Harley air shocks?

[Shorty]

I bought 3 airshocks from touring HDs. I plan on putting them on the rear of the Bonneville, and also the Dnepr sidecar it is mated to. I'm trying to get the rig to have about the same spring rate on all 3 shocks. What is a good ballpark air pressure to set these things up with? What pressure do you run your Hogs at? I plan on having individual air valves on all 3. Thanks.

[BillinPA]

Hi Shorty, first thing g is what year are the shocks? The later models can take higher pressures. You might start at 25 psi. I think that is max on the older shocks. I will check my manual tomorrow.

[Shorty]

Hi Shorty, first thing g is what year are the shocks? The later models can take higher pressures. You might start at 25 psi. I think that is max on the older shocks. I will check my manual tomorrow.

Hi Bill. Never thought to ask. FLHT. year unknown. P/N#   54565–97a  (2 of those)   and 1  54565-97b  Thanks, mister.

[Kev m]

The part numbers indicate they were introduced in 1997 and have possibly been in use from then to present with one of two revisions (Harley changes the last two digits when a new part is introduced and adds alphas when revised).

Based on the year of introduction I'll assume they are low pressure shocks and I wouldn't add more than a few psi.

Actually in the Sportster community it's not uncommon to run them with no air pressure on the relatively lighter (550-580#) Sportsters. Remember they came off bikes that weigh 700-800#.

[Mike Tashjian]

To fill the air shocks requires a hand pump. Use one that is specific for the air suspensions and it will have a no air loss fitting too.  The volume of air is very small and not easy to get right without the right style pump.  Mike

[ken farr]

Unless you are really set on the individual valves for each shock, why not just link the 2 on the bike, have one fill point and equal pressure ?
I assume because of the sidecar, different pressures ?


kjf

[Shorty]

Unless you are really set on the individual valves for each shock, why not just link the 2 on the bike, have one fill point and equal pressure ?
I assume because of the sidecar, different pressures ?


kjf

I didn't get the schraeder valve with these shocks. Plastic hoses only. I was told that many owners simply put individual valves on them as a cost savings (Guzzi content). The stock Triump rear shocks are not strong enough (with sidecar attached) and have a different spring rate than the shock on the Dnepr.  Given the weak front suspension, that makes life a little too interesting at times.  Hopefully with the 3 rear shocks sprung the same way, and using a little air to balance it out , all I will need to do is beef up the front with better springs, thicker fork oil, etc..

[LowRyter]

I think I'd just ride it up to Meyers Duran and ask them if they'd pump them up for you and let you know the specs.

[Rotten Ralph]

On my '03 with a car I run 0-5 lb. I'm about 170 lb.

Manual specs for the low pressure shocks are:
Up to 150 lb - 0 lb
150-200 lb 0-10 lb
200-250 lb 5-15 lb
Add 5-10 lb for a passenger

Should invest in the HD air pump if you don't already have one.

Might also want to try the Harley Davidson Forum.

[Shorty]

On my '03 with a car I run 0-5 lb. I'm about 170 lb.

Manual specs for the low pressure shocks are:
Up to 150 lb - 0 lb
150-200 lb 0-10 lb
200-250 lb 5-15 lb
Add 5-10 lb for a passenger

Should invest in the HD air pump if you don't already have one.

Thanks RR!   

Might also want to try the Harley Davidson Forum.

[Kev m]

Also, in case this helps. Here's a great website with complete parts lists for late-model Harleys.

It shows the stock fittings and whatnot in case you are curious:

http://partsfinder.onlinemicrofiche.com/ronnies/showmodel.asp?Type=13&make=hdmc&a=632&b=34&c=0&d=2007 FLHT ELECTRA GLIDE® STD (FV) SUSPENSION - REAR AIR SHOCK ABSORBERS

Looks like these shocks were in use up through 2008, but already up to revision "C" by at least 07, which suggests yours are earlier (looking further I see a "B" in use in 03).

Looks like they changed the shock in 09 ---> 54565-09 

[Madtownguzzi]

No need to spend the extra money on a Harley shock pump just get one like this. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006ID37ZS/ref=pd_sbs_263_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=WDW5EEKPVE64KK4QDTVX

[Shorty]

Thanks, fellas. 

[HDGoose]

Also...change the oil in the shocks. Remove the air valve and invert them and pump h oil out. Turn over to refill while pumping again. Pre 2008 9oz of fluid, 2008 and up 10oz of fluid.

[BillinPA]

I see you got some good info. My 2000 lists up to 25psi.

[Shorty]

When I went to mount the air shocks, I was surprised to find that the Triumph shock mount lugs were quite a bit bigger than the  Harley eyelet bushings. I removed the metal inserts, and it was a go.  I used a screw type air reduction valve to lower my compressed air down to a trickle, then inflated the shocks. The very act of checking the pressure with a normal tire gauge is enough to bleed them back almost to nil.  So, I blew them up to 50psi, then "checked" them back to around 25 +-psi.  The difference is very noticeable. The ride is smoother, and the rig does not "hunt" going over bumps. I like it.  Next, I will trade out the sidecar shock for a third HD air shock. I want a sidecar brake, so I need to contact Dauntless Sidecar for a Ural drum brake kit. Or, they can weld me a Sportster  front wheel axle and disk brake stanchion on the Rusky swingarm. Thicker fork oil in the front will hopefully tame the nosediving a little. Slow but sure we get there.

[oldbike54]

 A friend put a set of HD air shocks on his old airhead . They worked OK , but now the bike can't pass a roadhouse 

 Dusty

[BillinPA]

If you dial it in anymore...you might keep this one!!!! LOL

[Shorty]

If you dial it in anymore...you might keep this one!!!! LOL

First time for everything.