Air ride installed...
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Flora, IL
Thanks for the parts list. I am gonna start ordering parts. I think I am going to use the Monroe shocks instead of the gabriels and find a gauge to mount in the fairing where the usless air temp guage is. Cannot wait for pictures. A real detailed picture on how you mounted everything would be great. Thanks again
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 648
Likes: 57
From: South Carolina Coast
Well I hope these help. I didn't take the seat off to show the airlines, but I could draw a very simple diagram if it will help. The airline routing was very easy with all lines going to the 3 line union which really has 5 inlets for the 1/4" airline. The shock lines (2), the compressor line (1), the solenoid line (1) and the air gauge (1). So no need to plug any lines, very neat and sits right under the seat. I relaize that everyone has different accessories or EFI modules stuck somewhere under the seat, so what ever works the best. I'll attach as many pictures as possible.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 648
Likes: 57
From: South Carolina Coast
More pictures. Like Coolerman said, all you need is some wire, find a good ground, and you should be good to go. This was a cool little project and I sure hope this baby rides as good as it looks.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 648
Likes: 57
From: South Carolina Coast
That was the horn bracket. I relocated my horn awhile back to open up that side of the motor. I enlarged the hole on the larger end to 1 5/8" and dropped the gauge in. The bracket has a lip on the backside of the bracket, so a little silicone keeps the gauge in place. There is another hole already in the bracket which I drilled to 1/2" to accept the toggle switch. I bent the bracket at a 90 degree angle. There is yet another hole in the bracket at that location that I used a pre-existing hole on a metal plate in front of the battery box. Right above where they mount the ignition coil. Simple bolt and nylon threaded lock nut and done.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,160
Likes: 62
From: GA.
I know you haven't ridden it yet, but I assume you've played with the pressures a bit. How much pressure does the guage show when the bike is at what would be 'normal' height? And thanks for all the info thus far.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 648
Likes: 57
From: South Carolina Coast
No problem at all. To get the bike to the normal riding height, the gauge reads about 60 lbs. sitting on the side stand. When you sit on it, the gauge actually goes to about 80lbs. That is consistent with something I read on one of these threads that 80 lbs for 1 up and 90 lbs for 2 up riding. I don't think there is a breakin period with these shocks, but I assume they will free up a little bit. If I would have known the pressure was that high, I would have went with a 0 -150 psi gauge. Hope that helps. Keep them coming, I'm full of answers...
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 628
Likes: 1
From: Bowling Green, KY
Very nice set up Vradman. I love my homemade air ride. Took the bike out again today for a highway cruise and WOW it was great. Like riding a Caddy.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 648
Likes: 57
From: South Carolina Coast
Thanks outlaw. You don't know how happy I am to hear you say how nice your bike rides. You must be having nice weather today as well. Sunny and 45 here, but the roads are salted and sindered. Terrible the stuff they throw down on the roads around here. Got to be the worst roads in the country. Oh well, looks good sitting in the garage.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 628
Likes: 1
From: Bowling Green, KY
Thanks outlaw. You don't know how happy I am to hear you say how nice your bike rides. You must be having nice weather today as well. Sunny and 45 here, but the roads are salted and sindered. Terrible the stuff they throw down on the roads around here. Got to be the worst roads in the country. Oh well, looks good sitting in the garage.