Here's some good input on what to look for when considering an air ride system for your bike.
Rear Air Suspension Buyer's Guide
By John Mata,Jr.
The dampening effect that the air bags deliver while on the road is beyond comparison with static lowering components. The softer, plush ride will feel like you are riding on ... well ... air! Bottoming out, even while carrying heavy loads, will be a problem you should never have to worry about again. The difference in ride quality and response between air-ride and stock rear suspension alone will have you ready to crack open your wallet and reach for some plastic.
Bike Buddy Pro Hi-Lo Rider
MSRP starting at $995
Bike Buddy Pro's Hi-Lo Rider "Bagger and Side Mount" kit for Road Kings is a fully adjustable air-shock kit that comes complete with an air compressor that lets its rider adjust ride height with a push of a button.
The Hi-Lo shocks are available in an optional chrome finish, and all of their kits carry a lifetime warranty. It would be tough to pass up the options and quality that Bike Buddy Pro offers in their air-ride systems.
For more information, call Bike Buddy Pro at (818) 203-2853, or visit them online at www.bikebuddypro.com.
Tricky Air and Billet Road King Air-Ride
MSRP starting at $1,095
Tricky Air and Billet offers a great, fully adjustable rear air-ride kit, which includes an onboard compressor and two 50mm stainless steel cylinders and features 2-inch suspension stroke and rebound control for easy adjustment and handling.
The compressor is stealthily hidden under your factory seat, which will require minor frame modification to install-a little extra work will definitely go a long way while maintaining a streamlined appearance.
For more information, call Tricky Air and Billet at (866) 922-3533, or visit them online at www.trickyair.com.
Independent Cycle Inc. Legend Air Suspensions L1/D1/V1 FL SystemMSRP $1,600
Legend Air Suspensions systems have been a staple in many custom builds for years. The L1/D1/V1 kit is quite a pliable item, as it is compatible with Dyna, V-Rod and FL models. The Kevlar air-spring and deflective disk dampening technology featured in the kit will provide excellent ride quality and resists against bottoming out under heavier loads. The kit comes complete with an air compressor and features handlebar-mounted switch controls for user-friendly operation.
The air springs are available in a black powdercoat or chrome finish to better blend into your bike's landscape. The compressed spring height measures in at 9.75 inches, and the extended height stretches to an impressive 13 inches. The springs mount in stock locations and are performance-, quality- and reputation-proven. The Legend kit is covered with a one-year warranty and is made exclusively in the USA by Independent Cycle Inc.
For more information, call Independent Cycle Inc. at (605) 737-4200, or visit them online at www.independentcycleinc.com.
Alloy Art Air Logic-Leveling FLH Suspension
MSRP $1,850.95
Alloy Art truly launched air-ride suspension to another level with their user-interactive Air Logic-Leveling system. Based on rider and cargo weight, the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) sensor will automatically regulate an ideal ride height. This forward-thinking, hands-free design eliminates operator error of over- or underinflation of air bags.
Aside from the use of sensor technology, Alloy Art has also integrated the use of well-respected components in the manufacturing of their kit. Firestone air bags and Bilstein shocks specifically valved for FLH models are just as much a highlight in their Air Logic system as the newfangled leveling sensor. Alloy Art has constructed the shock and bag mounts from CNC-machined aluminum. All necessary hardware, air lines and mounting brackets are included in the kit, and Alloy Art even gives you an option of selecting either 12.25-inch or 14-inch chrome-finished shocks at no extra charge.
For more information, call Alloy Art at (626) 963-5021, or visit them online at www.alloyart.com.
Arnott Inc. FL Air-Ride System
MSRP starting at $399
Arnott has three kits that can adapt to most '80-'08 FL models. Arnott's range of flexibility alone is impressive, but after seeing that they also took into consideration '08 models with or without the optional ABS feature is definitely amazing.
Arnott offers two levels to their three air-ride kits: Level I kits are strictly for those who want some sort of air suspension and are working within a budget. The main reason for the Level I kit's low price tag is due to a lack of an on board air compressor and control switch. Ride height is adjusted via a manual inflation valve. The Level II setup ups the ante a few hundred dollars and comes complete with compressor and switch. Even with the upgrade, you will be looking at a quality, fully customizable air-ride system that is easy on the ol' wallet.
Both systems include Bilstein shocks, Goodyear air-spring sleeves and all mounting hardware and air tubing needed for proper installa-tion. Arnott warranties their systems for five years and even offers a full, 100-percent purchase price refund if you are not completely satisfied within the first 30 days. Sounds like Arnott is serious about improving your bike's appearance and performance, even if you find yourself working with less money.
For more information, call Arnott Inc. at (866) AIR-RIDE, or visit them online at www.arnottairride.com.
Also see this thread too...
Motorcycle Suspensions - Harley Davidson Community
Rear Air Suspension Buyer's Guide
By John Mata,Jr.
Having a rear air-ride kit installed on your bagger allows you take advantage of the bike's full range of suspension travel. Depending on the amount of cargo and/or passenger weight the rear is burdened with, air suspension components will be better able to assist in moving your load comfortably down the highway. Along with the benefits of bench-pressing your heavy cargo, an air suspension system can perfectly tailor the bike's riding height to meet your own physical profile-height and weight can be properly accounted for.
Now that comfort has been covered, let's face the probable reality for some of you out there. An air-ride kit will definitely set your bike apart after it's been parked and dropped a few inches. The same goes for when it's time to refill the springs-an air suspension system is a truly notable item that will attract envious double takes. What more could you ask for from a system that delivers both comfort and style points to boot? Well, better ride quality and performance couldn't hurt.
The dampening effect that the air bags deliver while on the road is beyond comparison with static lowering components. The softer, plush ride will feel like you are riding on ... well ... air! Bottoming out, even while carrying heavy loads, will be a problem you should never have to worry about again. The difference in ride quality and response between air-ride and stock rear suspension alone will have you ready to crack open your wallet and reach for some plastic.
An air-ride setup can prove to be well worth the time, effort and dough that is invested in selecting and installing your favorite kit. Most kits come complete with an onboard compressor, but those that don't usually offer one in the form of a package upgrade. You'll want a compressor, as it will give you total air level control with the flip of a switch. Some kits will vary depending on component materials or slight tweaks in design, but they will all greatly improve upon the nonadjustable rear suspension you've settled for.Bike Buddy Pro Hi-Lo Rider
MSRP starting at $995
Bike Buddy Pro's Hi-Lo Rider "Bagger and Side Mount" kit for Road Kings is a fully adjustable air-shock kit that comes complete with an air compressor that lets its rider adjust ride height with a push of a button.
The Hi-Lo Rider kit also has a cool optional remote control kit that allows for raising and lowering the suspension from up to 80 feet away-truly a nice option that should go over well at the next show, bike night or just about anytime you want to startle an unsuspecting passerby in the parking lot.The Hi-Lo shocks are available in an optional chrome finish, and all of their kits carry a lifetime warranty. It would be tough to pass up the options and quality that Bike Buddy Pro offers in their air-ride systems.
For more information, call Bike Buddy Pro at (818) 203-2853, or visit them online at www.bikebuddypro.com.
MSRP starting at $1,095
Tricky Air and Billet offers a great, fully adjustable rear air-ride kit, which includes an onboard compressor and two 50mm stainless steel cylinders and features 2-inch suspension stroke and rebound control for easy adjustment and handling.
The compressor is stealthily hidden under your factory seat, which will require minor frame modification to install-a little extra work will definitely go a long way while maintaining a streamlined appearance.
Tricky's kit is available in a standard black anodized finish and an optional premium chrome package. Chrome-plated mounting hardware is included in the price tag as is Tricky's lifetime rebuild warranty on their shocks. An optional remote control kit can also be added to better satisfy your hunger for custom.For more information, call Tricky Air and Billet at (866) 922-3533, or visit them online at www.trickyair.com.
Independent Cycle Inc. Legend Air Suspensions L1/D1/V1 FL SystemMSRP $1,600
Legend Air Suspensions systems have been a staple in many custom builds for years. The L1/D1/V1 kit is quite a pliable item, as it is compatible with Dyna, V-Rod and FL models. The Kevlar air-spring and deflective disk dampening technology featured in the kit will provide excellent ride quality and resists against bottoming out under heavier loads. The kit comes complete with an air compressor and features handlebar-mounted switch controls for user-friendly operation.
The air springs are available in a black powdercoat or chrome finish to better blend into your bike's landscape. The compressed spring height measures in at 9.75 inches, and the extended height stretches to an impressive 13 inches. The springs mount in stock locations and are performance-, quality- and reputation-proven. The Legend kit is covered with a one-year warranty and is made exclusively in the USA by Independent Cycle Inc.
For more information, call Independent Cycle Inc. at (605) 737-4200, or visit them online at www.independentcycleinc.com.
Alloy Art Air Logic-Leveling FLH Suspension
MSRP $1,850.95
Alloy Art truly launched air-ride suspension to another level with their user-interactive Air Logic-Leveling system. Based on rider and cargo weight, the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) sensor will automatically regulate an ideal ride height. This forward-thinking, hands-free design eliminates operator error of over- or underinflation of air bags.
Aside from the use of sensor technology, Alloy Art has also integrated the use of well-respected components in the manufacturing of their kit. Firestone air bags and Bilstein shocks specifically valved for FLH models are just as much a highlight in their Air Logic system as the newfangled leveling sensor. Alloy Art has constructed the shock and bag mounts from CNC-machined aluminum. All necessary hardware, air lines and mounting brackets are included in the kit, and Alloy Art even gives you an option of selecting either 12.25-inch or 14-inch chrome-finished shocks at no extra charge.
For more information, call Alloy Art at (626) 963-5021, or visit them online at www.alloyart.com.
Arnott Inc. FL Air-Ride System
MSRP starting at $399
Arnott has three kits that can adapt to most '80-'08 FL models. Arnott's range of flexibility alone is impressive, but after seeing that they also took into consideration '08 models with or without the optional ABS feature is definitely amazing.
Arnott offers two levels to their three air-ride kits: Level I kits are strictly for those who want some sort of air suspension and are working within a budget. The main reason for the Level I kit's low price tag is due to a lack of an on board air compressor and control switch. Ride height is adjusted via a manual inflation valve. The Level II setup ups the ante a few hundred dollars and comes complete with compressor and switch. Even with the upgrade, you will be looking at a quality, fully customizable air-ride system that is easy on the ol' wallet.
Both systems include Bilstein shocks, Goodyear air-spring sleeves and all mounting hardware and air tubing needed for proper installa-tion. Arnott warranties their systems for five years and even offers a full, 100-percent purchase price refund if you are not completely satisfied within the first 30 days. Sounds like Arnott is serious about improving your bike's appearance and performance, even if you find yourself working with less money.
For more information, call Arnott Inc. at (866) AIR-RIDE, or visit them online at www.arnottairride.com.
Also see this thread too...
Motorcycle Suspensions - Harley Davidson Community