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CVO Technical => Wheels/Tires/Suspension/Brakes => Topic started by: cvofatboy on March 23, 2008, 11:02:21 AM

Title: Arnott Air Ride Suspension
Post by: cvofatboy on March 23, 2008, 11:02:21 AM
Anyone have any feedback on the arnott air ride suspension? how does it compare to legends or progressive?
Title: Re: Arnott Air Ride Suspension
Post by: old wrench on March 25, 2008, 07:39:22 PM
I have the Arnott on my 06 streetglide, it came complete with compressor with mounting bracket and install kit, the hoses and wiring were pre cut, it installed very nice and easy, its a good kit for the price. I have installed both the Legends and Progressive systems and they take more work, both kits cost more with the Legend being the highest priced. As for the ride on all 3 I would say the Progressive gives the best then Arnott and Legend are very close to the same. The height adjustment from lowest to highest  Arnott, Legend then Progressive. Here is a pic of it on the stops with the Arnott system.
Title: Re: Arnott Air Ride Suspension
Post by: old wrench on March 25, 2008, 07:40:35 PM
Here is one full up, hope this helps
Title: Re: Arnott Air Ride Suspension
Post by: cvofatboy on March 25, 2008, 11:02:36 PM
thanks for the info. im looking at just getting the shocks, i already have a compressor from my cheap draggin bagger kit.
Title: Re: Arnott Air Ride Suspension
Post by: johnnymap on March 29, 2008, 07:52:46 PM
Old wrench,

Is the wiring plug and play or is there cutting to be done, for the electrical?  I went to their website and it looks like a nice setup for the money.

Thanks,

john
Title: Re: Arnott Air Ride Suspension
Post by: old wrench on March 30, 2008, 07:48:09 AM
Old wrench,

Is the wiring plug and play or is there cutting to be done, for the electrical?  I went to their website and it looks like a nice setup for the money.

Thanks,

john

It was plug and play on everything but the power and ground, even had the inline fuse on it, they had them tied to there system you just had to cut to length and crimp the connections. I installed a inline tee and attached a pressure gauge on the pressure line from the compressor to the shocks, so I could make a quick set for 1 up 2up and 2 up loaded rides. Here is a pic of that I need to chrome out the fittings to make it look better. I think they have a push button controler now that has 3 different sittings you can program in and has digital pressure read out on it, that is a adder to the system and the price.
Title: Re: Arnott Air Ride Suspension
Post by: old wrench on March 30, 2008, 08:04:29 AM
Also mounting the compressor is a little work, you have to pull the battery, right side cover, it fits in a compartment under the battery box and it comes with the mounting bracket on the compressor that holds it in place, it slips into a slot and there is a hole already there for the bolt to hold it in place. It wasnt that bad to install. They have instruction on there site, I notice they did change the up and down switch and it looks better than the one I had.

http://www.arnottairride.com/ftpManual/9010-BS%20REV%203%20LOW%20RES.pdf

Title: Re: Arnott Air Ride Suspension
Post by: johnnymap on March 31, 2008, 11:26:31 PM
Thanks, Old Wrench for the information.  Installation doesn't seem too difficult.  I think I might try a set. 

john
Title: Re: Arnott Air Ride Suspension
Post by: old wrench on April 01, 2008, 09:38:34 AM
Thanks, Old Wrench for the information.  Installation doesn't seem too difficult.  I think I might try a set. 

john

Your more than welcome John, if I can help anymore let me know.
Title: Re: Arnott Air Ride Suspension
Post by: ultrafxr on April 01, 2008, 03:52:29 PM
They were a vendor at the LA State HOG Rally this past weekend.  Nice setup and about half the cost of Legends (which I have).  They use Bilstein (sp?) shocks and are much smaller in diameter than the Legends but that is not to say they are inferior, just noticed they are smaller.  But the chrome Legend handlebar mounted switch is much, much nicer than their switch, imo.
Title: Re: Arnott Air Ride Suspension
Post by: harleydawg57 on April 10, 2008, 05:10:41 PM
Talked to the people at Arnott today--they definately have a quality product. 
Title: Re: Arnott Air Ride Suspension
Post by: HogDude on April 18, 2008, 10:13:11 PM
I have the Arnott on my 06 streetglide, it came complete with compressor with mounting bracket and install kit, the hoses and wiring were pre cut, it installed very nice and easy, its a good kit for the price. I have installed both the Legends and Progressive systems and they take more work, both kits cost more with the Legend being the highest priced. As for the ride on all 3 I would say the Progressive gives the best then Arnott and Legend are very close to the same. The height adjustment from lowest to highest  Arnott, Legend then Progressive. Here is a pic of it on the stops with the Arnott system.

Old Wrench,
I'm toying around with maybe going with this system on my SEEG. Will I notice a substantial difference in the ride quality compared to the stock shocks?  I've haven't made any change to the suspension whatsoever.

Thanks
Title: Re: Arnott Air Ride Suspension
Post by: old wrench on April 19, 2008, 06:58:09 AM
Old Wrench,
I'm toying around with maybe going with this system on my SEEG. Will I notice a substantial difference in the ride quality compared to the stock shocks?  I've haven't made any change to the suspension whatsoever.

Thanks

I do feel they would have a better ride if they were spring assisted, what I do like about them is the adjustment range in height and being able to load the bike up and raise it with the push of a button  and not worry about bottoming out on the travel, you can do this going down the road.
Title: Re: Arnott Air Ride Suspension
Post by: HogDude on April 19, 2008, 10:39:28 AM
I do feel they would have a better ride if they were spring assisted, what I do like about them is the adjustment range in height and being able to load the bike up and raise it with the push of a button  and not worry about bottoming out on the travel, you can do this going down the road.

Thank you, Sir !
Title: Re: Arnott Air Ride Suspension
Post by: old wrench on April 19, 2008, 10:53:59 AM
Thank you, Sir !

Ur more than welcome, your in there part of the world, ride down there and checkum out, they have a few guys that ride HDs that work there.
Title: Re: Arnott Air Ride Suspension
Post by: Capo on April 19, 2008, 10:59:14 AM
Thank you, Sir !

Looks like $698 on the Arnott site and $799 on Ebay with free S&H? What am I missing!
Title: Re: Arnott Air Ride Suspension
Post by: old wrench on April 19, 2008, 11:03:23 AM
Looks like $698 on the Arnott site and $799 on Ebay with free S&H? Whay am I missing!

hehehehe a 100 dollars if you buy them on Ebay  ;D
Title: Re: Arnott Air Ride Suspension
Post by: HogDude on April 19, 2008, 10:10:14 PM
Ur more than welcome, your in there part of the world, ride down there and checkum out, they have a few guys that ride HDs that work there.
Yep, I had already discovered we we're in the same State... another reason to consider them...... :2vrolijk_21:
Title: Re: Arnott Air Ride Suspension
Post by: Capo on April 19, 2008, 10:57:25 PM
I have the Arnott on my 06 streetglide, it came complete with compressor with mounting bracket and install kit, the hoses and wiring were pre cut, it installed very nice and easy, its a good kit for the price. I have installed both the Legends and Progressive systems and they take more work, both kits cost more with the Legend being the highest priced. As for the ride on all 3 I would say the Progressive gives the best then Arnott and Legend are very close to the same. The height adjustment from lowest to highest  Arnott, Legend then Progressive. Here is a pic of it on the stops with the Arnott system.
OW how many years/miles in  the arnott's? versus the Legends a nd Progressivs systems
Title: Re: Arnott Air Ride Suspension
Post by: old wrench on April 20, 2008, 07:54:26 AM
OW how many years/miles in  the arnott's? versus the Legends a nd Progressivs systems

The only system I own myself is the Arnott, put it on in Nov. 07 and have about 3k miles on it, working fine. I have installed Legends and Progressive system on about 20 or so bike and the only time I rode them was the test ride, they still work fine on the bikes I know are still going. I do like the way Progressive shocks are designed with them you have the air and spring together which feels like a better ride to me. I think Arnott has been in business about 20 years, but into the motorcycle suspension for about 4 or 5 years. The other 2 have been doing it alot longer.
Title: Re: Arnott Air Ride Suspension
Post by: old wrench on May 02, 2008, 08:22:33 AM
Just to let you guys know, I have made a change on mine from the original Arnott system, I put some of the Aldan adjustable shocks on that they offer, you can buy them with the system and they do add more cost to it. But there is a big ride difference in the Aldan shocks compared to the Bilsteins I had on it. With the Aldan you have a larger piston and a cover airboot, and the adjustment gives you the choice of return rate, the ride is alot better on rougher roads. If your looking for somthing to just change the height of the bike then the Bilsteins are fine, if you looking for height and ride comfort I would spend the extra coin and go with the Aldans. 
Title: Re: Arnott Air Ride Suspension
Post by: HogDude on May 02, 2008, 09:31:59 PM
Just to let you guys know, I have made a change on mine from the original Arnott system, I put some of the Aldan adjustable shocks on that they offer, you can buy them with the system and they do add more cost to it. But there is a big ride difference in the Aldan shocks compared to the Bilsteins I had on it. With the Aldan you have a larger piston and a cover airboot, and the adjustment gives you the choice of return rate, the ride is alot better on rougher roads. If your looking for somthing to just change the height of the bike then the Bilsteins are fine, if you looking for height and ride comfort I would spend the extra coin and go with the Aldans. 

Thanks, Old Wrench.... Will certainly keep that in mind  :2vrolijk_21:
Title: Re: Arnott Air Ride Suspension
Post by: frankj on May 06, 2008, 11:19:29 AM
 8)Gentlemen,
the price's being quoted,are correct.However-they are for 2 different systems.The Bilsteins are the above quoted $100.00 less system,the QA-1's,which are fully covered,polished aluminum,feature a multi position rebound knob are more.
The Aldan systems have a higher retail price,are available in chrome or black anodised,also feature an multi position rebound knob,and come standard with a handlebar mount controller.The other 2 systems come with a 3-way micro toggle controller.For pricing info,please call me toll free 9-5,e.s.t.,or email me direct.

Thanks,

Frank Johnson
Motorcycle Division
Arnott Air Ride
Cape Canaveral,FL
1-800-251-8993,ext 101
frank@arnottairride.com
Title: Re: Arnott Air Ride Suspension
Post by: old wrench on May 06, 2008, 01:01:46 PM
8)Gentlemen,
the price's being quoted,are correct.However-they are for 2 different systems.The Bilsteins are the above quoted $100.00 less system,the QA-1's,which are fully covered,polished aluminum,feature a multi position rebound knob are more.
The Aldan systems have a higher retail price,are available in chrome or black anodised,also feature an multi position rebound knob,and come standard with a handlebar mount controller.The other 2 systems come with a 3-way micro toggle controller.For pricing info,please call me toll free 9-5,e.s.t.,or email me direct.

Thanks,

Frank Johnson
Motorcycle Division
Arnott Air Ride
Cape Canaveral,FL
1-800-251-8993,ext 101
frank@arnottairride.com


Thanks Frank for the info, its about time you made an appearence  :2vrolijk_21:

Frank is the one that set me up with my Arnott system, I can say good dependable service is what I got, parts in stock out the door with on time shipments. Thanks again Frank for all your help
Title: Re: Arnott Air Ride Suspension
Post by: TNThumper on May 06, 2008, 08:50:07 PM
Will the Aldan system fit the Ultra Bikes? I did'nt see it on the arnott website.
Title: Re: Arnott Air Ride Suspension
Post by: HogDude on May 06, 2008, 09:24:13 PM
Will the Aldan system fit the Ultra Bikes? I did'nt see it on the arnott website.
Vis,
I'm looking at their catalog now... and YES.
They have an adjustable Aldan Series for the Touring Bikes. 11.6" & 13.0" .
One model for 1980-2007 bikes, one model for 2008-up without ABS & another model for 2008-up WITH ABS.

Here's the Stock #'s
                                11.6          13.0
1980-2007                  9010-AS     9010-AL
2008-up (non ABS)       9025-AS     9025-AL
2008-up (ABS)             9026-AS     9026-AL

Available in Chrome or Black Finish

Hope this helps
Title: Re: Arnott Air Ride Suspension
Post by: TNThumper on May 07, 2008, 10:09:28 PM
Cool HogDude, thanks for diggin that up

VG
Title: Re: Arnott Air Ride Suspension
Post by: HogDude on May 07, 2008, 11:10:17 PM
Cool HogDude, thanks for diggin that up

VG
No problem, VG  :2vrolijk_21: Hope it helps
Title: Re: Arnott Air Ride Suspension
Post by: Twistedrider on May 08, 2008, 09:18:38 AM
Will the Aldan system fit the Ultra Bikes? I did'nt see it on the arnott website.
Yes, I have them installed. Once you learn how to adjust them to your height and weight ,stay off the lower bump stop and don't keep inflating them after they reach the max throw, they work great. Stiffer then the stock shocks, IMO makes for a more stable ride. I'm on #2 setting, haven't really experimented with the other settings much.

I will say it was a real bitch getting the battery box out so I could mount the compressor. I would suggest you first try to get the compressor mounted under the battery box without removing it.
Title: Re: Arnott Air Ride Suspension
Post by: old wrench on May 14, 2008, 08:08:05 AM
Will the Aldan system fit the Ultra Bikes? I did'nt see it on the arnott website.


Here is a pic of the Aldan shocks on my 06 streetglide, the only thing I had to modify was the quick detache sissy bar mounts, I think a spacer between the shock eye and frame would have got it out for enough to clear and still not make bag contact. I made a spacer for a longer allen head bolt and enlarged the notch that was in the mount. Arnott may have spacers for this I did not check with them.
Title: Re: Arnott Air Ride Suspension
Post by: old wrench on May 14, 2008, 08:09:20 AM
Here is another one

Title: Re: Arnott Air Ride Suspension
Post by: Keats on May 16, 2008, 06:14:14 PM
Just to let you guys know, I have made a change on mine from the original Arnott system, I put some of the Aldan adjustable shocks on that they offer, you can buy them with the system and they do add more cost to it. But there is a big ride difference in the Aldan shocks compared to the Bilsteins I had on it. With the Aldan you have a larger piston and a cover airboot, and the adjustment gives you the choice of return rate, the ride is alot better on rougher roads. If your looking for somthing to just change the height of the bike then the Bilsteins are fine, if you looking for height and ride comfort I would spend the extra coin and go with the Aldans. 

I am trying to put together a group buy together on the Arnott Air Ride System, if anyone is interested please post in group buy
Title: Re: Arnott Air Ride Suspension
Post by: Capo on May 16, 2008, 09:53:08 PM
Arnott is closing out the QA shocks for about $90 more than the Bilsteins-at or below dealer wholesale so be savy :huepfenlol2:
Title: Re: Arnott Air Ride Suspension
Post by: Keats on May 16, 2008, 10:31:27 PM
what are the QA shocks?

I only know of the Bilstiens and Aldans............
Title: Re: Arnott Air Ride Suspension
Post by: Capo on May 16, 2008, 11:58:47 PM
what are the QA shocks?

I only know of the Bilstiens and Aldans............

A schock similar to the Aldans except purportedly with a better dampening for a smoother ride and polished aluminum covers instead of chrome or black alla Aldans-Frank at Arnottg said they stopped selling as the market has moved to chrome and black anodized and arnott is closing them out.

I think they be from Eaton Springs as below-have to ask Frank

The Best Ride in Rodding Continues......

No matter what type suspension your street rod has - leaf spring, traditional coil spring, torsion bar, air, or coil-over - the importance of a high quality shock cannot be understated.

Shocks are the final touch that completes the ride quality of all vehicles. The difference between an "OK" ride and a smooth, comfortable ride can be attributed to the shocks.

The only function of any shock is to control the spring's energy.

Don't get stuck in the 50's, get the ride and handling of a current production vehicle with EATON DETROIT SPRING and QA1 Shocks

Title: Re: Arnott Air Ride Suspension
Post by: Capo on May 31, 2008, 01:09:55 PM
Yes, I have them installed. Once you learn how to adjust them to your height and weight ,stay off the lower bump stop and don't keep inflating them after they reach the max throw, they work great. Stiffer then the stock shocks, IMO makes for a more stable ride. I'm on #2 setting, haven't really experimented with the other settings much.

I will say it was a real bitch getting the battery box out so I could mount the compressor. I would suggest you first try to get the compressor mounted under the battery box without removing it.

I am stuck at this step-can't get the compressor in and the ABS module is preventing the battery box from coming out-any ideas?
Title: Re: Arnott Air Ride Suspension
Post by: Keats on May 31, 2008, 09:52:32 PM
Arnott discontinued the QA not because they were not good..(they were) but the pressure is always on to deliver a
better product and the Aldans were basically the same as QA and they could be chromed which allowed them to sell 1 shock system (for the VROD) instead of 2
The Aldans look much better but that is of lesser of an issue with baggers, but  not for VRods
Title: Re: Arnott Air Ride Suspension
Post by: Capo on May 31, 2008, 10:08:03 PM
FInished the install and everything works as advertised. Went with a single solid screw for the compressor due to the inability to actually completely remove the battery box. feels solid and the screw is the nylon style so it will not back off and if I develop a rattle I'll know where to look.

Ride Safe! :coolblue:

Update the rattle turned in to a thumping and so I went back and installed the second attachment from the outside just removed the battery and side cover for access. I did find the wire harness had been rubbing the drive belt and had to repair 4 wires-took my time and used heat shrink to ensure the waterptoof integrity-all is well and the shocks are performing well-working through the correct dampening (QA-1) setting now.
Title: Re: Arnott Air Ride Suspension
Post by: Twistedrider on May 31, 2008, 10:22:01 PM
FInished the install and everythin g works as advertised. Went with a single solid screw fopr the compressor due to the inability to actually completely remove the battery box. feels solid and the screw is the nylon style so it will not back off and if I develop a rattle I'll know where to look.

Ride Safe! :coolblue:

Glad you were able to get at least one screw in, I would not have been able to help you much. I just kept twisting and turning the box, until all of a sudden out it came. Sometimes you just get lucky!
Title: Re: Arnott Air Ride Suspension
Post by: frankj on June 18, 2008, 09:45:21 AM
To the CVO members,
The QA-1's are still being sold.There are some differences between the Aldans such as-
They are polished aluminum,they also feature a 16 position rebound knob.The Qa-1's are only available in a 12.75" length,compressed is 10.5"
Last year these systems sold at a much higher price,now only $799.00.
We will continue to offer the Qa-1's,it is a fine riding shock.
Thank you for your interest and support,

Frank Johnson
Arnott Air Ride
399 Challenger rd
Cape Canaveral,
Fla 32920
USA
1-800-251-8993
frank@arnottairride.com
 8)
Title: Re: Arnott Air Ride Suspension
Post by: Pete7539 on June 21, 2008, 09:01:11 PM
Another option is AirFX lower price and better damping than Legends. dumbassbiker.com
Title: Re: Arnott Air Ride Suspension
Post by: MOBlue on July 05, 2008, 11:25:03 AM
Just to let you guys know, I have made a change on mine from the original Arnott system, I put some of the Aldan adjustable shocks on that they offer, you can buy them with the system and they do add more cost to it. But there is a big ride difference in the Aldan shocks compared to the Bilsteins I had on it. With the Aldan you have a larger piston and a cover airboot, and the adjustment gives you the choice of return rate, the ride is alot better on rougher roads. If your looking for somthing to just change the height of the bike then the Bilsteins are fine, if you looking for height and ride comfort I would spend the extra coin and go with the Aldans. 

Old Wrench,
How would you rate the ride of your new Alden shocks as compared to the ride quality of the Progressive Airtails you discussed earlier. I need a better ride quality than I'm getting out of my 440's on my Pumpkin.
Thx......
Title: Re: Arnott Air Ride Suspension
Post by: old wrench on July 13, 2008, 01:05:38 PM
Old Wrench,
How would you rate the ride of your new Alden shocks as compared to the ride quality of the Progressive Airtails you discussed earlier. I need a better ride quality than I'm getting out of my 440's on my Pumpkin.
Thx......

If your looking for a top quality ride, I would go with the Progressive. They dont seem to have the adjustment, high to low that the Aldans and Bilstiens do but they have a better ride to them for sure. The Bilstiens our about 50% and the Aldans are 75 to 80% the ride quality of Progressive, they just cost more.
Title: Re: Arnott Air Ride Suspension
Post by: MOBlue on July 13, 2008, 07:35:18 PM
If your looking for a top quality ride, I would go with the Progressive. They dont seem to have the adjustment, high to low that the Aldans and Bilstiens do but they have a better ride to them for sure. The Bilstiens our about 50% and the Aldans are 75 to 80% the ride quality of Progressive, they just cost more.

Thanks for the advice.