87 FLHTC Suspension
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87 FLHTC Suspension
My front suspension holds about 8 lbs of air. Has been for about a month. I have to refill it everytime I go back and forth to work. I had replaced the anti-dive solenoid a while back. I was thinking of going with a standard front end instead of air but I know there has to be something easy I have overlooked since I am so frustrated.
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From: Bedford UK
Welcome to HDF.
Could be as simple as the air valve core! I have replaced mine on my 1990 FLHS. I have the air in the bars and there is a short length of rubber hose between them and the air manifold on the top of the forks, with a clamp at each end. So a second possibility is the clamps need tightening, or the hose is old and needs replacing. There are several seals and rubber O rings in the tops of each leg, any one of which could also be leaking. None of the parts are expensive to replace, except in time to get at them!
Could be as simple as the air valve core! I have replaced mine on my 1990 FLHS. I have the air in the bars and there is a short length of rubber hose between them and the air manifold on the top of the forks, with a clamp at each end. So a second possibility is the clamps need tightening, or the hose is old and needs replacing. There are several seals and rubber O rings in the tops of each leg, any one of which could also be leaking. None of the parts are expensive to replace, except in time to get at them!
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As was said, check the hoses, o rings and schrader valves for worn leaking items.
I personally hated the air suspension front and back and removed all of it. Went with PS springs in the front and 15 wt oil and removed the solinoid, all the wiring and just capped off each for tube. In the rear I went with PS shocks. Tightened up the whole ride and made tracking at speed a night and day difference.
I personally hated the air suspension front and back and removed all of it. Went with PS springs in the front and 15 wt oil and removed the solinoid, all the wiring and just capped off each for tube. In the rear I went with PS shocks. Tightened up the whole ride and made tracking at speed a night and day difference.
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That is what I was looking for! I am not above removing the wiring. The less mess and gremlins in the system the better. The rear seems simple (13" shock a good fit?), as for the front, when you say springs (I haven't messed with forks yet so I'm not sure of what to do or what will fit) what would I have to do to dissaseble and change over to fluid? Is there and exploded view somewhere that I could use? I'm pretty mechanically inclined. After I got back from this deployment to Iraq I changed out my clutch, belt, bearings, new brakes and lines, and did a complete top end and carb rebuild. First time and all worked.
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bedford UK
Well done! If you don't have one get a factory service manual, also parts list. They cover most of what you need, including tools etc.
Be warned! Front and rear suspension are hot topics on HDF. There are lots of bright shiny rear shocks looking for your money, but very few worth spending on. You can get a slightly better ride or a far better one, there not being much difference in cost for, say, Ohlins. Have a browse and feel free to ask more questions! At the front end there are new springs, Emulators and Intiminators, even cartridge inserts.
Get a long drink and search on those brands before spending any cash.
Be warned! Front and rear suspension are hot topics on HDF. There are lots of bright shiny rear shocks looking for your money, but very few worth spending on. You can get a slightly better ride or a far better one, there not being much difference in cost for, say, Ohlins. Have a browse and feel free to ask more questions! At the front end there are new springs, Emulators and Intiminators, even cartridge inserts.
Get a long drink and search on those brands before spending any cash.
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Thanks. Got a factory manual for mine and wifes bike (hers is next for a tear down) but not a parts list. I am not into shiny at all. I went to the supply room a few years back when paint was fadeing and got a few cans of OD and that was that. If I could I would powdercoat all my crome parts either OD or black. Makes for less cleaning and more riding. Is there any info on what will fit a front end for my 87 FLHTC when changing over to fluid instead of air in a catalog? I am definately more about how it works instead of how it looks.
Last edited by tc_radar; Nov 24, 2009 at 07:18 AM. Reason: Spelling
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bedford UK
The extreme front end upgrade is new forks! Next is a cartridge system, which replaces the entire internals of your current forks, but will be invisible when done. Least expensive upgrade is new springs and either Emulators or Intiminators. Best place I can think of to read further is Motorcycle Metal's website. Howard Messner runs the show and is a HDF sponsor. If you have any queries on his stuff he is very approachable on the phone. He is also an excellent source of rear shocks - a one-stop-suspension-shop!
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