secret that the stock air shock system that Harley has been using for years is less than stellar . If this is the setup you are currently using I encourage you to if nothing else please buy a suspension air pump from your local Harley dealer . One of the biggest mistakes you can make is trying to air up this system with gas station air pumps . I ’ ve seen countless people blow out this low pressure system by using the air stations at your local fill up .
Harley also offers the newer premium ride hand adjustable shock for touring models which offers a nitrogen charged emulsion design . It comes stock on several of the models and also comes in a standard and lowered ride height . Much simpler to adjust ( it has a knob that is turned ) than its predecessor this shock is going to offer a much better ride due to the enhanced compression and rebound design .
If the ultimate ride is what you ’ re after , an aftermarket air ride is the way to go . It is completely on the fly adjustable to your load and comfort level . It also allows you to adjust ride height and is the only solid way I have found to lower a bike without compromising comfort . There are a couple of reputable companies out there one of being Dirty Air Works out of Kansas City , Missouri . Dirty Air is one of the newer up and coming companies
TECH TIPS
on the market . I had the opportunity to meet the guys from Dirty Air at a baddest bagger show in KC a couple of years ago and they definitely know their stuff . They are very knowledgeable and while I have no doubt they put out some excellent options and products for every wallet size , their time in the market is the only drawback in my opinion .
Legends Suspension on the other hand invented air ride for the Softail model back in 1998 and haven ’ t stopped since . They now offer superior suspension for all the Harley-Davidson models and while they may carry a heftier price tag they also carry a lifetime warranty . If you have the chance to read the Legends Suspension Mission statement , PRIDE and QUALITY are two words you see mentioned more than once and that is something I can definitely get behind . They are based in the United States in a little biker town you may have heard of called Sturgis , SD .
Feel free to ask me why I ride Legends OR any of us at the Fort that had the opportunity to check out and ride the Legends bike back in April . Keep an eye on the website for our upcoming events and bike nights . Hope to see you all soon .
Until next time thanks for reading and enjoy the ride !
Thunder Roads Magazine of OK / AR 19