remember correctly, there was an issue regarding how the air-pressure should be measured... and I believe it was while the bike was off the ground. Does that sound right to anyone?

I had mine set on #3 and had fifty-pounds pressure measured with the bike on the ground. Rode two-up all the time. I weigh 150lbs, and rider was 110 lbs. I know some had an issue with that, but I never had any problem with that much pressure.

ponch · 11-08-2010, 08:13 PM

You are supposed to measure and adjust the air pressure while the wheels are off the ground. I think 40 psi is max. I used to run 30 lbs and the damper set to II. Make sure you have a pump made for air shocks, which progressive sells. An air compressor will blow them out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by glwilson

I am assuming those of you that posted were measuring the air pressure in the shocks while the bike was on the ground.

If I remember correctly, there was an issue regarding how the air-pressure should be measured... and I believe it was while the bike was off the ground. Does that sound right to anyone?

I had mine set on #3 and had fifty-pounds pressure measured with the bike on the ground. Rode two-up all the time. I weigh 150lbs, and rider was 110 lbs. I know some had an issue with that, but I never had any problem with that much pressure.

redjay · 11-08-2010, 08:31 PM

I never measure the air pressure while the bike is off the ground. Never had an adverse issue with doing it with the bike on the ground.

ponch · 11-08-2010, 08:45 PM

I did it according to hoyle, meaning the service manual. YMMV any other way.

Quote:

Originally Posted by redjay

I never measure the air pressure while the bike is off the ground. Never had an adverse issue with doing it with the bike on the ground.

AlabamaNomadRider · 11-08-2010, 09:10 PM

I ride solo with the setting on II and air pressure of 25.

**glwilson** · 11-08-2010, 09:58 PM

Ponch... that answers my question. So, since I was using 50 lbs on the ground, I was less than the 40 lbs max allowed when off the ground. ;)

I would think for those using a much lower pressure when measured on the ground, that technically the air you have in the shock is not really providing much "cushion".

You are mostly riding on the adjustable shock. Just thinking that may be the case -- especially if you are using a setting of 3 or 4.
Don't know for sure, but that seems to make some sense.

mobandy78 · 11-08-2010, 10:51 PM

Thanks for the input everyone. So, I get the air pressure is going to be up to me. Basically anywhere from 15-35 lbs., depending on what I feel is most comfortable. So, what does the settings on the dial tell me? Is that determine the stiffness of the shock?

I have a hand pump that I use for my bicycle tires that will fit the air nozzle. It has an accurate gauge built into the pump. Would that work on the shocks?

ponch · 11-08-2010, 11:01 PM

It probably would work. Just make sure you have the rear off the ground. Depending on how the bike if outfitted or even what is in the bags, it will affect the pressure reading in the shocks. IIRCC, having the rear off the ground is a baseline that is consistent. Never use an air compressor.

the higher the pressure the great load capacity and the stiffer the ride will be with a given load. You want to match the pressure to the load. If you weigh 150lbs, 30 is too high.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MO

Thanks for the input everyone. So, I get the air pressure is going to be up to me. Basically anywhere from 15-35 lbs., depending on what I feel is most comfortable. So, what does the settings on the dial tell me? Is that determine the stiffness of the shock?

I have a hand pump that I use for my bicycle tires that will fit the air nozzle. It has an accurate gauge built into the pump. Would that work on the shocks?

mobandy78 · 11-08-2010, 11:09 PM

Thanks Ponch. Unfortunately, I don't have any way to get the rear of the bike off the ground. I'm assuming the "technical" way to adjust the shocks is with the rear wheel in the air, but will adjustments work with the bike on the ground?

**Cajunrider** · 11-08-2010, 11:21 PM

Ndbigfish posted a while back that the psi you put in the shocks with the wheel off of the ground increases by 4 lbs with the wheel on the ground. He did this at varied pressures and it came out very close each time. Riding 2 up with the trailer hitched up and loaded I run 38 psi with the rebound set on IIII and the wheel on the ground. This should be close to 34 psi with the rear wheel lifted. Maximum loading calls for 43 psig. Manual says not to exceed 71 psig or risk damaging the oil seal. Riding solo I run 30 psig and the rebound set at II. I use a no loss hand pump with a pressure gauge range of 0 - 60 psig. I also had an Progressive equalizer kit on the original shocks. I haven't installed it yet on the OEM replacement shocks.

**Top Cat** · 11-08-2010, 11:22 PM

I have a way of getting the bike off the ground but still measure and air up the shocks with it on the ground. Don't see any adverse effects.
The air is for when the shocks compress and the dial setting is for rebound which keeps the tire on the road.

11-08-2010, 03:07 PM	#2
Top Cat Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Peoples Republic of New York State Posts: 15,154	Rear shock settings?? It is kinda like seats. Everybody has a different comfort level. I am 5'11" and weigh 238. Ride solo almost always. Have my air at 15 lbs and my dial set at 2. One thing is certain, do NOT use an air hose at a gas station to air up the shocks. You will probably blow out the seals. Get a no loss air pump like the Progerssive hand pump. I believe the shocks hold a max of 40psi but could be wrong on that. Some one will be along to clear that up I'm sure. Main thing I wanted to convey is do NOT use a an air hose at a gas station to air up the shocks. __________________ Tim "TC" Conley VBA #9 2011 Victory Kingpin mine 2013 Victory Boardwalk -hers [LEFT][COLOR=#000000] [SIZE=4]
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11-08-2010, 07:45 PM	#5
glwilson Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: North Central Illinois Posts: 8,575	Rear shock settings?? I am assuming those of you that posted were measuring the air pressure in the shocks while the bike was on the ground. If I remember correctly, there was an issue regarding how the air-pressure should be measured... and I believe it was while the bike was off the ground. Does that sound right to anyone? I had mine set on #3 and had fifty-pounds pressure measured with the bike on the ground. Rode two-up all the time. I weigh 150lbs, and rider was 110 lbs. I know some had an issue with that, but I never had any problem with that much pressure. __________________ "During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." "You can have your own opinion, but not your own facts." *Former VBA NCR Assist Regional Leader* Formerly: 2004 1500FI Bronze Nomad: 2009 & 2014 HD Ultra Current Rides: 2017 HD Ultra Limited & 2011 Can Am Spyder RTS-SE Attended: VBA National Rallies 2009, 2011, 2015; VBA/NCR Regional Rally 2010, 12, 14, 16 and several rides throughout with regional members. VBA Member #652 HOG Member #3935417 Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

11-08-2010, 08:31 PM	#7
redjay Top Contributor Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ontario Posts: 6,950	Rear shock settings?? I never measure the air pressure while the bike is off the ground. Never had an adverse issue with doing it with the bike on the ground.
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11-08-2010, 09:10 PM	#9
AlabamaNomadRider Sr. Contributor Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Boaz, Alabama Posts: 13,742	Rear shock settings?? I ride solo with the setting on II and air pressure of 25. __________________ Gene Cross, Jr. Boaz, Alabama KawaNOW/VBA #1181
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11-08-2010, 09:58 PM	#10
glwilson Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: North Central Illinois Posts: 8,575	Rear shock settings?? Ponch... that answers my question. So, since I was using 50 lbs on the ground, I was less than the 40 lbs max allowed when off the ground. ;) I would think for those using a much lower pressure when measured on the ground, that technically the air you have in the shock is not really providing much "cushion". You are mostly riding on the adjustable shock. Just thinking that may be the case -- especially if you are using a setting of 3 or 4. Don't know for sure, but that seems to make some sense. __________________ "During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." "You can have your own opinion, but not your own facts." *Former VBA NCR Assist Regional Leader* Formerly: 2004 1500FI Bronze Nomad: 2009 & 2014 HD Ultra Current Rides: 2017 HD Ultra Limited & 2011 Can Am Spyder RTS-SE Attended: VBA National Rallies 2009, 2011, 2015; VBA/NCR Regional Rally 2010, 12, 14, 16 and several rides throughout with regional members. VBA Member #652 HOG Member #3935417
	0

11-08-2010, 02:48 PM	#1
mobandy78 Sr. Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Owasso, OK Posts: 1,485	Rear shock settings?? I know there are several answers to this question, but I'm open to all of them. I was looking the bike over and noticed that the shocks can be adjusted. I have never messed with them or made any adjustments. How do I know where they should be set for the best ride? I am 6'2" and weigh 220 lbs. Most of my riding is one up, but occasionally my fiance will ride. I see there is a dial setting and an air nozzle to adjust them. What are the numbers for and how much air should be in the shocks? Thanks in advance. __________________ Matt "Mo" Moore Owasso, Oklahoma VBA #1250 2005 Nomad 1600 - Darkside "There is no normal life, there's just life. So get on with it." - Doc Holiday Login or Register to Remove Ads
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11-08-2010, 04:45 PM	#3
redjay Top Contributor Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ontario Posts: 6,950	Rear shock settings?? Solo #1 and 20 psi. Two up #4 and 20psi, works for me. I am 220 lbs, the wife is ???? I aint stupid enough to ask.
	0

11-08-2010, 05:25 PM	#4
cactusjack Mega-Contributor Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Where it doesn't snow...ever! Posts: 21,926	Rear shock settings?? When I removed my tourpak, I went to setting II and 30 psi. With the tourpak, I keep it on setting III. I never ride two-up. __________________ Scott "Cactusjack" Hanks VBA #00105 H.O.G. #4250060 2011 H-D Ultra Limited 103ci :: 2011 HD Electra Glide Ultra Limited w/Stage 1 :: Rallies: Mesquite '08\|Custer '09\|Cortez '10\|Crescent City '11\|Kanab '12\|Antlers '12\|Estes Park '13\|Antlers '13\|Orofino '14\|The Dalles '17
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11-08-2010, 10:51 PM	#11
mobandy78 Sr. Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Owasso, OK Posts: 1,485	Rear shock settings?? Thanks for the input everyone. So, I get the air pressure is going to be up to me. Basically anywhere from 15-35 lbs., depending on what I feel is most comfortable. So, what does the settings on the dial tell me? Is that determine the stiffness of the shock? I have a hand pump that I use for my bicycle tires that will fit the air nozzle. It has an accurate gauge built into the pump. Would that work on the shocks? __________________ Matt "Mo" Moore Owasso, Oklahoma VBA #1250 2005 Nomad 1600 - Darkside "There is no normal life, there's just life. So get on with it." - Doc Holiday
	0

11-08-2010, 11:09 PM	#13
mobandy78 Sr. Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Owasso, OK Posts: 1,485	Rear shock settings?? Thanks Ponch. Unfortunately, I don't have any way to get the rear of the bike off the ground. I'm assuming the "technical" way to adjust the shocks is with the rear wheel in the air, but will adjustments work with the bike on the ground? __________________ Matt "Mo" Moore Owasso, Oklahoma VBA #1250 2005 Nomad 1600 - Darkside "There is no normal life, there's just life. So get on with it." - Doc Holiday
	0

11-08-2010, 11:21 PM	#14
Cajunrider Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: (SE Louisiana) Posts: 8,340	Rear shock settings?? Ndbigfish posted a while back that the psi you put in the shocks with the wheel off of the ground increases by 4 lbs with the wheel on the ground. He did this at varied pressures and it came out very close each time. Riding 2 up with the trailer hitched up and loaded I run 38 psi with the rebound set on IIII and the wheel on the ground. This should be close to 34 psi with the rear wheel lifted. Maximum loading calls for 43 psig. Manual says not to exceed 71 psig or risk damaging the oil seal. Riding solo I run 30 psig and the rebound set at II. I use a no loss hand pump with a pressure gauge range of 0 - 60 psig. I also had an Progressive equalizer kit on the original shocks. I haven't installed it yet on the OEM replacement shocks. __________________ 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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11-08-2010, 11:22 PM	#15
Top Cat Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Peoples Republic of New York State Posts: 15,154	Rear shock settings?? I have a way of getting the bike off the ground but still measure and air up the shocks with it on the ground. Don't see any adverse effects. The air is for when the shocks compress and the dial setting is for rebound which keeps the tire on the road. __________________ Tim "TC" Conley VBA #9 2011 Victory Kingpin mine 2013 Victory Boardwalk -hers [LEFT][COLOR=#000000] [SIZE=4]
	0

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