Air suspension for the Harley Davidson Road King enhances ride comfort, load management, and adjustability. Unlike traditional coil springs, it uses compressed air to adapt to road conditions and weight distribution, offering a smoother ride and improved handling. It also allows riders to customize ride height and stiffness, making it ideal for touring and long-distance journeys.
What Are the Core Benefits of Air Suspension for the Road King?
Air suspension provides superior load-leveling capabilities, ensuring consistent handling even with heavy luggage or passengers. It reduces rider fatigue through adjustable damping and absorbs road imperfections more effectively than stock suspension. Additionally, it enables on-the-fly ride height adjustments, improving ground clearance for rough terrain or lowering the bike for easier mounting.
How to Install Air Suspension on a Harley Road King?
Installation involves removing the stock shocks, mounting air springs or struts, and connecting an air compressor and control system. Professional installation is recommended for wiring and calibration, though kits like Arnott or Legend Suspensions offer detailed instructions. Critical steps include ensuring proper seal integrity and testing the system at varying pressures before full use.
For DIY enthusiasts, ensure you have a torque wrench, thread locker, and pneumatic fittings. Start by lifting the bike securely on a stand to unload the rear suspension. When routing air lines, avoid sharp bends near the exhaust and use heat-resistant sleeves. After installation, perform a 50-mile test ride on mixed surfaces to identify leaks or calibration issues. Many riders report a 20-30% improvement in stability during this break-in phase.
Can you use air suspension without a compressor?
Which Maintenance Practices Extend Air Suspension Lifespan?
Regularly inspect air lines for cracks and leaks, clean suspension components to prevent debris buildup, and lubricate moving parts with silicone-based products. Monitor air compressor performance and replace desiccant in air dryers annually. Avoid over-inflating beyond the manufacturer’s PSI limits to prevent bladder damage.
Create a seasonal maintenance checklist that includes:
| Component | Inspection Frequency | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Air Springs | Every 3,000 miles | Check for abrasions |
| Compressor | Monthly | Test runtime & output |
| Electrical Connections | Bi-annually | Apply dielectric grease |
How Does Air Suspension Compare to Coil-Over Shocks?
Air suspension outperforms coil-over shocks in adjustability and load management but requires more maintenance. Coil systems are simpler and cheaper but lack real-time tuning for weight shifts or terrain changes. Riders prioritizing comfort and versatility favor air systems, while traditionalists may prefer coils for their mechanical simplicity.
Expert Views
“Modern air suspension systems redefine touring comfort. We’ve seen a 40% increase in Road King owners opting for air upgrades post-2020, especially for cross-country rides. The technology’s ability to balance performance and luxury makes it a game-changer.” — Industry Specialist, Motorcycle Aftermarket Innovations Conference
FAQs
- Is Air Suspension Suitable for Off-Road Use on a Road King?
- Yes—adjustable ride height improves off-road capability, but avoid extreme rock crawling. Reinforced air springs and skid plates are recommended for rugged terrain.
- What’s the Average Cost of a Road King Air Suspension System?
- Kits range from $1,200 for basic setups to $3,500+ for premium systems with wireless controls and auto-leveling.
- How Often Should Air Suspension Be Serviced?
- Inspect every 5,000 miles or biannually, whichever comes first. Full service every 15,000 miles.