Swap 2007 H.D. air shocks for 2022 shocks!

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.
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[@jddockery2]

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]

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]

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.

[@roblow5522]

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.

[@dadabg8747]

Or add washers. Mines had washers on the bike

[@chpalmer2007]

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.

[@dadabg8747]

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]

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]

I got mine for $25! Haven’t got to install them yet.😊Thanks Alan and Motorman!

[@kurtisstiern5164]

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]

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]

They suck

[@danielhildebrand6892]

Love my air shocks on my 98 as well. 2 psi front 8 rear.

[@W.451]

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]

@@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]

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]

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]

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]

@@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]

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.

[@josecastaneda7653]

Thanks alot jim boy.

[@davidnadeau6441]

86000 miles here on original electra glide shocks. Alway keep the about 10 psi. Never a problem.

[@motorman857]

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]

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.😊

[@irideitall]

I made the switch on my 2008 Ultra Classic and love them.

[@Centralthabiker]

Hey great video I plan on doing the same thing with my 05 road king

[@greghinchley6277]

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. 😄 🤣

[@craw405]

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]

It’s a good looking bike can’t wait to see your test drive. Stay safe 😎👍

[@aaronbrown5252]

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]

You're the only person I know who spent 17% of his motorcycle cost on new shocks.

[@taff782ify]

air hoses are quck release, compress the red sleeve and it will come out

[@awesomefearsome]

Very cool work. Interested in watching what other improvements you will be integrating.

[@user-el6hr3ic1z]

Couldn’t you flip the adjustable 180 degrees so the knob is facing the rear?

[@CarlO-mo1ii]

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.

[@jasonharlan6100]

I put a set on my 02 ultra that came off a ‘22 road glide. They fit fine with now issues

[@_Common_Logic_]

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.😅

[@motorman857]

Yes, I figured that out after I made the video.

[@_Common_Logic_]

@@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]

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]

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]

Can't rotate the shock so the adjuster is outside pointing to the back?

[@davidfellows6250]

better check your belt tension. You moved the swing arm a bunch

[@jonnycando]

Big bike rear ends haven’t changed a whole lot since my 89 FLTCU!

[@chrisholtz7406]

"tighter than a clams ass"..😅.. God bless ya Jerry!

[@houndsmanone4563]

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

[@rodritz8384]

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.

[@motorman857]

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.

[@thangknowa3288]

Most stabilizers @ 1/2 oz. per 5 gallons of fuel good for 1 year, when the gas is fresh.

[@martyw5721]

put the lowering bracket back on and it will angle your knob

[@mcjimenez1]

loosen the set screw on top and you can move the knob over.

[@ericrhinehart6055]

Great video! Just ordered some from ebay!

[@idriveaxj5670]

Cant you put the shocks on so the adjuster is facing towards the rear of the bike instead?.

[@genepudsey465]

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…

[@dadabg8747]

I thought in 08 they fixed that issue then used that swing arm for the 09-up frame

[@jpmetroman1]

how are they riding for you? mine ride like a hard-tail solo and stiff, but better 2-up.

[@tomjones4093]

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]

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]

@@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]

or.. loosen the lil set screw and rotate the adjuster outward to clear!@@tomjones4093

[@dougoconnell3883]

i did the same thing , my 2014 limited now rides like sh.t going back to air.

[@chrismurphy5564]

loosen the lil set screw and rotate the adjuster outward to clear

[@motorman857]

Thanks. And yes, I figured that out after making the video.

[@xbx2207]

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]

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]

@@motorman857 so back firing isn't a good sign?

[@motorman857]

@@xbx2207 Backfiring is not a good sign.

[@roadrunner4677]

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]

Who'd you here that from?

[@HDR20]

It's true. I know from experience.

[@roadrunner4677]

@@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]

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]

Stabil is supposed to be good for 18 months. I honestly dont think the stuff works as the fuel will spoil sooner.

[@poppavein1]

Harleys don't have much cornering clearance as it is, and lowering the bike just makes it worse. SMH

[@motorman857]

Exactly. That's why I wanted the taller 13' shocks.

[@paulmeissner66]

I need some new shocks for my 08 sportster what do you recommend?

[@michaelwalton1033]

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]

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]

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]

Would this work on a 2004 Electra glide

[@motorman857]

I'm sure they would but you can try this as well kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4LJcoelg9aLndE

[@coryturner9140]

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]

@@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]

@@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]

No.

[@avelinovelez2700]

Nice Job 👍

[@jeffclark56]

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]

Good job!

[@classicrider103]

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]

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]

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]

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]

@@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]

@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 .

[@jakejacobs8851]

Apparently that is an FLHP model I have a 2009

[@rickdacus1818]

where did you get shocks for $170?

[@motorman857]

Craigs list or ebay.

[@dwheeler016]

I have only had three bikes with air shocks and I am staying with them.

[@motorman857]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

If you're not bleeding, you're not working.

[@fagen2222]

Can’t you turn them round so the nob is at the back ?

[@motorman857]

Maybe. But thats how the factory does it so...

[@genepudsey465]

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]

HA!!! Tighter than a clam's ass!!! You go Jerry!!! 🙂

[@kennethanderson1685]

❤

[@robertnichols7251]

Turn the shocks upside down.

[@bigblue3568]

Put some square tires on it while you're at it... so much wrong here.

[@larrynevius1030]

You may ride like a pro but you wrench like an amateur

[@scatpack440]

No sound

[@BlcokedAccount]

Yes there is.

[@motorman857]

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.

[@tattooglisha]

Air shocks . You can inflate them damn it.

[@motorman857]

But the air keeps leaking out, damn it.