[MeanieMel]

Calling all Meanie owners....Just recently purchased 07 meanie. Can someone please explain to me how these air assisted rear shocks work. The dealership told me that I did not have to worry about putting air in the shocks unless I was going to be loaded down or carrying a passenger. Is this correct? (Just so that yall know, I am 5'10" 250 lbs. ) My interpretation of the manual is that you should have some air in them for performance reasons. Also it says that the air pressure should only be checked with the rear tire off the ground...Guess this means I will have to buy a jack...any suggestions on brands? Thanks so much.....


Mel

 

[billc5]

You have a 4 position setting thumbwheel on each. For the air, a special pump is recommended so that valves don't get blown. Progressive, HD and others make one. I do not raise mine off the floor to adjust. At 6.0 and 175-180, mine are set at 3 and I run about 12lbs in the rear shocks. You can do some experimenting to see what works for you. I'll probably lower my rear 1-2 lbs now that i've got the Metzlers, ME 880 great tire BTW, running at 40F/40R.

 

[MeanieMel]

so.....guess that means I need to have some air in them. Am I correct?

 

[MeanGirl]

The first 3-months I had my Meanie I rode without air in the shocks. It was like riding a bucking bronco (I was air born more than once going over bumps). I had the dealer adjust the shocks (adding air) per my height and weight and it is a totally different ride. I say do it!

 

[MeanieMel]

Think I will, Spotted a jack at Harbor Freight for $59.00. For as much as I am going to use it I think it will be fine. Thanks MeanGirl, billc5 for the replies.

 

[vtwinsouth]

Do you have an owners manual with the bike? it has some basic setups for the preload and damping settings. you do not need any air in the springs for them to work but if you find it bouncing all over the place and want a firmer ride put in some air. The good thing is you can play around with it but it goes without saying (well actually i am just saying it just in case) that both sides need to be set the same or you can be unbalanced (your riding I mean not your mental health !!)

 

[troop]

I've heard that a rule of thumb is: 1# air in shock for each 10# rider weight.

 

[Pecos]

The first 3-months I had my Meanie I rode without air in the shocks. It was like riding a bucking bronco (I was air born more than once going over bumps). I had the dealer adjust the shocks (adding air) per my height and weight and it is a totally different ride. I say do it!

Ooo. A bronc rider! :tongue:

I haven't done jack with my shocks yet. I have been looking for some VTX shocks here and there to put on it though.

 

[bross]

so.....guess that means I need to have some air in them. Am I correct?

Yes you probably need air in them. I'm 200lbs and used to run about 20lbs of air in them. Almost first mod I did on the meanstreak was to install an "Air Shock Balance Kit", so you don't have to worry about getting the same amount of air in both shocks. You just pump up one and the kit supplies air to the other shock.

Air Shock Balance with Progressive AFB1 Kit

You also need a fork pump other wise you just lose all your air when you release your chuck, with a regular pump, and also blow your seals. Get the proper pump.

 

[ccherwin]

So will Kawasaki add air as a quick free service or do they make you schedule a maintenance appt? I'm thinking I'll add air since my last ride (and my first ride on my new 06 meanie) really felt stiff.

 

[bross]

It's not a huge deal with a bike lift, you just need to get the rear wheel off the ground.