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How To Adjust Air Shocks On Harley Davidson?

Last Updated January 24, 2023 by David Riedel

How To Adjust Air Shocks On Harley Davidson

Harley Davidson is one of the most popular motorcycle brands in the world, but they can be a bit tricky to work on if you’re not familiar with them. 

Owning a Harley Davidson means that you’re part of a unique brotherhood or sisterhood. But, like with any motorcycle, some maintenance needs to be done from time to time. One of the things that you may need to do is adjust the air shocks.

If you don’t know how to adjust the air shocks on these motorcycles, it can be a challenge. You might be worried that you’ll end up doing more damage if you try to adjust them yourself. 

We’ve got you covered. Our step-by-step guide will show you how easy it is to adjust the air shocks on these motorcycles, even if you’ve never worked on one before. With our help, you’ll be able to get your bike riding like new in no time let’s see how!

How To Adjust Air Shocks On Harley Davidson? Step by Step Guide

Harley Davidson air shocks are a convenient way to improve the ride quality of your motorcycle. The process of adjusting air shocks on a Harley Davidson is not difficult, but it does require some basic tools and knowledge.

Before you begin adjusting the air shocks, make sure you have the correct tools and know how to use them.

There are three main ways to adjust the air pressure in Harley Davidson air shocks – through the Schrader valve, the pump connector, or the gauge connector.

If you’re not sure how much pressure to put into your Harley Davidson’s air shocks, start with 20 psi and work your way up. This will help you find the right setting for you. Always test out your tweaked settings by taking a ride on your bike to make sure you’re happy with the results. Let’s learn about the methods:

Method 1: With the Schrader valve

Step 1: The first thing you’ll need to do is locate the air shocks on your bike. They’re typically located near the rear wheel of the bike.

Step 2: Next, you’ll need to find the Schrader valve on the air shocks. This is the valve that you’ll use to change the air pressure in the shocks.

Step 3: Use a screwdriver to loosen the cap on the valve. If you are not sure which way to turn the screws, you can always consult the owner’s manual for your particular model of Harley Davidson.

Step 4: Insert the pump connector into the valve and pump up the shocks to your desired pressure. Make sure that you keep an eye on the gauge to ensure that you’re not over-inflating the shocks.

Step 5: Tighten the cap back onto the Schrader valve when you’re finished adjusting the air pressure.

Step 6: Test out your newly-adjusted settings by taking the bike for a ride. If you’re not happy with the results, adjust the pressure until you find the most suitable setting for you.

Method 2: With the pump connector

Step 1: Begin by locating the pump connector on Harley Davidson’s air shocks. This connector is located at the top of the shocks, between the Schrader valve and the gauge connector.

Step 2: Connect the pump to the pump connector on the bike’s air shocks. Make sure the connectors are properly aligned before pushing them together.

Step 3: Pump up Harley Davidson’s air shocks until you reach the desired pressure level. You can use a pump or a tire pressure gauge to measure the pressure level.

Step 4: Disconnect the pump from the pump connector and disconnect the connector from the shocks.

Step 5: Check the pressure level of air shocks and make any necessary adjustments. 

Step 6: Once you have regulated the air pressure in the shocks, you will need to test them out. The most convenient way to do this is to take the Harley Davidson for a test ride. If the shocks feel comfortable, then you are finished adjusting them. However, if the shocks feel too stiff or too soft, you may need to adjust them again.

Method 3: By using a Gauge connector

Step 1: Locate the gauge connector on the Harley Davidson’s air shocks. This is the connector that has a small hose coming out of it.

Step 2: Carefully remove the cap from the gauge connector.

Step 3: Place the end of the hose from the gauge connector into a container that holds water. Make sure that the hose is submerged in the water.

Step 4: Turn on the air shocks by turning the black knob on top of them clockwise.

Step 5: Watch the water level in the container change as you alter the air pressure in the shocks.

Step 6: When you have found the correct air pressure for your Harley Davidson, turn off the shocks by turning the black knob counterclockwise.

Step 7: Replace the cap on the gauge connector.

Step 8: Take a spin on the bike to test out your revised air pressure settings.

Why adjust air shocks on Harley Davidson?

There are a few reasons why you might want to adjust the air shocks on Davidson. Maybe you’re carrying a heavy load and you need the shocks to be stiffer.

Or, maybe you’re taking your Harley Davidson on a long trip and you want the shocks to be softer so that you can have a more comfortable ride. Whatever the reason, now it’s easy to adjust the air shocks of this bike so that they’re just right for you.

FAQs

How do I know if my Harley Davidson air shocks need to be adjusted?

If your Harley Davidson air shocks need to be adjusted, there are a few things you can look for.

– If the shock appears too soft or bouncy, it may need to be adjusted.
– When the bike feels like it’s bottoming out when you ride over bumps, that’s another sign that the shocks may eventually have to be repaired.
– If the bike feels unstable or wobbles when you’re riding, that could also indicate that the shocks need to be adjusted.

If you notice any of these problems, it’s advisable to take your bike to a qualified mechanic to have the shocks checked and adjusted as needed.

How often should I adjust air shocks on my Harley Davidson?

This is a difficult question to answer. It depends on some factors such as how often you ride your Harley Davidson, the conditions you ride in, and your riding style.

That said, it is generally recommended that you adjust your air shocks every 30,000 miles or so. This will help ensure that your shocks are always in optimal condition and can provide you with the finest possible ride quality.

What are the consequences of not adjusting air shocks on my Harley Davidson?

If you don’t adjust your air shocks, you may end up with a less-than-comfortable ride. The suspension will be stiff, and you may find yourself bottoming out more often.

The bike will be challenging to handle, and you may notice more wear and tear on your tires. All of these factors can add up to an unpleasant riding experience, so it’s important to make sure your air shocks are properly adjusted.

Conclusion 

Air shocks are an invaluable part of the suspension on your Harley Davidson. If they’re not properly adjusted, it can make for a less-than-comfortable ride.

Fortunately, adjusting air shocks on Davidson is easy to do, and only takes a few minutes. With a little bit of knowledge and the right tools, you can have your air shocks perfectly adjusted in no time.

This article mentions that air shocks should be adjusted every 30,000 miles to ensure optimal performance. Thanks for reading!

david
David Riedel

I am David Riedel founder of Bikerwhizz, I’m a technician at Keystone Harley Davidson with more than 10 years of industry experience. I’m here to help you solve motorbike problems, customizations, tweaks, and easy fixes to enjoy your rides more.

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