Air Pressure in Shocks???

T

Teresa T

New member
The first thing I bought was my suspension pump from HD. I asked the guy at the parts counter the day I bought my FLHTCU..."Is there anything you can think of that I should not leave the store without?" He went over and took the pump off the shelf and said, "You'll need one of these." He was right, the pressure bleeds off after a few weeks and should be checked regularly. I have to open my bag on the left side and then it's easy to access.

Remember, your working with a very small amount of air volume. I mean it's not like your filling up a tire...all you are filling is the line plus a bit inside the shocks. The HD pump is perfect for the application. In fact it is designed for this application. To raise the pressure say four lbs it only takes maybe four strokes with the pump if that...so forget the bicycle pump it's a joke. I can tell by feel that it is a very small amount of air your pumping...bicycle pumps are made for high volume and high pressure...a bike tire is most of the time 65PSI but a lot of racing tires are 100-140PSI.

I own and operate a bicycle shop for a living and I can tell you straight up that the HD pump is first class quality. It works very good, easy to use, does not leak when disconnecting, and is easy to read...also has a deflation button if you happen to over inflate a bit.

Buying a cheap pump should not even be an option. HD price is $45...well worth the money...I keep mine in the Tour Pak in the aftermarket pocket storage bag...along with a small flashlight.

Honestly, I can't see why anyone thinks $45 is expensive. If you want a cheap pump one thing is for sure...it will always be a cheap pump. Like a nice wrench, every time you use it...it looks, and feels and works like nice tool. I really hate it when a customer comes back after buying a "CHEAP" pump and says it won't work...I have to demonstrate that it does work, just not like the good one. THey paid $14.99 for a pump that cost me $3 and they wonder why it is a POS. The good pumps I sell cost me $25 and I sell them for $45. I always reccomend the good pumps, but when they bawk, and I think I'll lose the sale, then I'll show them the cheap one. Think about it, I make more money selling crap...the problem is that it's a pain in the arse to have to explain why the cheap pump they bought works like a cheap POS. BUY THE FRIGGEN HD PUMP!!!
 
Everyone has great input here. The only thing I'd add is don't get hung up on what the owners manual says. You got to play with that thing and pump it up to thier suggested pressure. Then take it out and try it. Come back and if it didn't feel good enough, pump it some more until you get the ride you expect. My wife and I weigh about 285 together and I like it at 40 lbs. The HD Pump is great and worth the money.
 
Two thoughts:
1) If you are losing pressure after a few weeks, YOU HAVE A LEAK! I check mine a couple times a season and never lose a single pound. I have talked to many other guys in the area and they say the same thing.
2) All shocks are not the same and have a different max pressure, so be sure the numbers you are using are for your bike. It won't matter unless you are going over 35 pounds, but be aware and know YOUR equipment.
 
I bought the pump. Used to ride at 25psi changed to 45psi for a trip with me and loaded with extras. Haven't changed it back like it the way it is.
 
Are the recommended settings different for the '09 Standards from previous years? I have an '09 FLHTP, but there is no recommended setting for 2 up riding. I have mine set at 40 and it does feel firm.

Bob.
 
Buy the pump and don't worry about it. I carry 20 for two up and I'm 250. It should say somewhere in the manual mine does. I purchased mine at Texan in Conroe Texas go outside to air them up and my buddy with a Ultra classic and he asked do you think I have air shocks on mine I had to LOL. His wife really liked the smoother ride from then on. Check it rather often especially when loading the bike down with wife and luggage.
 
i weigh 200# and use 20 psi solo. works just right for me on my streetglide. using the recommended pressure in the owners manual allowed the rear to bottom out the suspension on these g'damm oklahoma highways. don't cheap out on the pump, get the right one, it works. you can find used ones in the classifieds section. if you get the walmart small bicycle pump, you'll end up getting the good harley one later on. buy good quality once or buy junk several times.
 
I also have 07 Ultra ride 2up most of the time. I put 35-40 loaded up. 25 -35 solo or 2up. Best thing to do is get Harley pump works great and try different pressures until you find what you like best. Also keep it in original box it will last longer. By the way I have lowered shocks which require a little more pressure.
 
Back
Top