Topic: Homemade air ride (Read 56914 times)

Skunky Dog · « **on:** July 17, 2013, 12:11:07 PM »

Has anyone tried to do this homemade air ride that I have been seeing on some of the other forums?
Just wanted to know how it worked and if the tire rubs and where people have mounted their compressor?

Puzzled · « **Reply #1 on:** July 18, 2013, 07:08:44 PM »

I ran it for 10 years on my 01 and I'm pulling the 11 way adjustable Aldan shocks off of my 13 for another set. The travel and ride is better than stock. I like the travel as it allows me to get my bags farther off of the ground.

Puzzled · « **Reply #2 on:** July 18, 2013, 07:16:22 PM »

TinSpinner · « **Reply #3 on:** July 18, 2013, 09:53:18 PM »

What is this post about? More specific questions elicit more specific replies.

Puzzled · « **Reply #4 on:** August 12, 2013, 07:26:25 PM »

Quote from: TinSpinner on July 18, 2013, 09:53:18 PM

What is this post about? More specific questions elicit more specific replies.

Homemade air ride... Homemade air ride consists of using Monroe or Gabrial air shocks from a mid 60's Corvette. Compressed they measure 9 1/2" and extended they are 14". They have about 1 1/2" more travel than any of the "Motorcycle" specific shocks, ride better than the four different companies I've tried, cost considerably less even with the bushing and push lock upgrades. Of course there are nay sayers as these are car shocks, BS. They work and work well. The guys with extended bags like them as they raise high enough to get through the corners without leaving a trail of fiberglass.

On my 13 CVO

BigLew · « **Reply #5 on:** August 13, 2013, 12:43:17 PM »

Sounds great, I have a couple of questions. How well do they ride? How do they preform when riding the twisties? And can you adjust the stiftness at any height? In case I'm riding one up and the bike low but want it stif so I can ride more aggresively?

BigLew

Puzzled · « **Reply #6 on:** August 13, 2013, 01:20:03 PM »

How well do they ride?

They ride far better than the 11 way adjustable Aldans, Bilsteins, 1st and 2nd generation Legends that I've owned.

How do they preform when riding the twisties?

They work very well. With the urethane bushing change they stiffen right up and eliminate the tendency to want to twist on the bushings (stock bushings are soft).

And can you adjust the stiftness at any height?

No. You add air to stiffen which also adds height. They are different than the motorcycle specific shocks. At any ride height they perform well.

In case I'm riding one up and the bike low but want it stif so I can ride more aggresively?

No. For me when riding aggressive I have them aired up so I don't drag bags. Since I've only ridden with stock bags for less than a year total since 01 my experience with this scenario is limited. Once aired up you can increase the stiffness. I have ridden hard with the shocks fully dumped but not in the corners.

BigLew · « **Reply #7 on:** August 13, 2013, 01:30:58 PM »

Thanks, so is there a kit out or just buy the parts all over the place and put together?

BigLew

Puzzled · « **Reply #8 on:** August 13, 2013, 01:43:13 PM »

LOL, less expensive to source the parts. There are companies selling complete kits if you wanted to go that route.

BigLew · « **Reply #9 on:** August 13, 2013, 01:56:14 PM »

I'm all about saving money and the vette shocks sound great. Not sure where to begin.

BigLew

Rig Magician · « **Reply #10 on:** August 13, 2013, 03:17:45 PM »

Big Lew,
I am thinking about doing the upgrade and I have been reading allot on it. You can go to amazon and search the Monroe MA785 PN and it will come up. I will also show all the other parts that were bought with it on the same page. Also Xotic Customs has a kit for 499$ with all the parts and instructions. Just depends on how you want to go about it.
Mark

Puzzled · « **Reply #11 on:** August 13, 2013, 03:42:57 PM »

Amazon had the best price.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000C55SVE/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Bushings.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CN9DEO/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Lowes/Depot 4- 5/8" OD x 1/2" ID sleeve by 1 1/2" (I'll double check that.

Compressor, momentary switch to add air, dump button to release air or Arnott handlebar switch (21-2610 C or B) to add and release (will need a release solenoid), 5/32 tubing, Tee, fitting for 5/32 to compressor (usually 1/8" NPT).

Not as bad as it sounds. Ebay is a great source for compressors. Viair is good pump, 90 or 92C depending on mounting location. Gast 30R157-P101-L200 is what comes in the Arnott kit.

HogPro · « **Reply #12 on:** August 15, 2013, 10:11:52 AM »

I had these on my bike until recently when part of my system had a problem. I would always ride at 14" and found teh ride to be much better and smoother than anything else I have tried. I had the Monroe's on but got a set of the Gabriels to try next. I avhe 4" extended bags and never scraped them with this setup although I did find that my bike would not move when the shocks were all the way down. That is the only reason I took the other set off. I ahdt o be able to roll my bike out of the way. I know have JRI 13" shocks and the ride rough compared to the Monroe's.

2018_FLTRXSE · « **Reply #13 on:** August 15, 2013, 10:49:12 AM »

Quote from: HogPro on August 15, 2013, 10:11:52 AM

I had these on my bike until recently when part of my system had a problem. I would always ride at 14" and found teh ride to be much better and smoother than anything else I have tried. I had the Monroe's on but got a set of the Gabriels to try next. I avhe 4" extended bags and never scraped them with this setup although I did find that my bike would not move when the shocks were all the way down. That is the only reason I took the other set off. I ahdt o be able to roll my bike out of the way. I know have JRI 13" shocks and the ride rough compared to the Monroe's.

This answered my question about ride at lowest point (should a line beak, etc)

The only concern I would have is that automotive shocks are designed to work in conjunction with a spring (coilovers being an exception)

If at low point the shock bottoms there may be another application that has the same end mounts but has a longer compressed length.

HogPro · « **Reply #14 on:** August 15, 2013, 11:05:41 AM »

My bike is also an 05, not sure if there is a difference on the 09 and newer with the new frame.

BigLew · « **Reply #15 on:** August 15, 2013, 11:11:29 AM »

Not sure about the 09 frame but I have been told I have another problem. My 09 has a FBI drop seat kit and I heard the shock mounts are wider and that will make the bigger air shocks rub the bags? I'm not sure but a vendor told me that when I inquired about his product.

Mike

Puzzled · « **Reply #16 on:** August 15, 2013, 01:17:18 PM »

On the 00-08 bikes I use the Monroe MA803 at 10.5" compressed and 16.125" extended. The pictures above of my 01 are the MA803's with the can around the air bag. The pics of my 13 are the MA785's. The travel/compressed/extended heights are different. I could not use the MA785's on my 01 as the tire hit. On my 13 the swing arm makes contact before the tire does. As was posted we need to be able to ride the bike in the event of a total air loss (Ask Rich about this!).

Puzzled · « **Reply #17 on:** August 15, 2013, 01:19:56 PM »

Quote from: BigLew on August 15, 2013, 11:11:29 AM

Not sure about the 09 frame but I have been told I have another problem. My 09 has a FBI drop seat kit and I heard the shock mounts are wider and that will make the bigger air shocks rub the bags? I'm not sure but a vendor told me that when I inquired about his product.

Mike

I'd research this over on choppedbagger. The bags are low on the Monroe's so I don't see how they would be affected by the drop seat however I have no first hand knowledge of this setup. The shocks are not any larger in diameter than the OEM shocks.

BigLew · « **Reply #18 on:** August 15, 2013, 02:05:19 PM »

Thanks, the word I got was the FBI was a little "wider" where the shocks connect.

Mike

2018_FLTRXSE · « **Reply #19 on:** August 16, 2013, 03:54:31 PM »

Quote from: Puzzled on August 15, 2013, 01:17:18 PM

On the 00-08 bikes I use the Monroe MA803 at 10.5" compressed and 16.125" extended. The pictures above of my 01 are the MA803's with the can around the air bag. The pics of my 13 are the MA785's. The travel/compressed/extended heights are different. I could not use the MA785's on my 01 as the tire hit. On my 13 the swing arm makes contact before the tire does. As was posted we need to be able to ride the bike in the event of a total air loss (Ask Rich about this!).

I lost my comment... WTF?

Good info.

barefoot3zk5 · « **Reply #20 on:** August 17, 2013, 11:27:52 AM »

these Monroes ride much better than stock and Legends .. ( got a set of 808 legends I would sell , like new )..
BTW .. I have no issue with roll out when dropped on my 11CVO FLHRXSEII

UAV Pilot · « **Reply #21 on:** August 22, 2013, 02:06:17 PM »

Can someone clear up something for me? When I go to Amazon, all I see are white painted shocks but all the forum pics show black. Is everyone painting them or has monroe updated the color, or am I looking at the wrong shock?

Puzzled · « **Reply #22 on:** August 22, 2013, 05:57:58 PM »

Monroe's now come black. The original version came white.

twistedcherokee · « **Reply #23 on:** September 05, 2013, 01:00:49 AM »

I have them on my 99 Ultra & am happy with them. Aside from using Gabriels instead of the Monroes I am happy with the choice.

http://www.hdforums.com/forum/touring-models/582587-air-ride-installed-2.html post 15 has a list.

Toby

GeogiaCVOrider · « **Reply #24 on:** October 02, 2013, 01:07:53 PM »

I ordered the parts to do this on my bike. I have a 2012 unltra. I'm the genii pig. If it works out well on mine, my friends want them on their bikes. I'm adding a remote on mine as well. I'm going to try and build a mount plate to go on the bottom frame between by motor and trans for the compressor.

Jswerve · « **Reply #25 on:** October 02, 2013, 02:04:20 PM »

Great thread, thanks for the info. I only have CVO bags but I find the stock HD adj rear shocks too stiff I only weigh 160. Even with my wife on we only weigh 280! I'm guessing this homemade air with monroes would ride much better and as a bonus allow me to back the bike up a lot easier since I am only 5'6" tall!

BigLew · « **Reply #26 on:** October 02, 2013, 02:58:52 PM »

Just got mine back from the shop today!

BigLew

Puzzled · « **Reply #27 on:** October 02, 2013, 06:11:37 PM »

Quote from: GeogiaCVOrider on October 02, 2013, 01:07:53 PM

I ordered the parts to do this on my bike. I have a 2012 unltra. I'm the genii pig. If it works out well on mine, my friends want them on their bikes. I'm adding a remote on mine as well. I'm going to try and build a mount plate to go on the bottom frame between by motor and trans for the compressor.

Save yourself the headache and mount the compressor in front of the battery. A Viair 98C will fit in there with room to spare.

Puzzled · « **Reply #28 on:** October 02, 2013, 06:17:38 PM »

Quote from: Jswerve on October 02, 2013, 02:04:20 PM

Great thread, thanks for the info. I only have CVO bags but I find the stock HD adj rear shocks too stiff I only weigh 160. Even with my wife on we only weigh 280! I'm guessing this homemade air with monroes would ride much better and as a bonus allow me to back the bike up a lot easier since I am only 5'6" tall!

the ride is so much better with the monroe's. You'll like being able to flat foot the bike.

I have put two kits together in the last couple of weeks and these guys really like them. I'm using the Arnott handlebar switch, Viair 98C and energy suspension bushings.

Jswerve · « **Reply #29 on:** October 02, 2013, 08:00:56 PM »

Quote from: Puzzled on October 02, 2013, 06:17:38 PM

the ride is so much better with the monroe's. You'll like being able to flat foot the bike.

I have put two kits together in the last couple of weeks and these guys really like them. I'm using the Arnott handlebar switch, Viair 98C and energy suspension bushings.

I really appreciate you taking the time to share. Going to look at the cost of piecing this together for another winter project. So far I want to upgrade my front lights to LED, change my bars to Cyclesmith 13's, find a better solution for a more comfortable seat, and maybe look at some engine upgrades in the early spring just before riding season begins (just to name a few). How much overtime is available this winter will dictate whether any of this happens lol. I am adding this air ride kit to the mix!

Jswerve · « **Reply #30 on:** October 02, 2013, 08:13:34 PM »

So are these the correct parts?

Switch:

http://www.phatperformanceparts.com/Arnott_Handlebar_Mounted_Push_Button_Switch_Assemb_p/21-2610-a.htm

Compressor:
http://www.amazon.com/VIAIR-Viair-Compressor-Omega-Bracket/dp/B002A6RIRA

Bushings:

Couldn't find a particular bushing thread?

BigLew · « **Reply #31 on:** October 03, 2013, 08:54:27 AM »

That compressor will work great, but I don't like that switch. I would use the CVO ultra switch that operates the lock unlock for the bags. If you look at this site you will find everything you need including parts and wiring!
http://choppedbaggers.com/forums/showthread.php?2938-Air-ride-101

BigLew

GeogiaCVOrider · « **Reply #32 on:** October 08, 2013, 02:20:07 PM »

Puzzled
I don't have room in front of my battery. I had to put that big power commander plug down there along with an LED remote module. I seen where some guys put in between the frame and the back of the motor but I'm a little concerned about the air line getting too high and weakening.
Why not put it in the fairing and mount it to the metal brackets? I have to run air up there anyway because I'm going to add a pressure gauge in place of the air temp gauge.

BigLew · « **Reply #33 on:** October 08, 2013, 02:25:12 PM »

Quote from: GeogiaCVOrider on October 08, 2013, 02:20:07 PM

Puzzled
I don't have room in front of my battery. I had to put that big power commander plug down there along with an LED remote module. I seen where some guys put in between the frame and the back of the motor but I'm a little concerned about the air line getting too high and weakening.
Why not put it in the fairing and mount it to the metal brackets? I have to run air up there anyway because I'm going to add a pressure gauge in place of the air temp gauge.

We mounted my compressor between the bag bar and the rear wheel on the oppisite side from the drive belt. I have a drop seat kit with no room anywhere. Seems to work very well there.

BigLew

barefoot3zk5 · « **Reply #34 on:** October 08, 2013, 08:57:46 PM »

Lew...if theres not a pic ... did it reallly happen..??

BigLew · « **Reply #35 on:** October 09, 2013, 08:50:15 AM »

Quote from: barefoot3zk5 on October 08, 2013, 08:57:46 PM

Lew...if theres not a pic ... did it reallly happen..??

Yeah I knew that was coming. I dont have any way to post pic. No home computer and office firewall can't make it work!

BigLew

GeogiaCVOrider · « **Reply #36 on:** October 09, 2013, 10:47:26 AM »

Biglew
How long have you been runnign yours? I have a lowering kit that allows me to change the shock position. I'm going to use the first hole and install the monroe shocks. I messured it and at full extension I will not hit pipes or transmission. I think I will just miss being too low and my tire rubbing when I'm all the way down by maybe 1/2 inch.

BigLew · « **Reply #37 on:** October 09, 2013, 10:54:10 AM »

Quote from: GeogiaCVOrider on October 09, 2013, 10:47:26 AM

Biglew
How long have you been runnign yours? I have a lowering kit that allows me to change the shock position. I'm going to use the first hole and install the monroe shocks. I messured it and at full extension I will not hit pipes or transmission. I think I will just miss being too low and my tire rubbing when I'm all the way down by maybe 1/2 inch.

Couple of weeks. Took me a little while to figure out the air pressure to ride at. So I ended up putting a guage on the system. Rides great once the pressure is correct for 1 or 2 up. Nice that you can dump the air when you are ready to get off and leave it until you get back on then pump it up.

BigLew

Puzzled · « **Reply #38 on:** October 09, 2013, 07:41:15 PM »

Quote from: GeogiaCVOrider on October 09, 2013, 10:47:26 AM

Biglew
How long have you been runnign yours? I have a lowering kit that allows me to change the shock position. I'm going to use the first hole and install the monroe shocks. I messured it and at full extension I will not hit pipes or transmission. I think I will just miss being too low and my tire rubbing when I'm all the way down by maybe 1/2 inch.

If you are running the corvette shocks I believe you will hit when using the lowering kit and a 18" tire.

From my build thread....

We goofed around today checking travel limits on the bike. With a stock 18"x180 the tire makes contact just under the 9 1/4" measurement. It hits on the forward edge of the fender under the seat, an odd place.

With a 16" wheel and a 60 series 180 we did not see any tire contact. The suspension ran out of travel first at 8 5/8". Using the Monroe's and a 1" lowering kit it netted me 8 3/4". So we bolted it together and I took it for a ride. With all of the air out the bike rolls just fine, no contact.

Left side of the bike, swing arm/frame contact point.

BigLew · « **Reply #39 on:** October 09, 2013, 09:08:26 PM »

Could rub I guess it depends on the bike. I have a 09SERG with an 18" rear (stock) tire and no rub.

Biglew

GeogiaCVOrider · « **Reply #40 on:** October 10, 2013, 03:51:47 PM »

My bike has an 18 x 6.25 wide wheel. I think the tire is a 230 but I may be wrong. Someone said they thought these tires may have a lower profile than the stock tire.
I am concerned about a catastrophic failure and being left stranded. I'm thinking about adding the valve stem that comes with the Monroe's to the system so I can pump up if the compressor stops working for some reason.
I've just heard about so many people banging the top of their transmissions and mufflers with it pumped all the way up or hitting a pot hole and letting the shocks extend all the way out.

I think the best way to do this is put the valve stem with some extra 1/8" line in a saddle bag. If all else fails, I can put the line on the two shocks pump it up with a hand pump and get the hell home. Any other ideas would be greatly appreciated.

GeogiaCVOrider · « **Reply #41 on:** October 15, 2013, 10:25:46 AM »

I put the air gauge in the fairing last night. It looks great. I put the compressor under my radio. It was the only place I had left. Tonight I'm going to change out the switch on the ignition panel for my manual up and down. I'm also going to install a remote with my system.
Hopefully I will have it up and going by Thursday night. If not, I can't get back on it until next week. My thoughts is to have this for fun on local rides, but I will change to the stock shocks for the long out-of-state trips.

BigLew · « **Reply #42 on:** October 15, 2013, 10:51:35 AM »

I doubt that's going to happen. Once you ride the vette shocks enough to get the air pressure correct you will be very impressed with the ride. The stock shocks are junk the high performance shock I had on the last bike, were good for one or the other (performance riding or touring) but never did both well. This system seems to do both pretty good. Make sure when you are using the dump that the bike doesn't fall over if you are using the remote. Some will some won't!

BgiLew

GeogiaCVOrider · « **Reply #43 on:** October 15, 2013, 12:38:05 PM »

I'm just concerned about the compressor going out in another state and I am left stranded. My tire will be touching my fender when it is all the way down. I just don't want it to hit the top of my transmission if I hit a hole doing down the road.

BigLew · « **Reply #44 on:** October 15, 2013, 12:49:38 PM »

I guess if thats your concern then add a schrader (sp) valve in the lines so in an emrgency you could pump them up at a service station.

BigLew

GeogiaCVOrider · « **Reply #45 on:** October 15, 2013, 01:26:35 PM »

I will. I'm going to put the one inline that came with the shocks. After riding on them through the winter I will most likely be more comfident with them and probably not change them out.

jr1000yarder · « **Reply #46 on:** October 16, 2013, 08:22:49 AM »

If it is set up properly with the correct lowering kit your tire should not contact your fender at all. You are too low in the event of a total air loss at that is NOT a safe way to have it set up. ..

Puzzled · « **Reply #47 on:** October 16, 2013, 08:24:23 AM »

If your tire is hitting your fender when the air is dumped you didn't set the bike up correctly in my opinion. I am of the opinion the suspension should be set up so in the case of a total air loss you can still ride home. If you have a lowering kit remove it, if the shocks go to low change them to the VW's. Just saying.

This is my bike aired down, doesn't hit and can be ridden like this if need be.

jr1000yarder · « **Reply #48 on:** October 16, 2013, 08:28:46 AM »

Quote from: Jswerve on October 02, 2013, 02:04:20 PM

Great thread, thanks for the info. I only have CVO bags but I find the stock HD adj rear shocks too stiff I only weigh 160. Even with my wife on we only weigh 280! I'm guessing this homemade air with monroes would ride much better and as a bonus allow me to back the bike up a lot easier since I am only 5'6" tall!

single and combined weight we are the same!!!! I got you a little on height. .... Monroes are awesome and yes to be able to dump air for parking lot maneuvering is PRICELESS!!!! I have had ALL the air shocks they make and the$60 Monroe shocks are worth the price of new legend's!!!!! Just my .02

Rich

barefoot3zk5 · « **Reply #49 on:** October 19, 2013, 07:54:46 AM »

Quote from: Puzzled on October 16, 2013, 08:24:23 AM

If your tire is hitting your fender when the air is dumped you didn't set the bike up correctly in my opinion. I am of the opinion the suspension should be set up so in the case of a total air loss you can still ride home. If you have a lowering kit remove it, if the shocks go to low change them to the VW's. Just saying.

This is my bike aired down, doesn't hit and can be ridden like this if need be.

can this be FIXED

LOL... Me ... I jus back up to a curb and it makes it look lower ... or that what Mike said ..

Puzzled · « **Reply #50 on:** October 21, 2013, 04:05:32 PM »

Quote from: barefoot3zk5 on October 19, 2013, 07:54:46 AM

can this be FIXED LOL... Me ... I jus back up to a curb and it makes it look lower ... or that what Mike said ..

LOL, you have air ride and a center stand and your parked on Main Street Daytona aired up and on the kick stand! Doh.....

GeogiaCVOrider · « **Reply #51 on:** October 21, 2013, 04:07:06 PM »

I completed mine last Thursday. I took the lowering kit off and just used the air shocks. I can still roll with it all the way down. It is a lot smoother ride on bumpy roads. On smooth roads it felt the same as stock.
I do actually love it now that I'm done. I was worried the entire time I was doing the work "what if I don't like it". My friends have all can over to see it over the weekend and they all want it now. I have the gauge, remote, and the bag lock switch on mine. It all works great.

Puzzled · « **Reply #52 on:** October 21, 2013, 04:12:19 PM »

That is good to hear it worked out for you.

Jswerve · « **Reply #53 on:** October 21, 2013, 05:12:00 PM »

Rich don't forget to hit me up via text!

hogasm · « **Reply #54 on:** October 21, 2013, 05:51:57 PM »

Quote from: Puzzled on October 21, 2013, 04:05:32 PM

LOL, you have air ride and a center stand and your parked on Main Street Daytona aired up and on the kick stand! Doh.....

There is a kickstand in that picture

BigLew · « **Reply #55 on:** October 22, 2013, 08:41:35 AM »

Hey Puzzled what are you guys using for a center stand? Does it work ok, where to get it? does it drag? When I air mine down to park it doesn't want to lean at all. Maybe because I have a 21" front on it.

BigLew

GeogiaCVOrider · « **Reply #56 on:** November 04, 2013, 12:51:07 PM »

Went on a long ride this weekend with the new shocks. It rode amazinly smooth. Here's a picture of it all the way down. The bike still leans very well to the side.

GeogiaCVOrider · « **Reply #57 on:** November 04, 2013, 12:55:52 PM »

Here's another picture of it. The back exhaust end is so close when it sets, my shoe can't go between the ground and the bottom of the exhaust at the very back. I love it. We are painting a bike right now and he wants this system on his bike before we put the parts back on.

BigLew · « **Reply #58 on:** November 04, 2013, 02:32:38 PM »

Maybe I need one of the early kick stand plates like was on my 07 SERK. That would make my bike lean over more!

BigLew

RAZ · « **Reply #59 on:** March 26, 2014, 01:29:24 PM »

Puzzled I have a 2000 FLTRSE1 you said could not run the monroe 785's on you 2001. Do you think the Gabriels 49304 would work with the 1/4 inch more clearance. I have the 785's already but have not put them on. Just ran across this thread.
Thanks Steve

Puzzled · « **Reply #60 on:** March 26, 2014, 03:12:59 PM »

Quote from: RAZ on March 26, 2014, 01:29:24 PM

Puzzled I have a 2000 FLTRSE1 you said could not run the monroe 785's on you 2001. Do you think the Gabriels 49304 would work with the 1/4 inch more clearance. I have the 785's already but have not put them on. Just ran across this thread.
Thanks Steve

Since you own the shocks already, try tem.

On my 01 I ran the MA 803. They are an 1" taller.

With any bike/shock combo check for tire to motorcycle parts clearance. Also check when aired up that the exhaust doesn't hit the lower shock bolt. I have been able to move the exhaust some to gain clearance and with others I've had to space the exhaust down some.

Puzzled · « **Reply #61 on:** March 26, 2014, 03:16:25 PM »

Quote from: BigLew on October 22, 2013, 08:41:35 AM

Hey Puzzled what are you guys using for a center stand? Does it work ok, where to get it? does it drag? When I air mine down to park it doesn't want to lean at all. Maybe because I have a 21" front on it.

BigLew

They make lowered kickstands for that now. Pingel has 1" and 2" lowered stands.

I have a Speed By Design center stand on the bike now. It works well. I'd like to give the MRI a try also as it is wider than the SBD. The SBD puts the feet right under the belt where as the MRI has them roughly under the frame. Howard has the MRI and Rich and I have the SBD.

Puzzled · « **Reply #62 on:** March 26, 2014, 03:20:13 PM »

For reference... with my air ride all the way up I have roughly 6.75" of clearance on the lowest point of my frame, well over stock.

It drops down to a little less than this now.

Rooster · « **Reply #63 on:** March 26, 2014, 06:27:17 PM »

Do they all go up to 14" or is there a way to make max 13". 14" I won't be touching the ground.

Puzzled · « **Reply #64 on:** March 26, 2014, 07:12:12 PM »

Quote from: Rooster on March 26, 2014, 06:27:17 PM

Do they all go up to 14" or is there a way to make max 13". 14" I won't be touching the ground.

In your case you would not inflate the shocks to capacity.

The motorcycle specific shocks go to 13". That may be an option also. They tend to have around 3" of travel.

Rooster · « **Reply #65 on:** March 27, 2014, 10:01:58 AM »

So maybe a gauge to find that setting? Would stopping at the 13"level still be enough for 2- up and loaded? I am mostly interested in the ride quality those that have this homemade system were crowing about. I have older Legends now that can be a little harsh at times.

GeogiaCVOrider · « **Reply #66 on:** March 27, 2014, 03:52:33 PM »

I put these on my ultra and I have put it on two friends with street glides. They do ride better than stock, hands down and they hold better in curves. We ride in the north Georgia mountains a lot and the ride is great.
We have never needed the shorter kick stand either. I have gauges and remotes on all 3 bikes. Complete system with everything, fittings included is around $280~$300.

cyco1450 · « **Reply #67 on:** March 31, 2014, 04:02:52 PM »

Mike, I wanna do this on my '10 Vrod Muscle. Do you have any knowledge of that set up or words of advice?
Brad.

Chains · « **Reply #68 on:** July 13, 2014, 11:34:06 AM »

I know this is an old topic but has anyone just put the Monroe shocks on and used the shrader valve to fill and deflate. I'm not looking to raise and lower all the time just a smooth ride.

Puzzled · « **Reply #69 on:** July 13, 2014, 12:32:39 PM »

Quote from: Chains on July 13, 2014, 11:34:06 AM

I know this is an old topic but has anyone just put the Monroe shocks on and used the shrader valve to fill and deflate. I'm not looking to raise and lower all the time just a smooth ride.

I don't see any reason why that wouldn't work.

I've contemplated installing a Schrader valve as a back up along with carrying a bicycle hand air pump. While the hand pump would take some time to fill the shocks (guessing a little over 20 ounces to fill the pair) it'd be better than no air.

Chains · « **Reply #70 on:** July 13, 2014, 01:09:30 PM »

Think I'll give it a try. Ordered shocks from Amazon a few minutes ago. If I do t like it I can always add the compressor. Beats spending a ton of money for non air shocks.

Today's bicycle pumps are small and easy to carry plus if need be can always do a co2 unit.

Puzzled · « **Reply #71 on:** July 13, 2014, 01:30:15 PM »

Quote from: Chains on July 13, 2014, 01:09:30 PM

Think I'll give it a try. Ordered shocks from Amazon a few minutes ago. If I do t like it I can always add the compressor. Beats spending a ton of money for non air shocks.

Today's by cycle pumps are small and easy to carry plus if need be can always do a co2 unit.

Correct. The pump on my road bike is extremely small (road 42 miles this morning, saw several CVO's going through the Park Service).

Order yourself the Energy Suspensions bushings to replace the generic rubber bushings in the shocks. ** Energy Suspension 9.8141G Shock Bushing Set

Chains · « **Reply #72 on:** July 13, 2014, 01:40:40 PM »

Ordered the bushings with the shocks as you recommend earlier in the post. Headed up to meet MikeyT, GH and Hogasm . We are headed to New Hampshire for Chappy's memorial service on Friday. I'm sure I'll. Wish I had done the switch to the Monroe's prior to riding that far. Oh well I'll just appreciate them more when I get back and do the swap.

Thanks for the input.

barefoot3zk5 · « **Reply #73 on:** July 13, 2014, 02:52:41 PM »

The schrader is prolly enuf with a hand pump ... but .. u better make sure u have a tight system as these tend to leak down and would certainly be hard to keep up with hand pump only , not to mention u might wanna vary pressure at times .. Jus sayin ,, wassup Mike .. u get pics of air setup and tour pack rack I sent yall ??

SmokeyJoe · « **Reply #74 on:** July 14, 2014, 03:24:51 AM »

I was wondering about the belt tension with all of this up/down going on. Where do you guys set up the tension for the belt? When I ride completely aired down or close the belt (I think) vibrates. When I bring it all the way up it is rough. I am generally speaking as my system is made by arnott.

Puzzled · « **Reply #75 on:** July 14, 2014, 04:42:57 PM »

Quote from: SmokeyJoe on July 14, 2014, 03:24:51 AM

I was wondering about the belt tension with all of this up/down going on. Where do you guys set up the tension for the belt? When I ride completely aired down or close the belt (I think) vibrates. When I bring it all the way up it is rough. I am generally speaking as my system is made by arnott.

I set my belt tension in the position/height that I ride. I don't ride with the bike aired down with my extended bags. The Arnott system only has 3" of travel so I'd set the belt tension with the shock compressed 1" from full.

Puzzled · « **Reply #76 on:** July 14, 2014, 04:44:13 PM »

Quote from: barefoot3zk5 on July 13, 2014, 02:52:41 PM

The schrader is prolly enuf with a hand pump ... but .. u better make sure u have a tight system as these tend to leak down and would certainly be hard to keep up with hand pump only , not to mention u might wanna vary pressure at times .. Jus sayin ,, wassup Mike .. u get pics of air setup and tour pack rack I sent yall ??

Yes I did, you've been busy!

Dacuda · « **Reply #77 on:** October 28, 2015, 11:58:55 PM »

Finally got around to installing my Corvette Shocks, I was running the Legendary LoPro 12 inch, had a shock blow and they no longer have them so Legendary sent me replacement 14 inch shocks, they really sucked. So replaced them with the Corvette Shocks and all I can say is the ride is so much better than legendary, I would recommend these to anyone

Puzzled · « **Reply #78 on:** October 29, 2015, 06:40:16 AM »

I have a set going on a bike where I'm using a small tank that mounts on the bag rail to hold air so it will air up faster. It's a nice addition.

brockobobby · « **Reply #79 on:** October 12, 2016, 11:08:21 AM »

Is anyone using the push to connect air fittings on the monroe shocks? I cant seem to find any that fit the Shocks.

Puzzled · « **Reply #80 on:** October 12, 2016, 05:33:01 PM »

Yes I'm running push lock fittings on mine.

brockobobby · « **Reply #81 on:** October 12, 2016, 05:52:40 PM »

Do you remember where you got the push lock fittings.

deldago · « **Reply #82 on:** October 12, 2016, 06:04:22 PM »

Quote from: Puzzled on October 12, 2016, 05:33:01 PM

Yes I'm running push lock fittings on mine.

Your attention to detail is astounding! Those shocks look great!

Puzzled · « **Reply #83 on:** October 12, 2016, 07:28:46 PM »

http://m.ebay.com/itm/Shock-adapters-for-monroe-MA785-shocks-with-1-8-push-lock-fittings-/112160630289?nav=SEARCH

Rooster · « **Reply #84 on:** October 13, 2016, 07:02:41 PM »

Yes nice paint on the shocks

Author Topic: Homemade air ride (Read 56914 times)

hogasm