In this video I'll show you how to change your worn out Harley air shocks to the superior new style Harley shocks, without spending a bunch of money. www.ridelikeap... www.tabperform... www.motorcycle... / ride.like.a.pro.inc
Пікірлер: 119
@jddockery2 Жыл бұрын
If you put both bottom bolts on with the bike lowered you get room to work, then jack the bike up and do the longer shock first. Then the weight of the bike will compress it so that you can line up the second shock. Let the jack do the hard work.
@RandomAmerican Жыл бұрын
I'm having a pretty bad day at work and when you said "tighter than a clams ass" made my day a bit better 😂
@insanecnc Жыл бұрын
Nice video. I still have the original air shocks on my 04 Road King. I have never cared for them. I don't ride this bike much and now I am in the middle of replacing fuel pump, regulator and filter. Old gas really did a number on inside my tank. The filter/strainer mesh that is attached to the fuel pump has disintegrated in pieces and same with the rubber around the stock fuel pump. No wonder why it wouldn't start, lol. Once I got the fuel sending unit assembly out and the tank off the bike I got a good look inside and I can see the interior gray tank coating is flaking off . Boy what a job.
@roblow55225 ай бұрын
Old post new advise, turn that allen screw loose on the side and top of that left shock. Then swing that big nob out to clear the fender and retighten the allen screw.
@dadabg87474 ай бұрын
Or add washers. Mines had washers on the bike
@chpalmer2007 Жыл бұрын
Thanks guys! Just finally took the lowering kit off my Sporster that my late father in law had put on it.. New shocks as well. Rides so much better.
@dadabg87474 ай бұрын
Yep they fit perfectly! I placed them on my 08 RKC. Mine also had the 12 inch air shocks and I scored a pair of 13" 22 premium's like yours for $75. However my bike had allen bolts and two washers inside the eyehole to frame. So my clearance was perfect on both sides. I'm 285lbs and had to drop the shock pressure setting # to 5 from 7. They are comfortable. However, it does sit my bike up higher so its definitely a new ride. But turns are amazing on her! Bumps are smooth and I don't feel like I'm bottoming out at all! Now I'm going to change fork oil and up the weight from factory 7wt to 15wt.
@pb68slab18 Жыл бұрын
Some years ago, friend bought a set of lowering shocks for her new Roadking. She gave me the like new take-offs for doing the swap for her. So I put them on my RK!
@kurtisstiern5164 Жыл бұрын
I got mine for $25! Haven’t got to install them yet.😊Thanks Alan and Motorman!
@kurtisstiern5164 Жыл бұрын
Those air lines are John Guess fittings. Press the red collar down with needle nose and the hose will release and pull out without wrenching.
@GuretoSefirosu Жыл бұрын
What's wrong with air shocks? MY 1991 FLHTCU has them front and rear and they work wonderfully. In fact all of my bikes (three are antiques, 1981, 1985, 1986) have air shocks and they ride well when aired correctly. Also, I only run E0 in my bikes. I have not had a starting problerm in decades. E10 kills bikes. I don't even run stabilizer. I am in the process of editing a video to prove why you should run E0. My wife's 1986 Rebel 450 sat with E0 in the tank for six years. I pulled it out, changed the oil, plugs, filters, and wires, then used a jumpstart on it. It fired right up and ran on 6yr old gas. Carbs don't leak or anything.
@williamdecamp7343 Жыл бұрын
They suck
@danielhildebrand6892 Жыл бұрын
Love my air shocks on my 98 as well. 2 psi front 8 rear.
@W.451 Жыл бұрын
I use E-continually but my bike never sits idle long so the gas doesn't absorb moisture. Never any corrosion in the carb or bowl. When I test the gas ( usually Shell ) it typically tests at 8% ethanol. Most E-10 is rarely a full 10%. Letting "gasahol" sit more than a couple of weeks in your tank can collect moisture.
@GuretoSefirosu Жыл бұрын
@@W.451 Correct, but moisture isn't the issue. The issue is that the ethyl alcohol soaks into various rubber components. As it evaporates it dries the components. Some last years, some last a few months. I have friends who ride carbureted bikes like me (I do not want fuel injection on my cruisers) and the ones who run E10 go through yearly carb rebuilds. When they separate the carbs it looks like rubber cement that is half-dried and black. New seals and another year they go!
@julegodfirnon9331 Жыл бұрын
If you did not check your belt tension I would recommend you do. when I went from twelve to thirteens my belt became quite a bit looser.
@BikerJim74 Жыл бұрын
Even the new stock shocks are junk. You can get some decent Fox shocks for about 6 or 700 bucks. Not "cheap" but better than spending 1500 or more on Legends or Ohlins and they work 10x better than the stock trash cans.
@thanosetsitty1896 Жыл бұрын
That is what I was thinking. Ohlins and legends are too expensive for me. I was also thinking air shocks but I’m not too sure if it really makes your ride comfortable, I don’t know?
@fabiors10 Жыл бұрын
@@thanosetsitty1896 I went with the RevoA Legends and it was by far the best upgrade on the motorcycle. It was expensive 999 ( I didn't get the reservoir style ones because the improvement is marginal for a 50% price increase) but worth every penny. The stock ones are beyond terrible (and I don't even mention the difference in size of each side, very strange design)
@motorman857 Жыл бұрын
The stock shocks work just fine. I know there are better shocks, but putting 700 dollar shocks on a bike I paid 1 K for, would be stupid. Especially since this bike will be used as a rental for my RLAP class.
@josecastaneda76538 ай бұрын
Thanks alot jim boy.
@davidnadeau6441 Жыл бұрын
86000 miles here on original electra glide shocks. Alway keep the about 10 psi. Never a problem.
@motorman857 Жыл бұрын
Good. But this bike had 12'' shocks which limits the lean angle. I like to lean as far as possible so 13"'s are better for me.
@kurtisstiern5164 Жыл бұрын
Installed on an 08 Ultra Classic. No clearance issue like Motorman had. They seem a little stiff backed off all the way, but they have only 60 miles on them. I changed fork oil and used Bel-Ray 15wt. Front end is much better.😊
@irideitall5 ай бұрын
I made the switch on my 2008 Ultra Classic and love them.
@Centralthabiker Жыл бұрын
Hey great video I plan on doing the same thing with my 05 road king
@greghinchley6277 Жыл бұрын
HD's 13" air over oil "air shock" is the best. Pulled em off my 12 Road King & they're on my $40k 18 Street Glide. 😄 🤣
@craw40511 ай бұрын
Not sure this is an improvement. I have a new 2023 road glide with those 'premium' shocks and I've already ordered an upgrade. They either bounce you off the seat or bottom out. Spring way to tight, no real adjustments can be made, absolutely horrible I wouldnt wish them on my worst enemy. Much love to you motorman and thanks for all the vids!
@steveledbetter9579 Жыл бұрын
It’s a good looking bike can’t wait to see your test drive. Stay safe 😎👍
@aaronbrown5252 Жыл бұрын
I installed a pair of factory emulsion shocks off a 2021 Ultra Limited on my 09 Road King and had no clearance issues with the adjuster (I kept the 13in as I wanted more clearance). There must be some height differences of what you swapped out or differences of how the adjuster is clocked in relation to the frame. Also, I believe there are rear frame differences between the 2007 and 2009 and up touring models.
@bradboustead1682 Жыл бұрын
You're the only person I know who spent 17% of his motorcycle cost on new shocks.
@taff782ify Жыл бұрын
air hoses are quck release, compress the red sleeve and it will come out
@awesomefearsome Жыл бұрын
Very cool work. Interested in watching what other improvements you will be integrating.
@user-el6hr3ic1z Жыл бұрын
Couldn’t you flip the adjustable 180 degrees so the knob is facing the rear?
@CarlO-mo1ii8 ай бұрын
on the black shock adjuster there is a set screw (just below the bolt that holds the shock to the frame) with weight off the rear tire loosen set screw and rotate adjuster to get clearance. adjuster is held on by circlip, so it won't come off.
@jasonharlan610011 ай бұрын
I put a set on my 02 ultra that came off a ‘22 road glide. They fit fine with now issues
@_Common_Logic_Ай бұрын
You should be able to turn that adjuster to wherever you need it after the install without clearance issues. I don't believe the distance between the fender and the top of the shock ever changes.😅
@motorman857Ай бұрын
Yes, I figured that out after I made the video.
@_Common_Logic_Ай бұрын
@@motorman857 Never fails. :)) It does help that you leave the oops moments in there... I'd rather see you do them than find out for myself. What KZbin should be.
@jpmetroman1 Жыл бұрын
Hey, do you have a long term ride with the "new" shocks? I about to do the same thing on my 07 Road King and wanted to hear from what you think. thanks, jp
@W.451 Жыл бұрын
According to lab testing stabilizer is quite over hyped and does not last near as long as claimed on the bottle. I would recommend using some PEA containing fuel system cleaner in the new gas like Chevron Techron or Lucas fuel treatment. Both of those and most use PEA in them these days. PEA - polyether amine-based detergent.
@deweydodo6691 Жыл бұрын
Can't rotate the shock so the adjuster is outside pointing to the back?
@davidfellows6250 Жыл бұрын
better check your belt tension. You moved the swing arm a bunch
@jonnycando Жыл бұрын
Big bike rear ends haven’t changed a whole lot since my 89 FLTCU!
@chrisholtz7406 Жыл бұрын
"tighter than a clams ass"..😅.. God bless ya Jerry!
@houndsmanone456311 ай бұрын
Jerry, I was wondering why your 'new-to-you' 2022 shocks have an adjuster on the left rear shock only? I still have my stock shocks on my 09 RK. I'm just not familiar enough with shocks to know the difference. Thanks for your videos and I sure did like "tighter than a clam's azz". That was a chuckling highlight in the vid. 👍🏽🤠 9/15/23
@rodritz83842 ай бұрын
I think there was a reason you could find those new style shocks used. I have a 2008 Road King with air shocks, and a 2023 Highway King with the new style shocks. The ride on the Highway King is horrible compared to the 08 Road King. Even with both the seat and the shocks turned to the lightest setting, you feel every little crack in the road. I will be putting air shocks on the Highway King. I tend to wear a helmet most of the time but I don't on the Highway King because the constant jarring with the added weight on a long ride kills my neck. In my opinion the new shocks instead of air shocks is a harley fail.
@motorman8572 ай бұрын
The Highway King has the shorter 12" shocks with just 2" of travel. The 13" standard shocks that come with the Ultra Have 3'' inches of travel as do all the Police Harleys. They give a much better ride than the air shocks. They put the short shocks on your bike due to the high seat height with the 4.5'' spring under the seat.
@thangknowa328811 ай бұрын
Most stabilizers @ 1/2 oz. per 5 gallons of fuel good for 1 year, when the gas is fresh.
@martyw5721Ай бұрын
put the lowering bracket back on and it will angle your knob
@mcjimenez14 ай бұрын
loosen the set screw on top and you can move the knob over.
@ericrhinehart6055 Жыл бұрын
Great video! Just ordered some from ebay!
@idriveaxj5670 Жыл бұрын
Cant you put the shocks on so the adjuster is facing towards the rear of the bike instead?.
@genepudsey465 Жыл бұрын
I’ve got a pair on my 08 RoadGlide. I’ve had them on there for over 20k miles with no issues. But I run solo and not heavy. I can’t say you wouldn’t have any issues if you’re running heavy a lot. But then again these swing arms are known for cracking after so many miles of running heavy anyways, so…
@dadabg87474 ай бұрын
I thought in 08 they fixed that issue then used that swing arm for the 09-up frame
@jpmetroman1 Жыл бұрын
how are they riding for you? mine ride like a hard-tail solo and stiff, but better 2-up.
@tomjones4093 Жыл бұрын
Is there a reason why you can't reverse the shocks... put the left side on the right side so the adjuster knob is to the rear instead?
@motorman857 Жыл бұрын
I figured the H.D. engineers know more than me and since they put the adjuster on the left, that's where I put it.
@tomjones4093 Жыл бұрын
@@motorman857 ... Or maybe they made the fender clearance better for the left side. I think I would try the shock on the other side just to see it if fits and clears the saddle bag. At least then you might have a chance to use the adjustor.
@chrismurphy5564 Жыл бұрын
or.. loosen the lil set screw and rotate the adjuster outward to clear!@@tomjones4093
@dougoconnell3883Ай бұрын
i did the same thing , my 2014 limited now rides like sh.t going back to air.
@chrismurphy5564 Жыл бұрын
loosen the lil set screw and rotate the adjuster outward to clear
@motorman857 Жыл бұрын
Thanks. And yes, I figured that out after making the video.
@xbx2207 Жыл бұрын
Very nice video but you caught my attention in the last minute that the bike was not running for two years. I have the similar condition with my iron, my question is it ok to run the bike with the old gas and engine oil? Or it's gonna damage or effect the engine and make it worse because I want it to run but busy and it only needs a new battery.
@motorman857 Жыл бұрын
Is it ok? The bike in this video had stable in the tank when it was stored. It still smelled like gasoline rather than varnish. I checked the oil before starting and clicked the starter a few times to get the oil pump working. Then started the bike. After that 1st start I let it run for a minute, shut it down then started it again and it backfired. That's when I drained the gas and changed the fluids before taking it for a ride. Will this work for you? I can't say.
@xbx2207 Жыл бұрын
@@motorman857 so back firing isn't a good sign?
@motorman857 Жыл бұрын
@@xbx2207 Backfiring is not a good sign.
@roadrunner4677 Жыл бұрын
I heard the older swing arms (pre 09) will flex and crack with 2014 up shocks . The newer shox only rebound on the left side . Just what I'd heard Jerry
@motorman857 Жыл бұрын
Who'd you here that from?
@HDR20 Жыл бұрын
It's true. I know from experience.
@roadrunner4677 Жыл бұрын
@@motorman857 The intranet forums of course 🤷♂️. They did beef up the swingarm on Tour bikes in 09 at the frame change for a reason though .
@genepudsey465 Жыл бұрын
I’ve got about 20k miles on my 08 since upgrading to the newer style shocks with no issues at all. A friend of mine did it and his swing arm cracked. But he’s always running very heavy where as I run a lot lighter. He also stated that he had the other side crack before he even started running the new style shocks. So I gotta assume it has a lot to do with how heavy you run.
@phillmckrakin2518 Жыл бұрын
Stabil is supposed to be good for 18 months. I honestly dont think the stuff works as the fuel will spoil sooner.
@poppavein1 Жыл бұрын
Harleys don't have much cornering clearance as it is, and lowering the bike just makes it worse. SMH
@motorman857 Жыл бұрын
Exactly. That's why I wanted the taller 13' shocks.
@paulmeissner66 Жыл бұрын
I need some new shocks for my 08 sportster what do you recommend?
@michaelwalton1033 Жыл бұрын
Did the eBay search for my 2010 Road King. But it’s very confusing as there are a multitude of part item numbers for adjustable shocks for the touring frame. Could you reply with the item number you bought?
@motorman857 Жыл бұрын
I bought mine used and there is no part number sticker on the shocks. Call your H.D. dealer and ask what the part number is for 13" road King shock for 2015 or newer bikes.
@rugershooter5268 Жыл бұрын
Very possible the old shocks weren't trash, just the lowering dohickey. ........with the old shocks mounted without the lowering dohickey would probably be just right, if not you could change them with amount of air
@adventuresofmattyb1386 Жыл бұрын
Would this work on a 2004 Electra glide
@motorman857 Жыл бұрын
I'm sure they would but you can try this as well kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4LJcoelg9aLndE
@coryturner9140 Жыл бұрын
It’s definitely an improvement from the air shocks but the $1500 Ohlins are night and day better than any of the harley shocks..
@coryturner9140 Жыл бұрын
@@markman7 it’s their market strategy. Build a $40,000 bike and put inferior parts on it so you can spend another $10,000 making it rideable… they hope you’ll spend most of your money at the dealerships but so many aftermarket companies have jumped in at lower price points that they don’t get nearly what they had hoped they would get in screamin eagle sales now.
@coryturner9140 Жыл бұрын
@@DNiddy they are great if you don’t want the adjustments to fine tune the ride. I can adjust every aspect with the Ohlins. I could care less about the reservoirs hanging off the back but I do like fine tuning everything especially when I’m riding 1700 miles at a time sometimes two up sometimes solo. Can’t have a shock that does it all without the adjustments…
@motorman857 Жыл бұрын
No.
@avelinovelez27007 ай бұрын
Nice Job 👍
@jeffclark564 ай бұрын
Check out a pair of Diamond J shocks, out of Perry Iowa, there 12.5, 8mm. I am so pleased, email them, my street glide is smooth.
@breezetelemaster1368 Жыл бұрын
Good job!
@classicrider103 Жыл бұрын
I'm curious about those Michelin commanders, about how many miles do you get out of them and what about the traction. How well do you like them compared to the Dunlop's?
@motorman857 Жыл бұрын
I just got the bike a few days ago. In the 10 miles I've put on the bike, they seem to be holding up very well.
@JHV166 Жыл бұрын
Ther is NO comparison to the Dunlop tires. The Michelins will last at LEAST 2X LONGER and practically 3X longer DEPENDING upon your riding style. I'm on my second set (Commander II to Commander III). I GOT 26000 MILES on the II's and expect upwards of 30K on the III's) They are also very competent in the rain.
@usmcvet0313 Жыл бұрын
I put 20k on a set of Commander II's, and they still have a life left. I put a set of Commander III's on my other bike last year. They're doing great thus far. Nothing but good to say about them.
@classicrider103 Жыл бұрын
@@JHV166 thanks for your input. That would be great to have better traction and better mileage. I do ride more aggressively than I should, but when the sport bikes want you to lead(not all Harleys are bar hoppers)you need all the traction you can get. I have broke traction on the rear two different times on wet roads with Dunlop's. Glad to hear you say the Michelin has good traction on wet roads.
@JHV166 Жыл бұрын
@classicrider103 Well, you know that Harley's are NOT sportbikes , but they are certainly capable of handling aggressive riding when properly set up, shod with appropriate tires and ridden by an experienced rider. The Commander III's will certainly give you the confidence to ride at Higher Level .
@jakejacobs88516 ай бұрын
Apparently that is an FLHP model I have a 2009
@rickdacus18182 ай бұрын
where did you get shocks for $170?
@motorman8572 ай бұрын
Craigs list or ebay.
@dwheeler016 Жыл бұрын
I have only had three bikes with air shocks and I am staying with them.
@motorman857 Жыл бұрын
Good. But this bike had 12'' shocks and a lowering kit and 49K miles so for 170 bucks and a skinned knuckle, the change for me. is worth it.
@kevincarter5854 Жыл бұрын
Your great on how to ride Jerry, but I could show you how to put shocks on like taking candy from a baby compared to how you did that lol just kidding but not really, I wish I could go to your class on how to ride but I'm in the middle of communistfornia some people still say Cali
@ernestocruz3654 Жыл бұрын
Hi there paladino you said that that might cost you a thousand bucks. So it means that you can find a good 3 or 4 thousandfourthousand That aint bad for a Harley Davidson. I might have get in touch with you see if you can find me one
@rickrice7592 Жыл бұрын
I would keep air shocks ! I had a 2016 street glide the stock shocks sucked ! You felt every little fucking bump in the road ! I even took it back to the dealership twice and they were no better I had a 2001 classic with air shocks and I put a lowering kit in it and it was still way better than the new shocks Harley is putting on the bikes ! And now I have a 2007 screaming eagle road king 3 with air shocks and their great !
@MoeLarrycurly1 Жыл бұрын
Having a house generator I use gas or I did.. and I found out stabilizer seems to last up to about seven years..staybill brand
@Elvis20101 Жыл бұрын
If you're not bleeding, you're not working.
@fagen2222 Жыл бұрын
Can’t you turn them round so the nob is at the back ?
@motorman857 Жыл бұрын
Maybe. But thats how the factory does it so...
@genepudsey465 Жыл бұрын
You can’t. Not unless you want to run without bags because the knob is in the way of putting the bags back on
@tomjones4093 Жыл бұрын
HA!!! Tighter than a clam's ass!!! You go Jerry!!! 🙂
@kennethanderson1685 Жыл бұрын
❤
@robertnichols7251 Жыл бұрын
Turn the shocks upside down.
@bigblue35685 ай бұрын
Put some square tires on it while you're at it... so much wrong here.
@larrynevius10305 ай бұрын
You may ride like a pro but you wrench like an amateur
@scatpack440 Жыл бұрын
No sound
@BlcokedAccount Жыл бұрын
Yes there is.
@motorman857 Жыл бұрын
If your watching on your phone it takes youtube a few minutes to get the sound. I don't know why that is, but it is.