Detachable back rest installation...

[Dirty Dan]

...was a real PITA. The directions for the mounting hardware kit sucked. I spent 2hours figuring it out - had it wrong, but the instructions said otherwise - so I spent another 2 hours doing it my way and getting it right.

My way consisted of not using the spacers under the brackets but putting one extra spacer under the backrest mounting point furthest to the rear on each side of the bike.

Now that I know how its done, I could do it in about 30 minutes...

Has anybody figured out a way to mount the shock air valve so I don't have to take the friggin' bag off each time I want to adjust air pressure?

Dan

[dwarthog]

Ran into that same issue when I did that same mod on my Road Glide.

Damn instructions are written backwards from what I remember.

Like you, I messed around far longer than need be because of that.

[8-Ball]

Seems to me that if you bought some longer tubing you could reroute that valve assembly to the frame plate that spans the frame tubes above the rear header and between the side covers and below the seat.

You would need clearance to access the valve with your pump straight on so it would have to be near the right or left tube as opposed to somewhere in the middle. You would need to be able to get to the back of it. It would have to be clear of wiring where you drill the hole to mount the valve (lot of wiring back there).

I always thought that was a pain in the ass as well.

or.... just get a set of Progressive 440s and throw the pump away.... a much better solution if you ask me. My airshocks started to go around 21k. I put the Progressives on there and it had to be one of the best things I've ever done in terms of cornering performance and comfort. My wife even asked if I did something to the bike because she couldn't feel the bumps anymore. The Progressives are better shocks than the airshocks ever were even when new.

[Stone Cold]

I can just open the lid on the left saddlebag and get to mine.

[8-Ball]

I can just open the lid on the left saddlebag and get to mine.

Is it in the saddlebag or is there a cut out in the saddlebag?

[dynageno]

Do you need the reverse torx for that?:whistling:

[Stone Cold]

Is it in the saddlebag or is there a cut out in the saddlebag?


Neither. When the bag is open, I have direct access to the stem.

[Squish]

Do you need the reverse torx for that?:whistling:
:roflback: :roflback: :roflback:
damn, and every one gives me crap about not letting you live that down.

[Dirty Dan]

Neither. When the bag is open, I have direct access to the stem.

I used to be able to do this. But in order for the backrest bracket to slide down into place, the valve moves down to a hole in the new rear bracket. Now I can't get to it. Grrrr....



I think you're onto the answer, 8-ball...a longer hose.:outtahere:

I've read of your satisfaction with the 440's. But I like the ability to fine tune the stock ones for my weight and then pump those suckers up when the wife gets on. So far, they've worked pretty well for us. But there is room for improvement. For me, with the other bikes and even snowmoblies I've had, if the shocks were right for me solo they were overloaded with a passenger. I'm worried this would happen with the Progressives, too.

If I was sure...I might pull the trigger on new shocks. I have given it some thought.