Air in rear shocks

bunky · 03-07-2016, 05:47 PM

Looks like we are coming into spring and the roads are clean enough.
Since I haven't been on the bike yet, I was wondering how much air I would need to pump into the shocks.
I am 260 lbs and no passengers. I realize that's enough weight....
Gonna get my dealership to do this since he has to do the wiring recall anyways.

redjay · 03-07-2016, 06:49 PM

Start with 20 psi and go up or down from there.

I would get a zero loss pump and do it yourself unless you want to take it to the dealer everytime

rozie · 03-07-2016, 07:02 PM

Mine is set at 15psi from my local dealership. Im 240lbs and its never bottomed out riding solo. The zero loss pump is a must have if you change from solo to two up and back alot. They cost around 50 bucks at your dealership.

wayfarer · 03-07-2016, 07:14 PM

I run mine at 20 with mostly 2-up riding. You can get a zero loss on fleabay pretty cheap.

bunky · 03-07-2016, 07:53 PM

My dealership told to get a zero loss pump.
I won't be doing 2 up riding so having him put me at 20 pounds should be sufficient for my big bum.
Thanks for setting me on the right path.

redjay · 03-07-2016, 08:18 PM

You should check them every couple of weeks

hlknvlcn60 · 03-07-2016, 08:54 PM

They can hold 43 lbs. ....all depends on how you like to ride. I don't like a mushy ride, but rather, a firm one and I weigh about 220. I always keep 35 lbs. consistently in my Vaquero shocks for the firmer ride and also because I like the handling of the big bike, and I have always been one to fast corner. The 35 lbs. gives my bike great cornering clearance and stability in the turns. I have my dampers set at position 4.

OldSchool · 03-07-2016, 08:58 PM

You have a Yamaha Fz1. I have absolutely no idea How much air you should run in the shocks.

bunky · 03-08-2016, 04:34 AM

I HAD a FZ1.... OldSchool,
Now I am the proud owner of a 2015 vaquero.
I guess I better update my profile.
Thanks HLK for reminding me about the dampers.

Gypsy Dragon · 03-08-2016, 01:29 PM

I run 41. I like a firm ride.

hlknvlcn60 · 03-08-2016, 09:30 PM

Right...firm well controlled ride. When the bags get loaded and the pack goes on the back for a road trip. the big Vulcan goes to 40 psi each.

Puckman77 · 03-09-2016, 09:25 PM

Do you seriously need to check every couple of weeks? I haven't checked since I bought the bike in November and don't notice any change in ride comfort (including great 165 mile ride yesterday). I ride 2-up occasionally and didn't notice any issues then either.
I know it is easy to do but I think I would be satisfied with one pressure that works for any conditions. Whatever that pressure may be.

**Sabre-t** · 03-09-2016, 10:34 PM

No one has mentioned it, but you are supposed to check the shock pressure with the rear tire off the ground. I don't know that really makes any difference, as long as you are comfortable with the pressure you have.

Don't know if having the bike upright vs. on the stand would make a difference in getting equal pressure in both shocks, but this might be where some folks have gotten unexpected tire wear patterns from.

hlknvlcn60 · 03-10-2016, 11:31 AM

If the bike is upright is may get your reading for the shock pressure a little more accurate. I put mine in the wheel chock and upright it to level, then check the pressure and place about 35 bs. in each one. They hold very well and give me that nice firm but still compliant ride. And.....you always check pressure with the weight of the bike firmly on the ground. If you raise it up, it stretches the shocks out and you will not get an accurate reading, as it takes all the pressure off of them.

bunky · 03-10-2016, 11:47 AM

In looking over the manual, it does say to raise it off the floor. I am a highway rider, so it seems to stay at around 30'ish and with the dampener at at 2, I should be pretty good.
Thanks guys for keeping me in the know of comfy riding.
Southern Ontario weather is cooperating, so I should be on the road within the week.

03-07-2016, 05:47 PM	#1
bunky Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Tillsonburg, Ontario Posts: 148	Air in rear shocks Looks like we are coming into spring and the roads are clean enough. Since I haven't been on the bike yet, I was wondering how much air I would need to pump into the shocks. I am 260 lbs and no passengers. I realize that's enough weight.... Gonna get my dealership to do this since he has to do the wiring recall anyways. Login or Register to Remove Ads
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03-07-2016, 06:49 PM	#2
redjay Top Contributor Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ontario Posts: 6,927	Start with 20 psi and go up or down from there. I would get a zero loss pump and do it yourself unless you want to take it to the dealer everytime Last edited by redjay; 03-07-2016 at 08:17 PM.
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03-07-2016, 07:02 PM	#3
rozie Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: ontario canada Posts: 94	Mine is set at 15psi from my local dealership. Im 240lbs and its never bottomed out riding solo. The zero loss pump is a must have if you change from solo to two up and back alot. They cost around 50 bucks at your dealership. __________________ 2015 vulcan vaquero ABS SE mettalic carbon grey 12in. windshield grasshopper driver backrest oem aux lights ram mount for gps freedom performance true duals tank bra saddle bag chaps kuryakin longhorn cruise pedals black isso grips chucksters risers k&n air filter ivanized VBA#03256
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03-07-2016, 07:53 PM	#5
bunky Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Tillsonburg, Ontario Posts: 148	My dealership told to get a zero loss pump. I won't be doing 2 up riding so having him put me at 20 pounds should be sufficient for my big bum. Thanks for setting me on the right path. Login or Register to Remove Ads
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03-07-2016, 08:54 PM	#7
hlknvlcn60 Advanced Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: crooked river ranch oregon Posts: 723	They can hold 43 lbs. ....all depends on how you like to ride. I don't like a mushy ride, but rather, a firm one and I weigh about 220. I always keep 35 lbs. consistently in my Vaquero shocks for the firmer ride and also because I like the handling of the big bike, and I have always been one to fast corner. The 35 lbs. gives my bike great cornering clearance and stability in the turns. I have my dampers set at position 4. __________________ 2012 Vaquero S.E. Chuckster's tear drop intake, Freedom true dual racing exhaust, Ivan flash, Clearview windscreen, Corbin gunfighter seat, Clockwerk's hugger style front fender, Kawasaki KQR backrest and luggage rack, kuryakyn iso grips and rear passenger boards, front highway pegs, revolutionspeed clutch and primary covers and reservoir and switch box covers and Kuryakyn skeleton rearview mirrors.
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03-07-2016, 07:14 PM	#4
wayfarer Jr. Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 38	I run mine at 20 with mostly 2-up riding. You can get a zero loss on fleabay pretty cheap.
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03-07-2016, 08:18 PM	#6
redjay Top Contributor Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ontario Posts: 6,927	You should check them every couple of weeks
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03-07-2016, 08:58 PM	#8
OldSchool Sr. Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Ballwin,MO. Posts: 1,542	You have a Yamaha Fz1. I have absolutely no idea How much air you should run in the shocks. __________________
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03-08-2016, 04:34 AM	#9
bunky Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Tillsonburg, Ontario Posts: 148	I HAD a FZ1.... OldSchool, Now I am the proud owner of a 2015 vaquero. I guess I better update my profile. Thanks HLK for reminding me about the dampers.
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03-08-2016, 01:29 PM	#10
Gypsy Dragon Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Round Rock, Tx. Posts: 493	I run 41. I like a firm ride. __________________ 1997 KZ1000 Police 2003 Kawasaki Z1000 w/ 149k mi (sold) (un-sold!) 2013 Vaquero in Green (the fastest color) Thunder Mfg Prototype Hi Performance Kit Rev 2 109 cid Klockwerks Windshield Corbin Young Gun Throttle Mod Freedom Performance 2-1 Roarin Toyz Intake PCV with AutoTune Ivanized ECU
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03-08-2016, 09:30 PM	#11
hlknvlcn60 Advanced Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: crooked river ranch oregon Posts: 723	Right...firm well controlled ride. When the bags get loaded and the pack goes on the back for a road trip. the big Vulcan goes to 40 psi each. __________________ 2012 Vaquero S.E. Chuckster's tear drop intake, Freedom true dual racing exhaust, Ivan flash, Clearview windscreen, Corbin gunfighter seat, Clockwerk's hugger style front fender, Kawasaki KQR backrest and luggage rack, kuryakyn iso grips and rear passenger boards, front highway pegs, revolutionspeed clutch and primary covers and reservoir and switch box covers and Kuryakyn skeleton rearview mirrors.
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03-09-2016, 09:25 PM	#12
Puckman77 Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: NJ Posts: 62	Do you seriously need to check every couple of weeks? I haven't checked since I bought the bike in November and don't notice any change in ride comfort (including great 165 mile ride yesterday). I ride 2-up occasionally and didn't notice any issues then either. I know it is easy to do but I think I would be satisfied with one pressure that works for any conditions. Whatever that pressure may be.
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03-09-2016, 10:34 PM	#13
Sabre-t Join Date: May 2015 Location: Marietta, GA Posts: 838	No one has mentioned it, but you are supposed to check the shock pressure with the rear tire off the ground. I don't know that really makes any difference, as long as you are comfortable with the pressure you have. Don't know if having the bike upright vs. on the stand would make a difference in getting equal pressure in both shocks, but this might be where some folks have gotten unexpected tire wear patterns from.
	0

03-10-2016, 11:31 AM	#14
hlknvlcn60 Advanced Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: crooked river ranch oregon Posts: 723	If the bike is upright is may get your reading for the shock pressure a little more accurate. I put mine in the wheel chock and upright it to level, then check the pressure and place about 35 bs. in each one. They hold very well and give me that nice firm but still compliant ride. And.....you always check pressure with the weight of the bike firmly on the ground. If you raise it up, it stretches the shocks out and you will not get an accurate reading, as it takes all the pressure off of them. __________________ 2012 Vaquero S.E. Chuckster's tear drop intake, Freedom true dual racing exhaust, Ivan flash, Clearview windscreen, Corbin gunfighter seat, Clockwerk's hugger style front fender, Kawasaki KQR backrest and luggage rack, kuryakyn iso grips and rear passenger boards, front highway pegs, revolutionspeed clutch and primary covers and reservoir and switch box covers and Kuryakyn skeleton rearview mirrors.
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03-10-2016, 11:47 AM	#15
bunky Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Tillsonburg, Ontario Posts: 148	In looking over the manual, it does say to raise it off the floor. I am a highway rider, so it seems to stay at around 30'ish and with the dampener at at 2, I should be pretty good. Thanks guys for keeping me in the know of comfy riding. Southern Ontario weather is cooperating, so I should be on the road within the week.
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