Softail suspension?

[Hailwood]

Just wondering if anyone has replaced the standard suspension on a Softail...I was considering upgrading to air suspension but not sure.....any thoughts or input is appreciated....

[Rob Taylor]

I have replaced the standard rear shocks on my Heritage with shocks from progressive... Alot better but still hits the frame on tight bumpy corners.Mind you i nearly always ride 2 up...I would should have paid the extra and got the air suspension because softtail shocks are an ass to adjust....GO with the air suspension for sure....Give Kerry Jeffs at KTL motorcycles a call.He is the Custom chrome agent and will give you a damn good deal.You can access the Custom Chrome site on line its www.customchrome.com .Find what you want and tell Kerry the part number.Good luck

[Headbanger]

You can also just put the custom chrome part number into this site for a sharp price.

https://www.mandmcycles.com/Default2.htm

[Headbanger]

Just chanced upon the Custom Chrome catalogue, Thought I'd have a look at the suspension.

The site I linked above sells a set of Progressive shocks at $100 USD less then the same item is listed for in the catalogue. Though it also looks like any shocks for the Softtail are near twice the price as units for the rest of the range.

[Robert Taylor]

Just wondering if anyone has replaced the standard suspension on a Softail...I was considering upgrading to air suspension but not sure.....any thoughts or input is appreciated....

Race Tech make shocks for these and believe me they will actually give you ride height control AND absorb nasty bumps, which the cheaper shocks wont do.

[Rob Taylor]

Race Tech make shocks for these and believe me they will actually give you ride height control AND absorb nasty bumps, which the cheaper shocks wont do.

Bloody hell,Now you tell me

[Hailwood]

Thanks for the help so far. Have looked at the mandm site and they are over $100 cheaper for the air shocks than the Custom Chrome site. How much are the Race Tech set Robert?

[firecrab]

Just wondering if anyone has replaced the standard suspension on a Softail...I was considering upgrading to air suspension but not sure.....any thoughts or input is appreciated....

I've got a Legend Air suspension on my Night Train - a lot of fun and a pretty good ride. Setting it is a bit hard because I don't have a gage. If you decide to get an air suspension, get one with a pressure gage. And a handle bar control.

[Hailwood]

Thanks for that...how much did the Legend set up cost you and where did you get it from?

[desmo dave]

Have you had a look into Fournales Suspension

[Hailwood]

Not yet always assumed they are too expensive...maybe I need to......nice bikes on your list btw...I owned 2 Darmahs previously a black 1981 and a black 1982..great bikes..so comfy

[desmo dave]

Not yet always assumed they are too expensive...maybe I need to......nice bikes on your list btw...I owned 2 Darmahs previously a black 1981 and a black 1982..great bikes..so comfy

Ive had the old Darmah for 22 years now.The sound of a bevel is hard to beat.

[firecrab]

Thanks for that...how much did the Legend set up cost you and where did you get it from?

I actually brought the suspension with me the last time I was in the States. I went to Bartel's HD in Los Angeles and they ordered it for me and got it in two days.

Packed it in my suitcase and declared it at customs. The officer was just interested if I had any fruit with me so I didn't pay any dues.

I paid around N$ 2500 if I remember correctly - and then I had Wellington MC install it because it's a very fickle thing. Legend themselves say it won't keep the air in overnight, but they did such a marvelous job - it doesn't leak at all - even over several days.
They also made the controls fit onto my street slammers.

If you end up getting an air suspension and you're not an expert grease monkey, like I am not, have it installed by a pro shop - you'll be glad you did.

[Hailwood]

After much research including reading Heavy Duty mag from Oz (good read that one), I picked up the bike from the shop having installed Fournales and replaced the front springs with progressive ones together with 20w fork oil. What a difference. The old softy wallow has gone as have the bumps. Its like a new bike..looking forward to seeing what the wife thinks as a pillion but I love it.

If you are thinking about replacing the shocks, go Fournales and do the front springs at the same time...wow