Another Free Video By Bikers For Bikers!
VIDEO& BLOG-In this tutorial video I show you how to adjust your rear air suspension on your Harley Davidson touring model. I am using Lurch's 2008 Harley Davidson Street Glide in this video, but the air suspension shocks have been used on many other Harley Davidson touring models over a long period of time. Additionally, in the video and this blog I provide you with a recommended preload settings chart.
I had a 2011 Harley Street Glide prior to purchasing my 2014 Harley Davidson Street Glide Special, which had the adjustable air type rear suspension, so I am very familiar with it. I also have a tutorial video and blog on the adjustment knob on my 2014 Street Glide Special suspension.
VIDEO-Manual Adjust Harley Davidson Street Glide Touring Rear Suspension
You will need a small portable air pump to adjust the shocks/suspension on your Harley Davidson touring motorcycle. Harley does make a small portable air pump that has some benefits. There are other companies that make an air pump too.
Harley Davidson Touring Suspension Air Pump-54630-03A
NOTES
- Do not exceed max GVWR or GAWR
- ON FLHX MODELS: Always clear the line by adding 3-5 psi (21-35 kPa) before releasing air from the pump's valve, but do not exceed 50 psi (345 kPa).
- ON ALL BUT FLHX MODELS: Always clear the line by adding 3-5 psi (21-35 kPa) before releasing air from the pump's valve, but do not exceed 35 psi (241 kPa).
Here is an alternative that works just the same and is cheaper on Amazon:
Bagger Werx 07-012 Motorcycle Air Shock Hand Pump
CAUTION
Never use an air compressor to adjust your Harley Davidson suspension/shocks. Doing so can ruin your suspension system and is too powerful.
Low profile rear suspension recommended air pressures: FLHX (STREET GLIDE)
| Shock Load | Total Weight | Pressure |
|---|---|---|
| Solo Rider | up to 160 lbs (0-73 kg) | 0-5 psi (0-35 kPa) |
| Solo Rider | 160-200 lbs (73-91 kg) | 0-10 psi (0-69 kPa) |
| Solo Rider | Over 200 lbs (91 kg) | 5-10 psi (35-69 kPa) |
| Rider with passenger weight of | up to 150 lbs (0-68 kg) | 20-30 psi (138-207 kPa) |
| Rider with passenger weight of | over 150 lbs (over 68 kg) | 25-35 psi (172-241 kPa) |
| Maximum GVWR | See Label | 40-50 psi (276-345 kPa) |
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I am 220 and wife is 170, Bottom out all the time with 20 psi on shocks, Now i do have 2″ lower on back,
How much pressure can i run in shocks without damage to shocks or bike ride???
Danny,
I had a 2008 Street Glide and ran my rear shocks at 28 to 30 psi when the wife was riding with me. We run about 360 between us. I’d suggest trying 30 psi and see how it works for you guys.
~Lurch
Danny, we weigh about the same and I am having the same troubles. Mine is lowered one inch in the rear and bottom out. Let me know when you find the right amount of pressure. I am scared to put to much air in it, but I don’t want have to buy a new back tire either.
I have a 2008 ultra classic. While riding if it be just myself or I have doubles it feels like someone is grabbing the back brake or it’s locking up. I have not gone and looked at the underside of the rear fender to see if I was making contact and actually bottoming out. I do have a 1” lower bracket on the back. If I’m bottoming out does that mean my rear air suspension can not handle the riding weight or could they be damaged and not working properly? They do hold air and I did run it at 45-50psi and still had the same issue. Any advice for either replacement suspension or things I could check.
Thank you
Hard to say without being there. If it’s not bottoming our and rubbing, it could be your rear wheel bearing.
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Law Abiding Biker™ Team
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