Honda VTX 1300 / VTX 1800 Motorcycles Forum banner
Cancel

Anyone tried Harley Touring Air shocks ?

Tags
harley shocks touring
Jump to Latest Follow
1 - 20 of 67 Posts
S

· Registered
Joined
·
675 Posts
Discussion Starter · #1 ·
Has anyone tried a pair of stock Harley air shocks for their touring models (Road King, Road Glide, Electraglide) on a VTX ? Those shocks are about the same size (minus 1/4"), air adjustable, and new take-offs are available on Ebay for around $100 or less.
The eyes and bushings look pretty close (3/8" is pretty close to 12mm). I'm wondering if the spring rates are close enough to run with zero or minimal air pressure, or make up any difference by using air pressure ?

Has anyone tried ?

Success or failure ?


Thanks !
 
Sunshinenomad

· Registered
Joined
·
60 Posts
#2 ·
Never thought of it before, but it sounds doable. The 1/4" is negligible. The only problem I see is the bushing size. If it's larger, they would not be mounted solid causing wiggle. McMaster-Carr might have bushings that would work if needed. The needed hoses go for $10-15. $115 for air shocks. Hmmmmm.:hmm2:
 
T

· Geezer Glider
Joined
·
3,711 Posts
#4 ·
The hand pump for pressurize the system is only $50. I haven't tried them on an X, or even thought about it, but they came standard on my Electra Glide ultra liimited. they do leak off slowly, every other day it's down a couple pounds. I ran mine at 40 psi fully loaded, they recommend around 35 empty. it makes for a hella nice ride!
 
G3Truks

· Curmudgeon at Large
Joined
·
8,380 Posts
#5 ·
I run mine at 50 pounds. I tried them at 30, then 40 then settled at 50 because it gave me the best ride.

I don't see any reason you can't put them on the X. Would seem that the mods would be very simple and inexpensive.
 
Save Share
Reply Quote
S

· Registered
Joined
·
675 Posts
Discussion Starter · #6 ·
Don't buy the $50 Harley air pump. Buy a small handheld bicycle air pump. I bought one years ago for about $10, from Wal-Mart. I used to run about 10 pounds, but my wife and I are both lightweights. Some of the "take-off" shocks on Ebay have the air lines included, or just install a pair of schrader valves (the same kind as on tires) with 1/8" NPT threads, available online, or in some auto parts stores. The shock eyes may need to be drilled or ground out. The Harley shocks mount with 3/8" bolts, the Honda shocks use 10mm. 10mm bolts are 0.010" thicker (.370" for 3/8, vs. .380 for 10mm).

The Harley shocks are black, and not as pretty as the Honda shocks.

I'm considering pulling the trigger, although my shocks aren't that bad yet. The bushings are trashed though.
 
Spoiler

· No Reason To Be Serious
Joined
·
16,492 Posts
#7 · (Edited)
trkrJeff said:
The hand pump for pressurize the system is only $50. I haven't tried them on an X, or even thought about it, but they came standard on my Electra Glide ultra liimited. they do leak off slowly, every other day it's down a couple pounds. I ran mine at 40 psi fully loaded, they recommend around 35 empty. it makes for a hella nice ride!
Click to expand...
Yup, they do ride nice, but they do leak down fairly easily.. I check mine about once a week. I don't think the shocks really leak it out, I believe it is the press fit air line connectors that seem kinda flimsy to me that are leaky.

G3Truks said:
I run mine at 50 pounds. I tried them at 30, then 40 then settled at 50 because it gave me the best ride.

I don't see any reason you can't put them on the X. Would seem that the mods would be very simple and inexpensive.
Click to expand...
I settled at 50 myself, it seems nice there on my little rumpus... hehehe

stevel said:
Don't buy the $50 Harley air pump. Buy a small handheld bicycle air pump. I bought one years ago for about $10, from Wal-Mart. I used to run about 10 pounds, but my wife and I are both lightweights. Some of the "take-off" shocks on Ebay have the air lines included, or just install a pair of schrader valves (the same kind as on tires) with 1/8" NPT threads, available online, or in some auto parts stores. The shock eyes may need to be drilled or ground out. The Harley shocks mount with 3/8" bolts, the Honda shocks use 10mm. 10mm bolts are 0.010" thicker (.370" for 3/8, vs. .380 for 10mm).The Harley shocks are black, and not as pretty as the Honda shocks.I'm considering pulling the trigger, although my shocks aren't that bad yet. The bushings are trashed though.
Click to expand...
The Harley pump has an air gauge in line that is helpful. If this other one doesn't have a gauge it may not be as handy.. I have the $50 pump, (I actually got it for $40 through Surdyke.com) but I have since seen them on eBay for about $30 as well
 
M-2

· Miles: 50,000+
Joined
·
7,107 Posts
#10 ·
Gunner71 said:
I will try them out Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m.
Click to expand...
Let us know how it works. I'm pumped, pun intended, to see this be a success! I cant justify springing $1k for Arnott, so, this seems like a great alternative for a cushy ride.
 
wharriso

· Premium Member
Joined
·
1,019 Posts
#13 ·
M-2 said:
Let us know how it works. I'm pumped, pun intended, to see this be a success! I cant justify springing $1k for Arnott, so, this seems like a great alternative for a cushy ride.
Click to expand...
I wanted to go the Arnott route myself. It would help with traction moving the bike backwards but I heard they make the ride stiffer.
 
Save Share
Reply Quote
1 - 20 of 67 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
About this Discussion
66 Replies
23 Participants
Last post:
Pilgrims Dad
Honda VTX 1300 / VTX 1800 Motorcycles Forum
VTX Cafe Forum is for owners of Honda VTX 1300 or VTX 1800. Join this community to discuss mods, specs, parts & more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Honda VTX 1300 Forums General VTX/Motorcycle Topics Introduce yourself and say hello if you like... Honda VTX 1800 Forums 1300 Parts /Accessories For Sale
Top