Tri Glide Legend Suspension

[trikermutha]

Has anyone checked out and installed the Legend air suspension system on there Tri Glide? (Rear Shocks)

If so, is it worth the money versus the stock Tri Glide rear shocks.

I would like better better dampening when driving over bumpy terrian.

:Monster:

 

[hepengr]

I installed the Legend Air Ride suspension on my 07 CVO Ultra w/ Lehman conversion a little over a year ago, and am very satisfied with the results.
The ride is much better than the standard rear shocks that came on the bike.
I can adjust ride height / firmness for one-up or two-up riding by just increasing / decreasing air pressure via the handlebar mounted push buttons.

Other than the TG triple trees, the best addition I've made to my scooter.

Hepengr

 

[hog daddy 3247]

Hello new to this site, have never heard of the Legend air ride, is it a Harley part or Lehman.

 

[trikermutha]

Hello new to this site, have never heard of the Legend air ride, is it a Harley part or Lehman.

They sell air ride suspensions for all types of vehicles. The one I am looking at is for the Tri Glide but a bit pricey.

Part # LT108-B (black) they do sell a chrome version

 

[msocko3]

They sell air ride suspensions for all types of vehicles. The one I am looking at is for the Tri Glide but a bit pricey.

Part # LT108-B (black) they do sell a chrome version

I'll say its pricey, lots of bananas for that puppy. FWIW I'm ok with the factory shock they seem to do fine for my wife and I.

 

[trikermutha]

I'll say its pricey, lots of bananas for that puppy. FWIW I'm ok with the factory shock they seem to do fine for my wife and I.

Everything we put into the Tri Glides eats our pocket books. But I think the rear shocks need to be updated since they are the same shocks as the Ultras. The roads in my area are not the best to drive on at times. a nice flat surface is no problem. Anything I can do to keep my old beat up body from getting rattled is worth every penny to me.

 

[hepengr]

The main reason I went for the Legend Air Ride suspension over the standard rear suspension(s) that came on the ultra (reused for the Lehman trike conversion) was the softer ride.

I weigh 140 lbs and my wife about the same. The stock rear suspensions were just too stiff (no matter the amount of air pressure) to provide a smooth ride for either one-up or two-up riding.

The standard HD suspension(s) use springs with air pressure assist. If the spring rate is too great for the load then you get a stiff ride. The Legend Air ride suspension doesn't contain springs, but instead a Kevlar air-bladder to support the weight at the rear of the trike. Regulating the air pressure in the bladders will change both the ride height and stiffness of the suspension.

The Legend suspension kit comes with a 12V air pump (that mounts under the battery) that is controlled by a handle bar mounted push-button switch. Depressing one button allows you to increase air pressure, while pressing the other button allows you to decrease air pressure.

I simply load the trike with people and cargo, increase the air pressure until the suspensions are extended fully (ride height at maximum) then slowly decrease the air pressure until the ride height drops slightly. This procedure seems to produce the best ride with the particular load that you are carrying.

I also adjust the rear tire pressure according to the load so that I have some deflection in the sidewall of the radial tires. I typically run 18 - 20 psi in the rear tires without the tires overheating (here in the high Arizona heat).

Hepengr

 

[trikermutha]

The main reason I went for the Legend Air Ride suspension over the standard rear suspension(s) that came on the ultra (reused for the Lehman trike conversion) was the softer ride.

I weigh 140 lbs and my wife about the same. The stock rear suspensions were just too stiff (no matter the amount of air pressure) to provide a smooth ride for either one-up or two-up riding.

The standard HD suspension(s) use springs with air pressure assist. If the spring rate is too great for the load then you get a stiff ride. The Legend Air

ride suspension doesn't contain springs, but instead a Kevlar air-bladder to support the weight at the rear of the trike. Regulating the air pressure in the

bladders will change both the ride height and stiffness of the suspension.

The Legend suspension kit comes with a 12V air pump (that mounts under the

battery) that is controlled by a handle bar mounted push-button switch. Depressing one button allows you to increase air pressure, while pressing the other button allows you to decrease air pressure.

I simply load the trike with people and cargo, increase the air pressure until the suspensions are extended fully (ride height at maximum) then slowly decrease the air pressure until the ride height drops slighty. This procedure seems to produce the best ride with the particular load that you are carrying.

I also adjust the rear tire pressure according to the load so that I have some deflection in the sidewall of the radial tires. I typically run 18 - 20 psi in the rear tires without the tires overheating (here in the high Arizona heat).

Hepengr

Yes I agree on the stock Harley shocks. They are Ok but could use improvement.

The new Lendend Air Ride Systems now mount the air compressor under the bike in between the frame rails.

I dont think I want to try and lower my tire pressure, I see your point on making it a softer ride but I would still be worried on premature wear or blowout of a tire on a trike.

If anything I would try a new set of tires that are made to absorb the road bumps better. Example: Goodyear comfort tread tires.

 

[hepengr]

I've actually changed out my rear tires for two reasons: More torque at the

rear wheels and ride.

07 UC's were high geared to begin as a bike. When I had the conversion made the installer mounted Dunlop 225/60R16's on the rear which are a large diameter than the standard bike rear tire making the high gearing problem worse. With the additional weight of the trike - the performance off the line wasn't good and it was difficult to get started on an uphill slope.

The trike also road like a truck and shook badly at 65 MPH. Had the rear tires

spun balanced a couple of times but didn't help much. Did my homework on tires vs. ride comfort and chose Michelin Pilot Exacto's in the 205/55R16 size which are of a smaller OD than the standard bike rear tire.

The new tires made an improvement in the ride, the shake went away, and I have an overall gear ratio that is more suited for the trike (without having to change out the transmission sprocket as alot of people have done).

I was also concerned with running lower than stated air pressure in the rear tires of the trike. I read several of the threads regarding tire pressure on this forum and decided to take the advice given and lower the tire pressure. I've monitored both the tire temp (with an IR gun), and tire pressure during trips, and haven't experienced a significant rise in temperature or pressure, even on 100+ degree summer days.

hepengr

 

[trikermutha]

I've actually changed out my rear tires for two reasons: More torque at the

rear wheels and ride.

07 UC's were high geared to begin as a bike. When I had the conversion made the installer mounted Dunlop 225/60R16's on the rear which are a large diameter than the standard bike rear tire making the high gearing problem worse. With the additional weight of the trike - the performance off the line wasn't good and it was difficult to get started on an uphill slope.

The trike also road like a truck and shook badly at 65 MPH. Had the rear tires

spun balanced a couple of times but didn't help much. Did my homework on tires vs. ride comfort and chose Michelin Pilot Exacto's in the 205/55R16 size which are of a smaller OD than the standard bike rear tire.

The new tires made an improvement in the ride, the shake went away, and I have an overall gear ratio that is more suited for the trike (without having to change out the transmission sprocket as alot of people have done).

I was also concerned with running lower than stated air pressure in the rear tires of the trike. I read several of the threads regarding tire pressure on this forum and decided to take the advice given and lower the tire pressure. I've monitored both the tire temp (with an IR gun), and tire pressure during trips, and haven't experienced a significant rise in temperature or pressure, even on 100+ degree summer days.

hepengr

Sounds like you are all setup and good with running lower tire pressures.

I should have my Legend Air Shocks soon and will have to wait till winter is over for me to test ride the Tri Glide with the new air ride installed.

 

[msocko3]

Everything we put into the Tri Glides eats our pocket books. But I think the rear shocks need to be updated since they are the same shocks as the Ultras. The roads in my area are not the best to drive on at times. a nice flat surface is no problem. Anything I can do to keep my old beat up body from getting rattled is worth every penny to me.

I believe they are a different part number than the shocks that come on the Ultra. I know what you mean about eating at the pocket book:yes: my wallet has smoke rolling off it still.

 

[trikermutha]

I believe they are a different part number than the shocks that come on the Ultra. I know what you mean about eating at the pocket book:yes: my wallet has smoke rolling off it still.

Yea the part numbers are different but overall its a touring shock..Maybe just a heavier spring.

The Lengend Air Ride system is all air no spring to bounce like the Tri Gide shocks would do.

Yea no kidding I dont think the pocket book will stop smoking for sometime...LOL

 

[MacHarley]

Has anyone checked out and installed the Legend air suspension system on there Tri Glide? (Rear Shocks)

If so, is it worth the money versus the stock Tri Glide rear shocks.

I would like better better dampening when driving over bumpy terrian.

:Monster:

I am getting ready to put it on a 2010 Ultra Tri Glide that is super customized. Just got thru putting a 110 screaming eagle in it. I have experienced on occasion bottoming out so, this is why I am putting the new legend system on it. Will report back as soon as it is on. SHould be about two weeks.

 

[Nana]

Welcome to TrikeTalk, MacHarley. That is a beautiful TriGlide you have there!

 

[MacHarley]

Thank you... HAve lots of time an $$$ in it.. However it is a dream to ride..

 

[Gorilla]

I am getting ready to put it on a 2010 Ultra Tri Glide that is super customized. Just got thru putting a 110 screaming eagle in it. I have experienced on occasion bottoming out so, this is why I am putting the new legend system on it. Will report back as soon as it is on. SHould be about two weeks.

Welcome aboard yep she sure is a beauty. Congrats

 

[trikermutha]

I am getting ready to put it on a 2010 Ultra Tri Glide that is super customized. Just got thru putting a 110 screaming eagle in it. I have experienced on occasion bottoming out so, this is why I am putting the new legend system on it. Will report back as soon as it is on. SHould be about two weeks.

Yea I received my new shocks but its been to cold out here to install on my Tri Glide. Its a balmy 7 deg this morning..
Let us know if your ride is greatly improved or not.

Did you buy direct from Lengend suspension??

 

[tfdeputydawg]

An alternative to consider for a "better" ride, than stock, at a lower price.
Progressive shocks.
Have no idea if they help a Tri-Glide -but they made a world of difference on my son's Electra Glide 2 wheeler.
Just a thought.

 

[Boom]

I went to the Progressive site and did a search but all I found was that infamous phrase "All- except Tri-Glide". I guess they're a little slow in their product development.:yes:

 

[tfdeputydawg]

I went to the Progressive site and did a search but all I found was that infamous phrase "All- except Tri-Glide". I guess they're a little slow in their product development.:yes:

Must be! Sorry for the misdirect! There I go ass/u/me-ing again

 

[trikermutha]

Has anyone checked out and installed the Legend air suspension system on there Tri Glide? (Rear Shocks)

If so, is it worth the money versus the stock Tri Glide rear shocks.

I would like better better dampening when driving over bumpy terrian.

:Monster:

It looks like in March edition of American Bagger Magazine they will have a article on the Lengend air Suspension for the Tri Glides

 

[trikermutha]

Has anyone checked out and installed the Legend air suspension system on there Tri Glide? (Rear Shocks)

If so, is it worth the money versus the stock Tri Glide rear shocks.

I would like better better dampening when driving over bumpy terrian.

:Monster:

American Bagger Maggazine has a article on how to install the Lengend air ride suspension. It is the March issue of american Bagger

 

[MacHarley]

Has anyone checked out and installed the Legend air suspension system on there Tri Glide? (Rear Shocks)

If so, is it worth the money versus the stock Tri Glide rear shocks.

I would like better better dampening when driving over bumpy terrian.

:Monster:

Yes,, I have completed the installation on my 2010 Ultra TriGlide of the Legend Air Shock system. I went with Chrome Handle bar mount and in dash gauge. I can tell you it is the best investment yet in my Trike. Totally made the ride Awesome. Especially when i am riding my Wife on the back. Aside from my Screaming Eagle upgrade it totally ROCKS.
DO IT.. you will not regret it. I did have my local Harley shop in Bakersfield do it. MacHarley

 

[trikermutha]

Yes,, I have completed the installation on my 2010 Ultra TriGlide of the Legend Air Shock system. I went with Chrome Handle bar mount and in dash gauge. I can tell you it is the best investment yet in my Trike. Totally made the ride Awesome. Especially when i am riding my Wife on the back. Aside from my Screaming Eagle upgrade it totally ROCKS.
DO IT.. you will not regret it. I did have my local Harley shop in Bakersfield do it. MacHarley

I hope to get mine installed soon now that the weather is alot warmer and I can get in my garage. I cant wait to ride the bike when weather permits.

 

[trikermutha]

Finally finished installing the Legend Air Suspension . I have not rode the bike yet but I can tell just from standing on the bumper and bouncing the suspension it is a lot different than stock.

I ended up installing the air compressor in the lower trunk at the top with the excisting compressor mount and a 5/16 standoff and mounted it to a bolt that was at the top of the trunk.

Hopefully I can ride it soon with a udate on the ride.

 

[trikermutha]

First ride this year and the Legend Suspension is a improvement over the stock shocks.

I found it to be less of that pogo affect while on the great rodes we have in this area.

Still trying to find that perfect air pressure. Should have that setup soon.

 

[HarleyGirl60174]

I bought my trike the beginning of the season last summer. Put about 5,000 mi on it and experienced a huge crack in the tour pack. Dealer replaced without a word, said I was the third trike that season with a crack in the tour pack and they felt it was due to the suspension. I have a new tour pack going into this season but wondering what to do about the suspension so I don't continue to have this problem. Some of the road beds are brutal and going over railroad tracks can shake every tooth in your head.

 

[trikermutha]

I bought my trike the beginning of the season last summer. Put about 5,000 mi on it and experienced a huge crack in the tour pack. Dealer replaced without a word, said I was the third trike that season with a crack in the tour pack and they felt it was due to the suspension. I have a new tour pack going into this season but wondering what to do about the suspension so I don't continue to have this problem. Some of the road beds are brutal and going over railroad tracks can shake every tooth in your head.

I know they dont make the tour packs with the same material as they did years ago. Looks to me like cheap plastic.

I cannot guarantee changing the shocks will stop the tour pack cracks,but I would recommend not to put a lot of heavy items in the tourpack.

The lengend Air suspension does indeed help smooth out the ride,compared to the stock shocks.

I used the original air lines and mounted the compressor in my trunk area. Putting the compressor inbetween the trans and the motor made no sense to me,because everytime you have to chaange fluids the compressor has to be removed.

Also if you purchase the Lehman EFX Boards the compressor would have to be moved anyway because of the floor support mounts get mounted inbetween the trans and motor.

 

[trikermutha]

Update on the shocks

I was experienceing a air leak after my first ride of the season. after checking all the airlines etc. I found the left shock was leaking and the outer air bag was off the shock.

I emailed Legend air Suspension and they sent me out a new set right away. They were baffled why the shock failed. Once I send them back they will evaluate what went wrong.

They only draw back was changing them out a second time ..Its not a easy job to do..