Motor Trike Air Suspension Air Bag Replacement

[Jack Klarich]

No argument, but my Lehman wears a little more on the insides of the tires and it's a shortened solid axle … road crown is the cause I think. .

I have seen some IRS trikes eat the inside tread out fast, due to steeply cambered rear suspension.

Camber directly affects toe

 

[Sidecarbill]

Which is why you always check ride height before aligning the wheels.

 

[Jack Klarich]

Which is why you always check ride height before aligning the wheels.

Also checking PSI and wear on tires. Excessive wear on tires not only tells you what is going on, it also can( in extreme wear patterns) throw toe and camber readings off marginally

 

[Robtaylor]

Looking for info

I installed the same air bags that Lonerider suggested to you on our 1500 Motor Trike.

Same results, much better ride, also found that 20 pounds of pressure two up is about right..

I am new to this but was wondering how many inches the body of my trike should raise when air is empty to when 40 lbs is reached. My ride is a 2005. GW.. Thank for any info you can give me. I certainly enjoy all the info on this site.

 

[HPJ]

HELP! Shocks No Longer Available - Need Alternative Shocks that Fit

MotorTrike no longer offers shocks for their solid axle trike.

Anyone have a different shock that you used on your 1800 GoldWing Trike?

 

[HPJ]

Need new shocks and air bags

I just bought a 2003 GL1800 Honda GoldWing Solid Axle MotorTrike.

It needs new Shocks and Air Bags.

I'm going to go with the recommended air bags talked about here.

.

* Shocks Question please:

For those of you that have put a lot of miles on your GL1800 GoldWing Solid Axle MotorTrike, do you think the Original Shocks were a great ride? Or should they have been a little more heavy duty??

I can buy the exact same shocks, but can get a little heavier spring.

The original springs are 120/170.

I can get the shocks with 140/200 springs... or get them with the original 120/170 springs.

What are your thoughts about getting the 140/200 springs?

Or should I stick with the original 120/170 springs?

.

 

[Ridge runner]

Airbags

Hi new to triketalk been looking at a bunch of threads and as I read it I can put these airbags on a solid axel motor trike kit thanks sorry about opening this older thread

 

[rhino 2]

Hi new to triketalk been looking at a bunch of threads and as I read it I can put these airbags on a solid axel motor trike kit thanks sorry about opening this older thread

Mike.....Welcome to Trike-Talk.......:clapping:.....

And don't worry about opening an old tread....Old treads are new treads to someone who is reading an old tread for the first time...ThumbUp...

 

[Ridge runner]

Rear shocks

Hi everyone did the feller get replacement rear shocks for his solid axle trike because I am interested in a part number I am having the same problem any help would be appreciated,:gah:

 

[Gideon]

Is the air suspension in a CSC similar to that in a Motor Trike?

I now have a problem. I lose air almost as fast as I put it in.

 

[Fatbob47]

Fatbob47

Just asking, as I recently purchased an 03 vtx1300 with motortrike kit, and was wondering if the 800# bags will work on my solid axle conversion or do I have to go with motortrike bags, just asking if anyone has had any experience with this set-up. Appreciate any help.

 

[3W-lonerider]

Is the air suspension in a cSc similar to that in a Motor Trike?

I now have a problem. I lose air almost as fast as I put it in.

View attachment 91815

csc doesn't use airbags. at least on mine there isn't any. i have a mono shock with a big spring that is pre loaded. i think roadsmith uses airbags though.

 

[Gideon]

csc doesn't use airbags. at least on mine there isn't any. i have a mono shock with a big spring that is pre loaded. i think roadsmith uses airbags though.

I can’t say enough about cSc, They are a great people!

I spoke with them this morning. They explained the setup on my Valkyrie trike. It has two coil spring shocks and one air shock in the back. The air shock is a Honda 1500 Goldwing shock.

This is what I was told when I originally converted the bike back in 2006. However, recently I was told that I was wrong when I said this was the type of setup that I had. That is why I was checking this forum to see if it was the same as Motor Trike.

I am happy to know that I was originally correct, although it could be expensive to get fixed.

Ride Safe

God bless,

Gideon

 

[Okie2ee]

Air Bag Replacement

I just replaced my air bags on my solid axle MotorTrike kit on 1992GL 1500. I finally found the air bags on the internet under sleeve air bags which are typically used for air suspension on semi cabs or seats/ride control. I measured the at rest height of the air bags (7 1/2") and then measured the diameter that would fit into the air bag location and not interfere with the body.

I ended up ordering air bags that were about 3" in diameter and had a minimum height of 4" and a maximum height of around 11" and had 1/8" NPT port for air. My old air bags were smaller in diameter which means I will need to adjust the air pressure accordingly. If you need my information on the air bags I can get that for you. Cost of the air bags was around $75 each.

 

[Snauzer1]

Modified top air bag mount

i agree with your mechanics assesment on the shock mounting.

thing of it is. when you put enough air pressure in the bags to compensate for potholes and such. when you hit a frost heave the seat will drive your spine straight up threw your neck. not enough pressure and you hit a dip it feels like the whole backend is going to be rippped off. there is no happy medium.

my original airbags got weather cracked and started leaking. contacted motortrike and found that the new airbags, the ends are plastic. so i found a set online from a company in florida that i bought a set from. now these airbags are twice the size as the ones motortrike uses. the original airbags i had to keep at least 35 to 40 psi in them to at least get a half desent ride.

The new airbags, i keep 15 lb. in the for just me and 20 lb. in them when the wife is on. first time the wife rode with these new airbags i went on a road that we were on before that is extremely rough. before she would be all tensed up waiting for the potholes and heaves. after we got threw the rough part she asked me when they fixed the road.. i told her they did'nt. thats the difference between the old and new airbags.

One thing i did do was drop a size in tire width. because the new bags are only 1/2 inch away from the tires. You would not believe the ride difference. like going from a pinto to a lincoln.

here is a link to the bags I bought. you can use the fittings out of the old bags or buy new. same with the airline. you should be able to replace both bags in an hour.

I bolted the top in place then pulled the bottom of the bag down and bolted the bottom in place.





800lb Sleeve Air Spring - 1/8" Port Air Bag

now they claim this airbag is 6 inches collapsed and 10 inches extended.

when i put mine on i only had to pull the airbag down 1 inch to get the bottom bolt in. and theres still sleeve up in the bag. so i'm thinking more like 13 extended. but these new bags are awesome.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I used a metal rasp bit to make the top hole more egg shaped inward about 3/8". This allowed moving the top air bag inward more away from tire rim. Then make a "key" to drop into open space toward tire rim and drop into place then attach top nut. The "key" will key air bag from moving back toward tire rim. Now have close to 1" clearance at top of air bag. Only had to do this on the left rear top mount hole. To replace air schrader air valve, I used Gabriel GB141099, exact replacement. Kit is for 4 air bags but cut one line in half will provide enough air line. My kit came from Amazon: Amazon.com: Gabriel 141099 Accy KIT: Automotive

 

[jim.dandy51]

Air bags/Compressor

I bought my MT 01 Goldwing used and is now in need of air bags and or compressor. Has anyone replaced the compressor on their trike. I have a single angle conversion. Could use some info. Thanks.

 

[Downtown Cowtown]

i replaced with a set from seeing on here, they leaked an got a hole even doing it correctly last time my wife bought me a set from mt dealer an i reinstalled, if ever done again i would like to jus put regular shocks in, and the handlebar air switch with three relays, the three relays quit in a short amount of time and $300 is not my cup of tea. i can rewire some others in there but i jus put a toggle switch on her like i wanted to do in the first place, but was trying to do the correct thang, didnt work, this time anyways, pick ur poison i did an no like it, shocks next time

 

[tayling]

Air bags issue too

Hi All greetings from Brisbane Oz

I have a Motor Trike conversion Honda 1100 Shadow and yes ther airbags are pretty ordinary. I need to replace them both - I have followed the links and the prices are OK BUT the postage is astronomical - if anyone can help me out with a couple I would be very grateful.

Cheers

Tony

 

[rhino 2]

I bought my MT 01 Goldwing used and is now in need of air bags and or compressor. Has anyone replaced the compressor on their trike. I have a single angle conversion. Could use some info. Thanks.

Louis......Welcome to Trike Talk.....:wave4:..

 

[Dave s]

GL1800 2004 Motor Trike

I have problem right side airbag on the suspension the mounting upper and lower do not line up. Is there an adjustment for this ?

- - - Updated - - -

Is there an adjustment to the airbag mounts I can make since the mounts do not line up on the airbag right side. Solid axle mount

 

[powerclocks]

Ordered the Air Springs this morning from Airbagit in AZ (Same bags as the above link - only half the price)

Air Bag Kit & Coils

Ordered the Air Springs this morning from Airbagit in AZ (Same bags as the above link - only half the price)

Air Bag Kit & Coils

Thank you for the information, I have a Harley Davidsosn V-Rod CVO Motor Trike Conversion I have followed heaps of threads discussing Air Bags, at least you have gone to the trouble of giving a link to where the product can be obtained, thank you for that, my right (sitting) air bag leaks so maintaining a constant and reliable pressure does not help. Is there a part number I could use to see if the part is available on eBay, it is far easier for me to use that with quick postage particularly to Australia, Happy Triking, p.s. the top of the air bag, is that threaded to take a nut like the one pictured?

 

[powerclocks]

i agree with your mechanics assesment on the shock mounting.

thing of it is. when you put enough air pressure in the bags to compensate for potholes and such. when you hit a frost heave the seat will drive your spine straight up threw your neck. not enough pressure and you hit a dip it feels like the whole backend is going to be rippped off. there is no happy medium.

my original airbags got weather cracked and started leaking. contacted motortrike and found that the new airbags, the ends are plastic. so i found a set online from a company in florida that i bought a set from. now these airbags are twice the size as the ones motortrike uses. the original airbags i had to keep at least 35 to 40 psi in them to at least get a half desent ride.

The new airbags, i keep 15 lb. in the for just me and 20 lb. in them when the wife is on. first time the wife rode with these new airbags i went on a road that we were on before that is extremely rough. before she would be all tensed up waiting for the potholes and heaves. after we got threw the rough part she asked me when they fixed the road.. i told her they did'nt. thats the difference between the old and new airbags.

One thing i did do was drop a size in tire width. because the new bags are only 1/2 inch away from the tires. You would not believe the ride difference. like going from a pinto to a lincoln.

here is a link to the bags I bought. you can use the fittings out of the old bags or buy new. same with the airline. you should be able to replace both bags in an hour.
I bolted the top in place then pulled the bottom of the bag down and bolted the bottom in place.



800lb Sleeve Air Spring - 1/8" Port Air Bag

now they claim this airbag is 6 inches collapsed and 10 inches extended.

when i put mine on i only had to pull the airbag down 1 inch to get the bottom bolt in. and theres still sleeve up in the bag. so i'm thinking more like 13 extended. but these new bags are awesome.

Hi from Australia, I am going to buy one of these air bags but can't get pictures of the top and bottom so I can see what, if any, work or parts are required to fit them, would you have a picture of the top, bottom and the job fitted so I can see if they would be suitable for my Motor Trike, I would really appreciate that.

Graeme

 

[3W-lonerider]

i see you that you have what i think is a v-rod. the valkyries and goldwings may have a different set up than what you have. it is quite possible that the setups are close enough in relation to give you some advice. the air bags that motortrike uses should be the same for all older kits. so the ones you order online should match with the exception they are gonna be bigger around than stock.the hose fittings should match so that shouldn't be an issue.

the top of the bag with have a nut holding it in place and the bottom should have a bolt. make SURE the bottom bolt is not to long that it punches threw the bottom of the bag support if it does you've created a leak. when you get the bag mounted check the clearance between the tire and the bag. also check the clearance between the bag and the rear end housing. the mods i had to do to fit the bigger bag was drop tire size from a 225 to a 215.

second mod was to egg the lower mounting hole out to get the bag away from the rear. Looking at the lower part of the bag i had clearance between the rear and the bag. but when the bag depressed it was slighly rubbing the rear and would have eventually wore a hole in the bottom of the bag.the bags are easy to mount i would say a 1 beer job. as far as shock settings. turn those down to the lowest setting. the bag pressure. i weigh 300# i normally had the bags set for 13#

with the wife on i had to increase the pressure to 20#
but you can play with the pressures. with this set up the bags and shocks will do exactly what each were meant to do, instead of the bags and shocks fighting each other for supremacy. if you have more questions shoot me a message, i try to check this board once a day but that doesn't always work out.

i just seen your pics. those bags should work great. and the rear end issues should not apply in your case. but make sure you check the clearance for your tires.
by the looks of your pics you have the shocks on the highest setting. you will need to turn them down to the lowest.

 

[powerclocks]

Thank you for that, I pulled the rear wheels and measured everything yesterday including the gap for the wheels and was satisfied the air bags would fit and ordered them, I have access to some pretty good machinery so making adapter plates or anything else will not be a problem, I did take note of the comment, about the air bags fighting for supremacy, it was something I had been thinking on, if I were to put a single compressor in the trunk, split the compressor line and connected to both the schrader valves with a pressure regulator on the compressor side, that would eliminate any battle and allow me to pressure both bags on the go or when I first get on the bike after a week off? what do you think about that? the two air bags would still be isolated from each other but could easily be pressured up with just a button on the handlebars, I am considering putting a aux fuel tank in the trunk with a electric fuel pump transfer tube to the ride tank so I can just push a button and top up whilst on the road. It's either that or have a custom tank made with all the associated fitting problems, this way (using an auxilliary tank) looks easier?
Thank you for the advice.

Graeme

 

[3W-lonerider]

those bags should be linked with one shrader valve not separate. as far as the air pump idea, thats great i had one on my valkyrie.
but keep in mind you will have to run that threw a valve that can bleed air off when you need to decrease the pressure. which that valve would not be hard to do. 12 volt solenoid with a very tiny orfice to bleed air off.
what i meant by supremacy is that the way it is set up now the bags are fighting with the shocks.
by installing bigger bags that allows more air and more stabilization and the shocks set to the lowest setting that allows the shocks to do their proper job while the bags do their proper job. i think you are on the right path. once those bags are installed and the shocks are set. you will not believe the difference in the ride. it will be night and day difference. btw this is the compessor system i used, it was very reliable but the only thing i had to do was put the power wire threw a toggle switch because wiring it to the battery it would come on by itself. it has a sensor in it that when you set the pressure if that pressure deviates one way or the other it will either put air in or let air out. the one i used was called the (wireless one)

WirelessOne | Air Lift Company

Performance Air Suspension and Air Management

www.airliftcompany.com

 

[powerclocks]

those bags should be linked with one shrader valve not separate. as far as the air pump idea, thats great i had one on my valkyrie.
but keep in mind you will have to run that threw a valve that can bleed air off when you need to decrease the pressure. which that valve would not be hard to do. 12 volt solenoid with a very tiny orfice to bleed air off.
what i meant by supremacy is that the way it is set up now the bags are fighting with the shocks.
by installing bigger bags that allows more air and more stabilization and the shocks set to the lowest setting that allows the shocks to do their proper job while the bags do their proper job. i think you are on the right path. once those bags are installed and the shocks are set. you will not believe the difference in the ride. it will be night and day difference. btw this is the compessor system i used, it was very reliable but the only thing i had to do was put the power wire threw a toggle switch because wiring it to the battery it would come on by itself. it has a sensor in it that when you set the pressure if that pressure deviates one way or the other it will either put air in or let air out. the one i used was called the (wireless one)

WirelessOne | Air Lift Company

Performance Air Suspension and Air Management

www.airliftcompany.com

I just need to get this right, now my trike has two pressure gauges one left one right they stand alone, I know the system has been swapped but you say that's wrong? Join the Bags?
I found this little compressor I am considering to mount permanent and hook up to a latching switch I can press when I get on the bike first thing in the morning. I'll run it to a ignition switch Pos so it can't activate when the bike is switched off.
Compressor eBay item number: 156400376929
It's compact, light, I don't require instant pop up pressure like a low rider, just tip up pressure, it's in protector case already. and once mounted relatively unobtrusive.
Chrome Switch eBay item number: 315663670618
Nice chrome switch setup on eBay with two buttons, one is latching, the latching switch will control the compressor so it could be latched on in a minor deflation emergency, adjusting/deflating whilst riding is not something I would do so the remote deflation option I would not really care for, once I set the pressure I am happy with I would just deal with it on a ride or stop and adjust manually with the digital regulator.
Pic. 000 is what I have now, Pic. 001 is the chrome Switch I am considering to control the compressor and remote S.U. fuel dump pump, Pic 002. is the compressor I like and Pic. 003 is a factory supplied schematic of the compressor interior. I like things simple.
Am I on the right track, I have a few weeks to kill before the Air Bags arrive so I am researching option now.

 

[3W-lonerider]

i have no clue as to why they would have not linked those bags, because even a 1 to 2# difference in those bags would be a big deal. if i were you i would T those bags togather that way both bags have equal pressure. analog gauges would not be accurate enough to fully rely on equal pressure.

 

[pwhoever]

I also agree that the air bags should be tied together by tee-ing off the air lines. It is too hard to get the pressure equal in both bags otherwise.

Although not the same as a trike, I have Airlift bags in my Silverado pickup in the back. The original install I did had each bag connected to its own air line and then Schrader valves installed in the bumper. I could never get the pressure on each side the same. I came across an onboard Airlift compressor for a bargain price so I bought that in installed it. The compressor only had a single output so I ran new air lines and teed them together. This works just fine. I can now adjust the pressure using my remote any time I want.

One reason I could see where you might want separated air lines would be if you had significantly more weight on one side so more pressure would be needed in that air bag to compensate. This would pretty much be a non issue on a trike though. Other possible reason might be if one of the bags developed a leak but the rear suspension should keep the rear end from completely bottoming out. Usually though air bags are pretty sturdy so very little chance of them leaking until they get much older. Running the air lines together is probably the smart choice.

 

[powerclocks]

OK, I will do that, I bought a small compressor and wireless pressure gauges to monitor pressures all round, next step is to find a suitable air bag haqndlebar switch, the one I pictured is 1" and my bars are 1 1/4" so a bit more work to do there and also I need to find fittings and hose, the decision to buy push fit or screw fit is yet to be made.
Graeme

 

[pwhoever]

IMHO, push fit fittings are the way to go. They work very well and are simple to use. You just have to be careful and make clean 90⁰ cuts to the hose. Obviously the fittings directly to airbags will be screw-in on one side but can have push fit on side where hose attaches. There are quite a few kits on Amazon that come with the fittings, hose, and cutter for reasonable price. I'm not sure though what would be needed to connect that compressor to the air line but there are also many different fittings available on Amazon as well.

Amazon.com : airbag suspension parts fittings