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Do I really need to buy an HD air pump for air shocks?

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  #21  
Old 06-13-2012 | 10:05 AM
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racklefratz
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Originally Posted by benjamin247
Do I need to buy an HD air pump or will handpumps used to pump bicycle tires work (with PSI gauge)?
No, you don't *need* to buy the purpose-built HD pump.....but you will very quickly learn why you should.
 
  #22  
Old 06-13-2012 | 10:13 AM
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PassRusher75
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Originally Posted by ehc0720
I've only had my RG for 2 wks now. It had no air in the shock when I got it, I used an air compressor I got at Costco it has a guage and a quick release valve (no air leak) and it fills very slow, I put 10lbs in it and it does ride better. Anyway how often does the air leak out, how often should I check it?

When you wash your bike, take a minute to squeeze out some soapy water around all the shock/air line fittings to check for leaks. Air loss can usually be attributed to a leaking/loose connection.
Keep in mind this is a very low volume system...
 
  #23  
Old 06-13-2012 | 10:36 AM
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LaneG
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I have an HD shock pump for sale. SOLD!
 

Last edited by LaneG; 06-20-2012 at 09:27 PM. Reason: Update
  #24  
Old 06-13-2012 | 10:38 AM
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jmorganroadglide
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If you are going to do some multi day rides with luggage, I think you need the HD pump. It is easy to pack and is safe for the shocks. You might as well review what hand tools people pack also and get that organized. As for me, I try to tour only with people that carry all this stuff so I don't have to.
 
  #25  
Old 06-13-2012 | 10:42 AM
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Nirvana
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Maybe I just have an old, low-volume bicycle pump that was used to fill mountain bike tires, but I don't see the problem with using it to fill the rear shocks. It takes several strokes to fill 30 lbs and then I bleed off air with a gauge to my preferred 20 lbs.

Why are those mountain bike shock pumps rated for 300 psi? It doesn't seem like they would be a good substitute for the HD pump.
 
  #26  
Old 06-13-2012 | 10:55 AM
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slhanks4
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The reason you buy a purpose-built pump is because it won't over-pressurize the shocks and it has a no-loss valve so you get a much more accurate fill. I can't believe guys who will drop over 20 large on a bike and b1tch about buying a pump for the air shocks.
 
  #27  
Old 06-13-2012 | 11:29 AM
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journeyman
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It doesn't have to say Harley on it.
Check this one for $32
http://www.amazon.com/Fox-Racing-Sho...sim_sbs_auto_2

or the Harley one for $59
http://www.amazon.com/Harley-Davidso.../dp/B0016J9S0W

A guy could but the $32 one then a $20 Harley sticker to put on it, and still be cash ahead!
 
  #28  
Old 06-13-2012 | 11:36 AM
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BlackPearl#1
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Progressive makes the one i use for my bike and Fox makes the one for the shocks on the front of my snowmobile and they as well as the HD one look very much alike. Don't skimp on the money on this one is my 02
Kris
 
  #29  
Old 06-13-2012 | 12:08 PM
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av ultra
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The shocks take very little air volume to fill/adjust, I bought two pumps to avoid buying the harley pump and just disconnecting the quick disconnect on the bell pump I had lost about 5 psi. Finally I just broke down and bought the harley pump, lesson learned.
 
  #30  
Old 06-13-2012 | 12:31 PM
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blarg
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I use the pump that came with my pneumatic shotgun stock - it has a gauge, bleeder valve, and disconnects without releasing any air pressure. The air chamber in the recoil reducer is also very small.

Of course, it's the same price as the HD shock pump...

http://www.shockmaster.com/my_shock_pump.html
 

Last edited by blarg; 06-13-2012 at 12:35 PM.


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