Why Air Shocks?

[coot]

The right side air shock, on my 2006 1600, had been leaking oil but still held air.

Found a set of so called "new- take off-never on the road air shocks" from a Kawasaki dealer. When I opened the box, the packing paper was saturated with oil. After some insistence on the part of the dealer that this can't be true, the facts could not be denied. Returned to the dealer for a refund.

My question is, why do I need air shocks?

I've lost confidence in air shocks, and I'm considering replacement with Progressive-H.D. 13"-412 series shocks.

Any comments or suggestions?

My right shock started leaking oil too, BTW, but it's 5 years old now, so though it's unexpected and unwanted, it's a lot more understandable than on a 2-year old bike.

If the "Take-off" shocks were leaking oil, it was possibly just because the dealer laid them down in a box and did not cap the air valves. If the air valve cores were loosened or removed to discharge the air before removal from the bike, and not re-tightened correctly, or the air valves weren't capped, then they'd spill oil when laid down. That oil can be replaced.

I'm considering replacing mine with Harlwy air shocks, not that I think they'll be better shocks, but because they are much cheaper.

[radco]

Originally Posted by caddmannq

.

I'm considering replacing mine with Harlwy air shocks, not that I think they'll be better shocks, but because they are much cheaper.

Who makes the Harlwy Shocks ::)?Do you know a part #? DO I go to my Local Harlwy Shop to get them? Sorry couldnt resist

Originally Posted by radco

...Sorry couldnt resist...

Try harder! Some forms of resistance are not futile!

[macmac]

Ever notice how I speel? Well I spent a number of days with Cadd... So it is likely my hick ways rubbed off on him...

[ringadingh]

I think Showa makes Harlwy shocks and forks, or at least they used to.

[radco]

Originally Posted by caddmannq

Try harder! Some forms of resistance are not futile!

hey Im weak minded at least thats what the X wife says LOL..... WHAT model HARLEY Air Shocks do you use??? Saving $$$ is a GOOD thing. Thanks Rich

Like these:
eBay shocks

You just have to change the rubber bushings, from what I understand.

Unfortunately I lost out on the bid.

[doctorgski]

To get back to the original question, air shocks are necessary when you are riding two up on a long trip, and have all your stuff with you. You need the air shocks to pump up to keep from bottoming out with the back tire on hard bumps and swells in the road.

[radco]

DO you have to have Air Shocks.. NO.. Progressive makes several types that you adjust the Load by hand,,AIR shocks are more adjustable.from 0 to what ever the manufacture says is max 40PSI ? SO if you can get by with 3 or 4 adjustments on the spring then Yes Regular shocks will be fine,, and work for MOST people.......I just like the fact that I can fine tune the shocks closer to methe 4 settings.....ALSO if your a BIG GUY /Gal then Progressive makes a HEAVY DUTY Model with stiffer springs,, THOSE would throw my skinny BUTT off the bike LOL......Rich