Rear Shock

[jthornton]

Is it possible to let the air out of the rear shock and let it all the way down without damaging anything? I need to check clearance with the rear shock bottomed out.

Thanks
JT

 

[bruiser]

Do you have to bottom it out for these measurements? I don't think there will be much of an issue if you let it down slowly then air it back up as soon as possible.

 

[NancysToy]

The minimum acceptable pressure under operation is 10 psi, but you should be able to go to zero for a test...just don't ride it that way or leave it that way. Just letting the air out won't get you to the minimum clearance (bottomed out) however, but it will make the job easier. Be aware that if your air bag condition is marginal, your test at zero pressure could cause it to fail. You will be flexing a part of it that normally isn't flexed, and flexing more tightly than if it had minimal air. I'd try your test with 10 psi first. JMHO

 

[jthornton]

Thanks for the info, I'll try 10 psig first. I really need to bottom the shock out to check clearance for a hitch fender. The first one I made just barely touched the factory fenderette so I want to make sure it has at least a smidgen of clearance this time.

Thanks
JT

 

[jthornton]

Well I just checked the pressure and it was 0... much to my surprise. I guess when you start it up it pressurizes the air bag? Should it hold pressure even if you have not drove it in a month?

Thanks
JT

 

[NancysToy]

Well I just checked the pressure and it was 0... much to my surprise. I guess when you start it up it pressurizes the air bag? Should it hold pressure even if you have not drove it in a month?

Thanks
JT

Not so. It should hold pressure. You have a leak. Best way to check is to fill either manually or via the switch, shut it off, check the pressure at the Schrader valve, then check again in the AM. You will lose a pound or so each time you check, and maybe another one or two if the garage is cold, but it should hold air. Check the Schrader valve core...a common source of leaks. The bad news is that riding at zero pressure will usually kill the air bag in short order.

 

[Jeriatric]

Complete deflation is required and called out in the OM when adjusting headlights - by the book.

 

[NancysToy]

Complete deflation is required and called out in the OM when adjusting headlights - by the book.

I think that is their way of compensating for the rider/passenger weight. Easier than putting sandbags on the seat.

 

[ulflyer]

Whats a good pressure for a single rider 180lbs?

 

[Jeriatric]

Whats a good pressure for a single rider 180lbs?

PM sent

 

[NancysToy]

Whats a good pressure for a single rider 180lbs?

If you have an RTS or LTD you don't set the pressure...just the ride height (stiffness). The pressure will vary. Recommended pressures (starting points) for various loads are listed in your manual for the other models.

 

[Bob Denman]

When my bike was still and A&C, I would run about 50psi in the shock when running solo.
Once we put the compressor system in; you just adjust with the switch as Scotty sadi; to set your ride height. :thumbup:

 

[flybuddy]

I have an air gauge in panel and generally run 60 to 65psi solo. I've got the Stage 1R Elkas, extenders and Ron bar so the front is a bit stiffer which I assume the rear needs to be also to compensate. Also, when I purchased the Spyder new from dealer 150+ miles away I found after getting home that the rear shock (base model) had no air in it at all. Inflated and it had no damage so I wouldn't worry about an empty bag while static.

 

[jthornton]

I cranked the RT-S up and the compressor didn't come on till I put it in gear, after it quit (setting on max) the pressure was 30 psig.

JT

 

[Bob Denman]

The pressure reading that you get with the ACS unit in place has no direct comparison to what you'll read from the manual systems...

 

[NancysToy]

I cranked the RT-S up and the compressor didn't come on till I put it in gear, after it quit (setting on max) the pressure was 30 psig.

JT

The automatic air suspension system normally does not operate unless the Spyder is started, in gear, and the parking brake is released. As was said, the pressure means nothing...it only cares about the ride height and will set whatever pressure is necessary to maintain that height.

 

[yanksskins]

check the air pump

Is it possible to let the air out of the rear shock and let it all the way down without damaging anything? I need to check clearance with the rear shock bottomed out.

Thanks
JT

found out my air pump stop working in first year, it blow fuses first then stopped working then only took 3 time for them find what wrong.

 

[jthornton]

I checked the pressure this morning and it was 0 psig. I wonder if the air bag is covered under warranty? I just checked the pressure to get a gauge mark to see if it leaked down and sure enough it did.

JT

 

[NancysToy]

I checked the pressure this morning and it was 0 psig. I wonder if the air bag is covered under warranty? I just checked the pressure to get a gauge mark to see if it leaked down and sure enough it did.

JT

Did you check the Schrader valve...most common source of leaks.

 

[jthornton]

Did you check the Schrader valve...most common source of leaks.

No, I'll check that today.

Thanks
JT