Air Shock Question

superduty · 05-27-2008, 05:08 PM

Hi All,
I stopped by a local H-D dealer today and picked up a small hand pump to add some air to my shocks. The insisted on collecting my name/address info so they can send me info on upcoming events, however they seemed a bit less enthusiastic when they asked the year, make, model of my bike and I told them. :)

Anyway, so I have a pump and want to experiment with some adjustments when Mrs. SuperDuty rides with me. I have a jack, but no adapter yet, so I don't think I can get the rear wheel off the ground. Is that absolutely necessary when adding/checking air pressure?

Thanks.

MarkG · 05-27-2008, 05:12 PM

I don't jack it up. I just level the bike up and make sure both sides are the same. There is another thread on the site that has various opinions as to the settings of the shocks.

05-27-2008, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by superduty

...so I have a pump and want to experiment with some adjustments when Mrs. SuperDuty rides with me.....

Experiment? Hell! Pump them suckers waaay up!

(Just Kidding!...do not exceed 45 psi! They'll pop, even without Mrs. Superduty on 'em!)

05-27-2008, 05:31 PM

BTW, Having the bike leaned over has nothing to do with the pressures comming out equal IMO because the frame and swingarm on a Nomad are rigid as hell back there. The only difference would be if the swingarm bearings were worn out or the frame bolts are loose. Otherwise I do not think just leaning the bike on the sidestand makes one iota of difference unless you've got the thing really loaded down.

There have been bikes with really flexy frames, but the Nomad isn't one of them.

cactusjack · 05-27-2008, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by superduty

Hi All,
I stopped by a local H-D dealer today and picked up a small hand pump to add some air to my shocks. The insisted on collecting my name/address info so they can send me info on upcoming events, however they seemed a bit less enthusiastic when they asked the year, make, model of my bike and I told them. :)

Anyway, so I have a pump and want to experiment with some adjustments when Mrs. SuperDuty rides with me. I have a jack, but no adapter yet, so I don't think I can get the rear wheel off the ground. Is that absolutely necessary when adding/checking air pressure?

Thanks.

Remember when you couldn't buy anything at Radio Shack that they didn't want your mailing address? Must be the marketing model HD has chosen to emulate.

**Top Cat** · 05-27-2008, 05:51 PM

Superduty, I ride with 16 lbs in each shock and rebound set on 3 whether I'm solo or two up..
I don't level the bike either, just leave it on side stand. Don't have a jack. Yet.

caddman11 · 05-27-2008, 06:32 PM

I just make sure the bike is level when pumping--OH YEA!!!

**ringadingh** · 05-27-2008, 06:52 PM

The settings on the shocks are kind of a personal choice, I like them at about 35lbs on #3 setting. I prefer it a little stiffer ride instead of overly soft, especially on winding roads.

refugio · 05-27-2008, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Top Cat (TC)

Superduty, I ride with 16 lbs in each shock and rebound set on 3 whether I'm solo or two up..
I don't level the bike either, just leave it on side stand. Don't have a jack. Yet.

Hey Topcat....Completely off subject here.
Where did you get those reflectors that you have on the back of your bags?...If they are reflectors.

coloradontexas · 05-27-2008, 07:46 PM

what is this jack adapter ya'll are talking about?

05-27-2008, 07:47 PM

Look for Idaho's jack adaptor in the For Sale section here.

**Cajunrider** · 05-27-2008, 08:45 PM

Hey superduty, I purchased the Progressive Suspensions equalizer kit for my shocks. It was $21 and keeps both shocks equal in pressure via a small plastic hose that is hidden under your seat. The kit comes with the hose and the two connections that screw onto your existing air up connections. Just remove the schrader valves, screw the connections on, hook up the hose and air up at one connection. I checked all of my connections with soapy water and there were no leaks apparent. I keep the shocks at 25# and the rebound on II for riding alone or 2 up. I didn't buy the hand pump. I turn on my compressor until the tank and hose gauges are indicating 25# and then turn the switch off. Air them up and good to go.

nighthawk700 · 05-27-2008, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by superduty

Hi All,
I stopped by a local H-D dealer today and picked up a small hand pump to add some air to my shocks. The insisted on collecting my name/address info so they can send me info on upcoming events, however they seemed a bit less enthusiastic when they asked the year, make, model of my bike and I told them. :)

When I got a plate for the VA state inspection sticker at my local Harley dealer, they asked if I had a Harley. When I said no, they rang me up as a guest instead of putting me in the computer.

bobzinger · 05-28-2008, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caddmannq

BTW, Having the bike leaned over has nothing to do with the pressures comming out equal IMO because the frame and swingarm on a Nomad are rigid as hell back there. The only difference would be if the swingarm bearings were worn out or the frame bolts are loose. Otherwise I do not think just leaning the bike on the sidestand makes one iota of difference unless you've got the thing really loaded down.

There have been bikes with really flexy frames, but the Nomad isn't one of them.

I thought the same thing. BUT With my progressive pump installed the reading changes 3-4 lbs from straight up to on it's side stand.

05-28-2008, 12:21 PM

I found the best ride for me is #2 (on air) solo and #4 (no air) 2-up. Never bottom out.

05-27-2008, 05:08 PM	#1
superduty Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Independence, MO Posts: 259	Air Shock Question Hi All, I stopped by a local H-D dealer today and picked up a small hand pump to add some air to my shocks. The insisted on collecting my name/address info so they can send me info on upcoming events, however they seemed a bit less enthusiastic when they asked the year, make, model of my bike and I told them. :) Anyway, so I have a pump and want to experiment with some adjustments when Mrs. SuperDuty rides with me. I have a jack, but no adapter yet, so I don't think I can get the rear wheel off the ground. Is that absolutely necessary when adding/checking air pressure? Thanks. Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

05-27-2008, 05:51 PM	#6
Top Cat Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Peoples Republic of New York State Posts: 15,154	Air Shock Question Superduty, I ride with 16 lbs in each shock and rebound set on 3 whether I'm solo or two up.. I don't level the bike either, just leave it on side stand. Don't have a jack. Yet. __________________ Tim "TC" Conley VBA #9 2011 Victory Kingpin mine 2013 Victory Boardwalk -hers [LEFT][COLOR=#000000] [SIZE=4]
	0

05-27-2008, 06:32 PM	#7
caddman11 Advanced Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Northwest Indiana Posts: 890	Air Shock Question I just make sure the bike is level when pumping--OH YEA!!!
	0

05-27-2008, 06:52 PM	#8
ringadingh Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Newmarket Ontario Canada Posts: 35,387	Air Shock Question The settings on the shocks are kind of a personal choice, I like them at about 35lbs on #3 setting. I prefer it a little stiffer ride instead of overly soft, especially on winding roads. __________________ 2002 Nomad aka Bountyhunter VBA #27 VROC #18951
	0

05-27-2008, 07:46 PM	#10
coloradontexas Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 397	Air Shock Question what is this jack adapter ya'll are talking about?
	0

05-27-2008, 05:12 PM	#2
MarkG Sr. Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Chandler, AZ Posts: 1,255	Air Shock Question I don't jack it up. I just level the bike up and make sure both sides are the same. There is another thread on the site that has various opinions as to the settings of the shocks. __________________ Mark Griffin 2021 Manhattan Metallic K1600GTL 2016 Silver K1600GTL - sold 2015 Red/Blk Cross Country Tour - sold 2008 Red/Blk Nomad - sold KE7HG VBA 00176, IBA 65686, MOA 211564 Mesquite '08\|Custer '09\|Cortez '10\|Maggie Valley '11\|Kanab '12\|Estes Park '13\|Red Lodge '16\|Custer '18
	0

05-27-2008, 05:31 PM	#4
Guest Posts: n/a	Air Shock Question BTW, Having the bike leaned over has nothing to do with the pressures comming out equal IMO because the frame and swingarm on a Nomad are rigid as hell back there. The only difference would be if the swingarm bearings were worn out or the frame bolts are loose. Otherwise I do not think just leaning the bike on the sidestand makes one iota of difference unless you've got the thing really loaded down. There have been bikes with really flexy frames, but the Nomad isn't one of them.
	0

05-27-2008, 07:47 PM	#11
Guest Posts: n/a	Air Shock Question Look for Idaho's jack adaptor in the For Sale section here.
	0

05-27-2008, 08:45 PM	#12
Cajunrider Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: (SE Louisiana) Posts: 8,340	Air Shock Question Hey superduty, I purchased the Progressive Suspensions equalizer kit for my shocks. It was $21 and keeps both shocks equal in pressure via a small plastic hose that is hidden under your seat. The kit comes with the hose and the two connections that screw onto your existing air up connections. Just remove the schrader valves, screw the connections on, hook up the hose and air up at one connection. I checked all of my connections with soapy water and there were no leaks apparent. I keep the shocks at 25# and the rebound on II for riding alone or 2 up. I didn't buy the hand pump. I turn on my compressor until the tank and hose gauges are indicating 25# and then turn the switch off. Air them up and good to go. __________________ 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
	0

05-28-2008, 12:21 PM	#15
Guest Posts: n/a	Air Shock Question I found the best ride for me is #2 (on air) solo and #4 (no air) 2-up. Never bottom out.
	0

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Air shock pump	cactusjack	Parts & Accessories	11	07-05-2011 01:37 AM
Shock Air Pressure ??	usranger74	Vulcan Nomad/Vaquero/Voyager	15	06-06-2011 08:35 AM
air shock	1moresin	1500 & 1600 Nomad	31	05-06-2011 07:32 PM
Air Valve on Shock	ballast	1500 & 1600 Nomad	7	04-24-2011 11:52 AM
Air Shock test #2		1500 & 1600 Nomad	64	03-28-2011 11:16 AM