What Are the Benefits of Air Ride Suspension for Harley Softail?
Key benefits include enhanced ride comfort, adjustable ride height, improved load capacity, and customizable handling. Air suspension reduces vibrations and absorbs road imperfections better than stock setups. It also allows riders to lower the bike for easier mounting or raise it for ground clearance, making it ideal for touring, cruising, or two-up riding.
One often-overlooked advantage is the system’s ability to compensate for varying cargo loads. When adding luggage or a passenger, riders can increase air pressure to maintain optimal sag and prevent bottoming out. This feature proves especially valuable on long tours where weight distribution changes frequently. Modern kits now include pre-programmed pressure presets – for example, a “solo ride” mode requiring 35 PSI versus a “loaded tour” setting at 60 PSI.
“The load-leveling capability alone makes air suspension worth considering for touring Softail owners,” notes motorcycle engineer Lisa Tanaka.
| Scenario | Air Suspension Advantage |
|---|---|
| Bumpy Roads | 30% better impact absorption |
| Two-Up Riding | Adjustable spring rate maintains handling |
| Highway Cruising | Reduces fatigue through dampened vibrations |
How Does Air Ride Suspension Affect Harley Softail Handling?
Properly tuned air suspension improves cornering stability by reducing body roll and optimizing weight distribution. Over-inflated systems may feel rigid, while under-inflation causes sluggish response. Adjust pressure based on riding conditions—higher pressure for aggressive riding, lower for relaxed cruising.
Can you use air suspension without a compressor?
The relationship between air pressure and lean angle is particularly noteworthy. At 40 PSI, a Softail Deluxe demonstrated 12% faster corner entry speeds in controlled tests compared to stock suspension. However, riders should avoid extreme pressure adjustments – exceeding manufacturer-recommended PSI levels by more than 25% can compromise the tire contact patch during hard braking. Many professional installers recommend starting with these baseline pressures:
| Rider Weight | Recommended PSI |
|---|---|
| Under 180 lbs | 30-35 |
| 180-250 lbs | 40-45 |
| Two-Up Riding | 50-55 |
Advanced systems now incorporate inertial measurement units (IMUs) that automatically adjust damping based on real-time riding dynamics. This technology helps maintain optimal tire grip when accelerating out of corners or navigating sudden elevation changes.
What suspension gives the best ride?
FAQs
- Q: Does air ride suspension void Harley’s warranty?
- A: Aftermarket installations may void the factory warranty if damage is linked to the modification. Use certified kits and professional installers to minimize risks.
- Q: Can I install air ride suspension myself?
- A: DIY installation is possible with mechanical experience, but errors in air line routing or electrical connections can lead to failures. Professional help is advised.
- Q: How much does a Harley Softail air ride kit cost?
- A: Kits range from $800 (manual systems) to $3,000 (fully automated with compressors). Labor adds $500–$1,200 depending on complexity.