Changing pressure in shocks

[TaylorMcStrat]

I have a nice, high-pressure tire pump for my bicycles that can go to 100lbs./sq in.

Can I use that to change the pressure in the TG shocks? The owner's manual says I need a Harley pump (big surprise there). Can I use a hand pump?

Also, what kind of gas do you put in yours? High test? Regular?

 

[TheBobs]

Highly recommend AGAINST using a bike pump. One stroke on the handle will probably overload, and may damage your shocks. You can get one on ebay Buy it Now for $23.97. Just search ebay with the following phrase, "Air Shock Hand Pump for Harley Davidson FL Models." The gray version on there is exactly the version I have.

The pump will give you an accurate reading, plus allow you to release air while monitoring pressure. I'd use the appropriate handpump, but that's my $.02

In California, 91 is the high test. 91 is barely adequate, barely! I wished I had 92 or 93.

 

[msocko3]

As TheBobs said, get the correct pump their pretty cheap.

 

[grapenuts]

At the risk of being contrary, if you have a quality bicycle pump with a built in gauge you should be able to use it with no problem. Just remember that it will take less than a full stroke to add serious pressure to your shocks. I bought the Harley pump and like that it's small enough to keep with me.

As for gas, even though the compression ratio of the engine is fairly low, the higher octane in the premium will help prevent pinging or detonation due to engine heat. At an average of $1.00 more on a fill-up, why get cheap with your fuel?

 

[trikermutha]

I use a pump they use on bicycle air shocks basically the same as the harley pump.

 

[MontgomeryLittle]

I bought the one Harley had, because I needed it. At the time I had the money and could not wait on one from e-bay. The e-bay ones look identical except gray instead of black. Either way I would get a low pressure pump for sure. I ride a Police Bike and its handy for the seat bladder as well as the shocks, I use it on my wifes trike shocks, my buddy uses it on his RK 1999 front and rear. I would not be scared to pump a tire wth it if I had to, although it may take awhile.

Gas, I use premium in all my bikes and the wifes trike. The book rating for my cop glide is 91 octane.

 

[bobs67ss]

Wonder who had the idea to put the valve under that cover ? tired of it, so I moved it,tour pak is back 2 inches anyways

 

[iaff84]

Wonder who had the idea to put the valve under that cover ? tired of it, so I moved it,tour pak is back 2 inches anyways

You are the nifty one!!!!!!!!!

 

[Woolie]

You should be able to use the pump if it has a pressure gauge on it. I bought one off Ebay for about 25 bucks, not the Harley pump but just like it. The main plus for it is, you don't lose any pressure when disconnecting the pump, also it is small and easy to carry in the tour pack.

 

[JohnC]

Ok, dumb question. What does adding air to the shocks actually do? Does it take up some of the "slack" in the shocks to prevent bottoming out when riding two-up? Does the increased pressure stiffen the ride, making it less comfortable?

 

[Bigbill]

I have a nice, high-pressure tire pump for my bicycles that can go to 100lbs./sq in.

Can I use that to change the pressure in the TG shocks? The owner's manual says I need a Harley pump (big surprise there). Can I use a hand pump?

Also, what kind of gas do you put in yours? High test? Regular?

I use the Harley pump. It works real well for this purpose. Being able to remove it with out air loss is a plus also has a bleed valve to release air slowly if you over inflate. Its small enough to carry with you in your tool roll.

 

[Lakeman]

I have the Harley pump. It looks like a precision instrument and works great. It takes very little air to adjust the shocks so if your pump loses air when removing it you don't know where the pressure at. This pump is one Harley accessory that's worth the money!

 

[GARYD]

Years ago I bought a hand pump exactly like the H-D one except it would loose air as I removed it, so I put 5# more then needed before removing it. It was a PITA. I remember the instructions showed how to modify it for different type air valves, but I lost the instructions. I still have it so if I ever find the instructions I can revise it and sell it to someone.
I bought the H-D one 3 years ago and have been completely satisfied ever since. Works fantastic.

I have always used 87 regular gas in all my vehicles, Vettes included. I was told by a mechanic many years ago that if the manual says "Recommends 91" you can use 87 with no problems. If it says "Requires 91" then you have to use it. I have been using 87 octane since forever and have NEVER had a fuel related problem. Cars and bikes ran just fine.
The only time I use 91 in my Vettes is for track days or racing when I want 100% performance - the same for the Harleys. Why give our enemies any more money then I need to.

I will see how the trike acts with 87 and then make a decision on if I need to bump up to 91 octane. So far no problems.

 

[rhino 2]

Just me, But i figure for the price of two tanks of gas 91/93 octane I can get the proper air pump H/D And that will last for years, While the gas will be gone in a few days.::Shrug:

 

[screwball]

Why give our enemies any more money then I need to.

You aren't, we are buying crude oil, not gas. For an extra $1.20 a tank full, I'll spend the extra bucks and use the recommended fuel. You can't always hear pinging

 

[msocko3]

Why give our enemies any more money then I need to.

You aren't, we are buying crude oil, not gas. For an extra $1.20 a tank full, I'll spend the extra bucks and use the recommended fuel. You can't always hear pinging

:Agree: You hit the nail right on the head, I've seen pistons which have cracked from pinging. The pistons in the 103 are cast which doesn't lend its self to pinging very well, if it pings long enough it will crack the piston.

 

[Roundabout]

On a recent trip near the end of summer we discovered an interesting fact with our 2011 TG. In my part of the state (Texas) Super Unleaded has a 93 octane level. The TG runs very well on this gas. In the part of the state where we were travelling the level had dropped to 90 octane (Shell gas stations with 10% ethanol in both cases). Doesn't seem like much of a difference but whenever the outside temp got above 80 deg. the engine sure knew the difference. Loss of power and occasional pinging.