DIY Airbags...
 

I had a few discussions with folks during the latest Cloudriders event about the DIY airbags I put on my 05 Road King. So I'm posting it here to document it.

Here was the original inspiration:
http://www.hdforums.com/forum/tourin...installed.html

and

http://www.hdforums.com/forum/tourin...-part-2-a.html

Here's the video I put up of mine on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sa6zjIJWHtY

Basically it's air shocks from a 1980's Corvette that I got from Oreilly's (lifetime warranty) for less than $100. I got the air pump and push-to-connect fittings from Amazon. I have about $250 (including shipping) on everything. It's better than stock, but not as nice as CVO shocks or the fancy European ones that Russ likes :)

Shopping list:
- Viair 98C compressor
- Monroe MA785 shocks
- 1.5" guage with a 1/8" NPT fitting
- Humphrey 310 solenoid (used as an air dump valve)
- Misc push to connect fittings and 1/8" tubing. Going from the air compressor I put on a 1/8" NPT to 1/4" tube connector to a 4 way 1/4" tube splitter. The 4 way connects to the gauge, dump valve, and a 1/4" tube to 1/8" tube split then to the shocks.

Thanks for the write-up, Ben. That's a good looking setup. How much lower than stock does it air down to?

You know this video is going to make all those who blew 2K+ on their system screem. :Hurt:
And even though I don't know what malfunction this corrects, I like the design and cost to do it. Will it immobilize a bike from being stolen? :blink:


BOB

Great info.

A little late, but after reading this, I know where there is a set of CVO 12" shocks sitting on the shelf that can be had for a deep discount over new.

They came of my 2011 FLHXSE2 when I upgraded from another set of take offs from Russ. :whistling:

Good question.. I never measured stock. Go measure your RK and tell me where you measured and I'll compare and post the results.

No the bike will still roll fine with no air in the shocks, but it will bottom the tire out on the inner fender if you hit any bumps.

and I remember asking Russ for those shocks but you had beat me to the punch, so then I came up with this DIY stuff. :)

Ben, measure center of each bolt. The stock shock was 12" CtC unloaded.


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Want compressed and fully extended?

No, just some random point with them randomly aired up just partially....


Here's yer sign..

:heresyoursign: :rimshot:


:peekaboo:

I just couldn't stop myself.

Ben, yes, please, both min and max


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I want to do something about the suspension on Black Booty

Probably have to wait until next year

That I can do!!!

9" compressed, 13" extended