2006 Vulcan rear shocks question

[brownie]

I want to add pressure to the shocks as I like running my bikes with stiff suspensions.

I understand the bike needs to get the rear wheel off the ground to add air, but how do people do this without some special equipment? Is there some secret to getting the read wheel airborn?

I tried adding air to the left rear shock tonight with the bike on the ground and it would lose the pressure to near zero the minute I took the nozzle away every time.

I think thats because the bikes weight is pressuring the shock and it is stressed so loses the air quickly? I did manage to get it to hold 20psi for now but I think I want to run these at 55, understanding from the manual that 73 psi is topped out.

What do I need to be able to do this without going to the dealer, and how to hell would you do this on the road on a trip?

Thanks in advance

Brownie

[GreenJello]

Which Vulcan do you own? I've got a 750, it's got a center stand that makes this easy.

[brownie]

Nomad 2006

[Plato]

Scan this thread: http://www.kawasakimotorcycle.org/fo...light=pressure

You can get the rear off the ground with an automotive jack, but you had better be sure to tie off the handle bars and really have the front end secure. Much better to get a motorcycle jack or a lift of some kind.

However, I followed NY_Guy's advise in the link above and put the air in with the rear on the ground. DO NOT use a standard air pump as you can easily blow the seals on those shocks -you need one of the progressive air pumps that allow very fine measurements and don't allow the air to be lost when connecting or disconnecting the pump.

Hope that helps...

[Plato]

...I tried adding air to the left rear shock tonight with the bike on the ground and it would lose the pressure to near zero the minute I took the nozzle away every time...

Here's what you need: http://www.cruisercustomizing.com/de...ini_Gauge_Pump

[brownie]

I bought a bike pump that works fine for getting the air in, but I can not seem to get the valve off fast enough and the shock keeps losing it's pressure immediately.

If I buy that progressive guage/pump, is that going to be the same issue I'm having presently? The pump I'm using has that locking lever and by the time I pull it off, the air is out of the shock.

I thought it was because I had weight on them with the rear not off the ground. Is this thinking on the right track or not?

I bookmarked the jack stand, I may buy one of those.

Brownie

[Plato]

I bought a bike pump that works fine for getting the air in, but I can not seem to get the valve off fast enough and the shock keeps losing it's pressure immediately.

If I buy that progressive guage/pump, is that going to be the same issue I'm having presently? The pump I'm using has that locking lever and by the time I pull it off, the air is put of the shock....

No, the progressive pump you see in that link above -has a valve that prevents the air loss while connecting and disconnecting. It is specifically designed to perform this task for shocks. I think they have a selection to choose from based on the max pressure limit you want (15psi, 30psi, 60psi, etc). And they're small enough to carry in a saddlebag, get the 60psi unit and you could even use it to air a tire in an emergency -although the design is such that you would have to do A LOT of pumping on a Nomad tire

[brownie]

Plato,

Thats just what I'm looking for. I'll order one on Monday asap.

This place is going to be a wealth of knowledge and make owning the nomad that much more enjoyable.

Thanks again

Brownie

[Plato]

...This place is going to be a wealth of knowledge and make owning the nomad that much more enjoyable...

This forum is great for quick feedback for sure

However, you should bookmark gadget's webpage for sure -it'll give you hours of reading and great info for the Nomad: http://www.gadgetjq.com/gadgetsfixitpage.htm

[brownie]

Bookmarked it as suggested.

I'll be reading this afternoon after the honey do list has been knocked down a peg or three

Brownie

[2fast4u]

DO NOT spend a fortune on a Progressive Air Pump! You can go to any bicycle shop, and buy a Fox Shox No Loss Air Pump for about $30. If you plan on putting 55-psi of air in your shocks, you better tie yourself to the seat. You'll probably bounce off the seat after driving over the first bump. Unless you are over 350-pounds, I'm sure you can get by with 25-35 psi. I have added air with the wheel on the ground and off the ground, there isn't any difference. Just make sure you add/adjust when the bike is cold. Riding around will heat up the air in your shock, so your reading will be off. I'd start with 25-psi and work my way up 5-psi after a good day of riding. This way you'll have a chance to really decide what works better for you. I've got a Nomad, and two up with luggage, I'm running 35-psi. I'm a big boy of 225 and the wife is well, I better not say.

[Xlr8n]

+1^^^ Get a bicycle suspension no-loss pump. 25-30 bucks.

[mrider]

Harley dealers has them for 20 or so dollars. Just tell them you have a 2007 Screaming Eagle Ultra Glide

[brownie]

too late, I ordered the progressive yesterday. If it is not to my liking, I'll send it back, otherwise, I bit the bullet on this one, but thanks to all for the great suggestions.

Brownie