Air ride installed...
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 138
Likes: 8
From: Arlington, WA
Question before I pull the trigger on this system.
I'm wondering if when you're sitting on the bike with the right amount of air pressure for a decent ride and then get off, does the rear of the bike go up? The stock air shocks don't and just want to make sure this system doesn't either.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,788
Likes: 5
From: Tennessee
Just install them you'll like um!
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 202
Likes: 6
From: Colorado Springs, CO
Just following back up...as I've got some miles on the setup now.
A in terms of ride over my factory shocks.
A+ in terms of my adjust-ability. I can lower it down some for that lowered rear end look or air it up for stock height.
I have a feeling my stock shocks will be gathering cob webs as I don't seem them ever going back on the bike...especially since the oil leaked out of one as I laid it down on the ground while doing my install and came back to a nice puddle of shock oil.
In terms of leaks, I'm not loosing anything over night. I haven't tested it longer than 24 hours, but not loosing a single # of air in 24 hours was good enough for me.
I also put a muffler on the output of my dump valve. It's much quieter now for more of a stealth install. I would like to get an adjustable muffler, like what's been posted on here in order to slow my drop down some. It's only a few bucks and worth playing with.
My only missing piece is an inline fuse. I'm debating on if and where to install one. From the battery to the switch? Or from the switch to the pump? The switch is the weak link and if there's a short I would expect it to go first. For right now I don't have one, but then again I'm not playing with the switch all day every day.
Bottom line - if you're looking for a ride that's better than stock, and want the ability to adjust ride height on-the-fly, for $200 I don't think you can go wrong. You just have to pay attention and do your install carefully so that you're not running lines where they can rub, etc. If you want to just stroke out a check and blame somebody other than yourself for any potential future issues, then go to your dealer or indy and stroke out a check for much more expensive solution that comes with a warranty on the parts and the labor.
A in terms of ride over my factory shocks.
A+ in terms of my adjust-ability. I can lower it down some for that lowered rear end look or air it up for stock height.
I have a feeling my stock shocks will be gathering cob webs as I don't seem them ever going back on the bike...especially since the oil leaked out of one as I laid it down on the ground while doing my install and came back to a nice puddle of shock oil.
In terms of leaks, I'm not loosing anything over night. I haven't tested it longer than 24 hours, but not loosing a single # of air in 24 hours was good enough for me.
I also put a muffler on the output of my dump valve. It's much quieter now for more of a stealth install. I would like to get an adjustable muffler, like what's been posted on here in order to slow my drop down some. It's only a few bucks and worth playing with.
My only missing piece is an inline fuse. I'm debating on if and where to install one. From the battery to the switch? Or from the switch to the pump? The switch is the weak link and if there's a short I would expect it to go first. For right now I don't have one, but then again I'm not playing with the switch all day every day.
Bottom line - if you're looking for a ride that's better than stock, and want the ability to adjust ride height on-the-fly, for $200 I don't think you can go wrong. You just have to pay attention and do your install carefully so that you're not running lines where they can rub, etc. If you want to just stroke out a check and blame somebody other than yourself for any potential future issues, then go to your dealer or indy and stroke out a check for much more expensive solution that comes with a warranty on the parts and the labor.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 138
Likes: 8
From: Arlington, WA
Thanks for your help on this thread, but this answer isn't what I'm looking for. Anyone else can answer this since coolerman won't?
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 202
Likes: 6
From: Colorado Springs, CO
I'll throw you a bone. It does go down when I sit on it and up and when I get off. I think my stockers did this as well, but not quite as much. FWIW, I'm 6'5" and 320# so I would expect anything I sit on to drop and give a little, and then raise back up when I get off.
How's that for total honesty?
How's that for total honesty?
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,788
Likes: 5
From: Tennessee
I've sat on quite a few bikes in my 40yrs of riding and other than the few hardtails I've ridden they ALL go down when you sit down and back up when you get off. Lane sorry if my first response wasn't satisfactory! Coolerman has spoken now!
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,350
Likes: 46
I think it depends on what height you set it at. The amount mine drops is no more than the stock that I have noticed. I like the idea that I can raise it when 2 up & when going over speed bumps or steep angled driveways. In my opinion it is way better than stock & a lot cheaper.
Toby
Toby
Cruiser
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
From: Lake Orion Mi
Oh man work needs to pick up so I can do this. My Father said he can get me a air pump from his work so that will save me some. I can't wait to be the cool guy at the meeting this summer lol. Thanks for the tips guys
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Road Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 855
Likes: 1
From: Puyallup, WA
Finally ordered replacement parts today for my air ride system. As stated in earlier posts i had mounted my compressor under the batter box. Pain in the *** to get to or trouble shoot when something goes wrong. I decided to order the side mount brackes from Arnott ($20) vs the one from legend that mount the compressor under the frame behing the rear cylinder. Legend would not sell me just the bracket, but the bracket, compressor and dump valve all in one for ($275). I like the legend mounting location better but not for that price. I also had a crack on the check valve that comes off the compressor. I really think it cracked due to whrere I stuffed it under my seat and it (check valve) was in direct contact with the frame. Arnott is sending me a replacement ($15). Hopefully get things done in a week or two when the parts come in. Despite my "troubles" with this system, most if not all were my own doing and I am a big supporter of this air ride. Thanks again for all who have contributed to this thread.
