How to Set Sag (FL Touring, Dyna, FXR, XL, V-Rod models)
In order to achieve the best ride possible with our air ride suspension products, the most important thing to do is to go through the sag setting process. This process will ensure there is enough air in the shocks to prevent bottoming out, as well as it will ensure there is not too much air resulting in a stiff ride with no top-out clearance. Setting the sag will essentially make sure there is an adequate amount of air pressure in the shocks to achieve the effective "sweet spot".
With our air ride shocks, they will measure 13" eyelet to eyelet fully inflated and extended. We recommend 1" of sag with the rider or rider/passenger's weight on the bike in order to achieve the best ride quality. Meaning the shock should measure 12" eyelet to eyelet while you are riding, regardless of the weight on the motorcycle (one-up, two-up, one-up, and lots of luggage, etc.).
To properly set your sag, you will want to run the compressor to air the system up until the rear shocks stop raising the rear of the bike. At this point, the shocks will be fully inflated (13" eyelet to eyelet), and there will be little to no give in the suspension. You will then want to sit your weight on the seat, and then release air from the system until the rear fender or shock length drops 1 inch. You can do this one of two ways, if you don't have one of our air gauges, then you will just reference a spot on the ground, and estimate the one-inch drop. If you have a gauge, you can have an additional person measure your shocks between the upper and lower mounting bolts, and inform you once you have released enough air to achieve the 12" eyelet to eyelet length. If you have a gauge, you can now reference the air pressure setting displayed for your weight on the seat, with the 12" shock length set. This psi setting will be used for future reference if you have released all air pressure and need to air the system back up. Once you have achieved the 1" drop or a 12" shock length, you will need to go for a ride and make MINOR air pressure adjustments to "dial" in the ride. Just remember the air release button releases air pressure much faster than your "up" button will add air to the system.
If you ride with a passenger, you will go through the same procedure with your weight and the passenger's weight on the bike and adjust the air pressure until you have a 12" bolt-to-bolt shock length, and then reference your psi setting for two-up. Make a mental note of your psi setting one-up and your psi setting two-up. In the future, when changing from one-up to two-up riding or vice-versa, you will adjust the air pressure to the psi setting previously determined which gives you a 12" shock length in either configuration. If you don't have a gauge, you will air the shocks up until they stop raising the rear of the bike, and then both you and your passenger will sit on the bike, and release air from the shocks until the rear fender drops about an inch.
If you have any further questions, feel free to email service@legendsuspensions.com