The vehicle industry is constantly developing, bringing exciting new features to motorcycles. Among the different new advancements, air suspensions are known as the most useful kit for enhancing the bike’s overall performance.
Typically, this kit uses inflatable air springs that help lower or heighten a motorcycle’s ride height. For that, riders can easily adjust the motorcycle ride height, depending on the riding styles. Adjusting the ride height enhances the motorcycle handling which makes riding more comfortable.
As a result, riders can enjoy a smoother ride that helps to improve stability and lessen fatigue. However, keep reading this context if you want to know more about how air suspension systems work.
How Do Air Suspension Systems Work?
Air suspension systems utilize inflatable air springs and air to heighten or lower the motorcycle suspension. Air springs usually carry compressed air, which offers the necessary level of suspension softness and stiffness. It allows riders to get the desired ride height for riding a bike in different conditions.
When the bike is raised, riders will enjoy a smooth ride. On the other hand, lowering the bike will make your riding more stable and better handled. In most cases, these kits feature shock absorbers and struts that help absorb and reduce the impact on your bike’s suspension.
Riding a motorcycle with air suspension will give you more flexibility, especially when you are on a long-distance ride with a Harley touring motorcycle. So, installing air rides for Harley touring allows you to make your long ride more comfortable and tolerable. There are more benefits you will get from using air suspension that we will discuss in the section below.
Why Should You Use an Air Suspension System?
Using air suspension systems on your bike will bring several benefits. Here we have revealed some important benefits of installing air suspension on motorcycles.
- Better Handling
Once you install air suspension on your motorcycle, you will get better control of your bike. It allows you to ride your motorcycle smoothly in any situation. This is because air suspension will create a suitable riding position for you to ride comfortably.
- Better Firmness
While riding a bike, proper air suspension will give you better firmness. As it allows you to adjust the suspension’s firmness, you can experience a smooth ride even if you’re riding on rough terrain. To ensure smooth riding, it enables you to set the firmness as soft so that you can ride effortlessly.
- Adjustable Ride Height
Riding a motorcycle with an improper seat height is very uncomfortable, especially when you are a tall or short person. To make your riding comfortable, air suspension comes with a great feature. It allows you to adjust your riding height according to your preference.
- Passenger Comfort
Passenger comfort is another great benefit you will get from installing air suspension. Although you will not notice a big difference when riding solo, riding with someone will feel more comfortable. For that, most riders want to install air suspension on their bike.
- Appearance
The look of your motorcycle will be greatly enhanced with an air suspension system. As air suspension allows raising or lowering the bike, it will look excellent. Besides, you can ensure that installing an air suspension will not compromise your bike’s overall performance.
Are Air Suspensions Reliable To Install?
Air suspension is reliable until it is installed and used correctly. There is no risk involved in installing air suspension on your motorcycle. But like any other modification to a vehicle, the user must pay plenty of attention while installing this kit.
This is because an improper installation can cause several injuries to the rider and damage to the motorcycle. It is crucial to have the bike inspected by a professional after installation. Once the checkup confirms the air suspension’s reliability, you can ride your motorcycle without any concern.
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Different Parts Of The Air Suspension System:
The air suspension kit contains different components that compose a complete kit. Below we have pointed out some significant parts of an air suspension system.
- Shock Absorber: Air suspension is designed with a shock absorber to replace your old suspension system. This suspension can be varied depending on your bike’s specific setup.
- Air Springs: The Air spring in the suspension allows your motorcycle to be heightened or lower. By filling or releasing air, you can raise or down your bike to the desired height.
- Air Compressor: Air compressors compress the surrounding air to force it to flow into air springs. Different types of compressors come with air suspension to provide air to the system.
- Inflation Switch: The inflation switch in an air suspension kit helps to deflate and inflate the air springs. When you inflate, your bike will rise, where the deflector will descend.
- Air Distribution Valve: The air distribution valve lets air into your air spring by opening and closing. This valve is usually controlled via the inflation switch
How Do You Install An Air Suspension System on Motorbike?
Installing an air suspension is quite simple, but it is good to get the help of a mechanic while installing it. To install an air suspension, you first have to ensure the kit you bought will fit your bike.
Remember, some kits may require additional purchases for the installation process. Before starting the installation procedure, read the manual guide that comes with the kit. To install the suspension, remove the seat on your bike and disconnect the bike’s battery connection.
After that, raise the rear wheel and remove the saddlebags. Now fasten the air pump and release the air pressure. At this stage, you can follow the manuals for fitting and mounting the air suspension properly. Be sure to tighten the bolts properly and check the new chocks. Lastly, mount the saddlebags and reconnect the battery cords.
How To Choose The Best Air Suspension System?
When choosing an air suspension system, you have to consider some crucial factors. These factors will assist you to purchase the best suspension for your bike. Below we have discussed what factors you should consider:
- Compatibility
Compatibility should be your first consideration while buying an air suspension for your motorcycle. Make sure your chosen suspension will fit on your bike. So you should check the suspension compatibility with your bike.
- Height Adjustment
The height adjustment feature is the main reason for buying an air suspension. So you need to check that your chosen suspension has this feature. Additionally, you will have to check the kit’s length in extended and collapsed positions. The length of most air suspensions is around 9.64 inches in its collapsed mode.
- Build Quality
Build quality is another important consideration when choosing a suspension. Although most air suspensions are made with stainless steel, you should choose one made with high-quality materials. Besides, you have to also check whether the air suspension will resist corrosion.
- Load Capacity
There are different load capacities in air suspension systems that you will find on the market. But you should choose one that is powerful enough to load your bike weight along with two people. Although most air suspensions offer an average load capacity, you have to choose the right one.
- Easy to Installation
Installing an air suspension requires work with different hardware and components that are quite easy to install on a motorcycle. Besides, the installation task will be easier than before by following the instructions that come with the kit. So, you have to make sure there are clear manuals in the installation package.
Conclusion
Riding a motorcycle will be challenging without the proper ride height. This problem can worsen if you are too tall or short compared with your bike. In that case, installing air suspension on your bike will enable you to adjust the ride height according to your riding height. It is natural to wonder about the working process of air suspensions. We have already discussed how air suspensions work.
Typically, the air suspension works through compressed air, which is supplied to the air springs by a compressor. The air compression ratio provides the necessary suspension height that allows you to ride your bike in different conditions. So, if you wish to install an air suspension on your motorcycle, check out the section above. Here you will find a complete guideline about buying the best air suspensions.
