air pressure of rear shocks

[bobingeorgia]

Owners manual states not to use a tire pressure gauge.
What do you use to check this?
Is their a recommended pump for adding air?

When I wen to vote yesterday there were very large road humps/speed breakers. Going over these at very very low speed caused bike to bottom out. Had to stop practically and ease over them. Do I need to make an adjustment or just ease over them?

I am 210 pounds. What pressure should I carry in shocks.
My wife is 160. Should I add more when she rides and decrease when she doesn't?

Thanks

[Scott-(Altoona, PA)]

I run my pressure at about 7psi front and 30psi in the rear, ideally if you get a pump with a built in pressure gauge that reads in small amounts that is best but I use a tire pressure gauge.
Just know that each time you push it on to get a reading you are loosing a little air!

[ekap1200]

here is a pic of one, works nice.

[chevyman1]

This is similar to what I have, Ebay around $30.00 works good, won't loose any air when you unhook it

http://www.ebay.com/itm/AIR-SHOCK-PUMP- ... 69&vxp=mtr

[debron]

...I use a tire pressure gauge.
Just know that each time you push it on to get a reading you are loosing a little air!

Keep in mind that a "little" loss of air translates to a lot of pressure loss because the air volume is so small in these shocks. A "no-loss" gauge like the ones shown is by far the best and easiest to use.

[bobingeorgia]

Thanks

[HawkeSHR]

I have noticed the same bottom-out problem of my suspension. This is with or without loads or passengers. I've checked and made sure my front/rear air pressures are correct (front 7 and rear no more than 30, within service manual ratings). What are the solutions for this bottoming out problem?

Sounds like a metal on metal bottom out. (Or sounds/feels like the the rear shocks went out on my car). Any suggestions are welcome, I'm a little frustrated thinking g I'm ruining it.

Thank you.
Steve

[Neal]

If you remember long ago (1970 something) we had 2 different companies offering air spring/shock systems,,S&W and Reeder Gas Spring... Reeder offered the correct way to adjust the air pressure was;
set the bike up with the load you have....including you
put in too much air ( whatever it is.... that means the suspension doesn't move)
slowly let air out till you sense movement
THAT'S the correct pressure for you bike loaded as it is now
Never mind what the factory manual thinks might be right, consider the shock manufacture suggestions, like you do with your tires.
I've used this system on all bikes equiped with air since then and have never had a problem, including my 2001 Voyager with 253,000 on it.
Sometimes that means running 25 # but usually more..much more...including times I was loaded up for the weekend with the wife, trailer, and all the (neccessary) stuff with up to 70 #.
Try it, You'll probably be surprised how well it works.

[debron]

Hawke, consider draining and replacing the oil in your rear shocks with a quality synthetic. It's probably OEM and now 22 years old on your bike. The original oil was of inferior quality to begin with. New oil will give you performance commensurate with spending $$ on Progressive shocks.

[HawkeSHR]

Thanks for both replies. Nice to have the options to look at. Sti a newbie with this bike.

Best regards,
Steve