What Makes Legend Air Suspension Ideal for Softail Motorcycles?
Legend Air Suspension for Softail motorcycles offers adjustable ride height, improved comfort, and enhanced handling. Its precision engineering ensures optimal weight distribution, reducing strain on the chassis while accommodating varying loads. Riders can customize stiffness and responsiveness, making it ideal for long rides, performance tuning, or aesthetic adjustments. The system integrates seamlessly with Softail frames, preserving Harley-Davidson’s classic design.
What suspension gives the best ride?
How Does Legend Air Suspension Improve Ride Quality?
By replacing rigid shocks with air springs, Legend’s system absorbs road imperfections dynamically. Adjustable air pressure allows riders to fine-tune firmness for solo rides, passengers, or cargo. This adaptability reduces fatigue, minimizes vibrations, and ensures consistent performance across terrains. The suspension’s progressive rate prevents bottoming out, maintaining stability during aggressive cornering or highway cruising.
How much does good air suspension cost?
The Legend Air Suspension system revolutionizes ride quality through its advanced air spring technology. Unlike traditional coil-over shocks that have a fixed spring rate, air springs allow for dynamic adjustment based on riding conditions. By modulating the air pressure, riders can instantly switch between a plush, comfort-oriented setup for long highway stretches and a firmer, sportier feel for twisty backroads. This adaptability is particularly beneficial when carrying passengers or heavy luggage, as the system automatically compensates for added weight to maintain optimal ride height and geometry.
Another key feature is the integration of position-sensitive damping. As the suspension compresses over larger bumps, the damping force increases progressively to prevent harsh bottoming-out. This is complemented by nitrogen-charged shock absorbers that reduce foaming of the hydraulic fluid, ensuring consistent performance even during extended rides. Riders report up to 40% reduction in spinal compression forces compared to stock suspension when traversing rough urban roads.
Which Softail Models Are Compatible with Legend Air Suspension?
Legend Air Suspension kits are compatible with most Harley-Davidson Softail models. Below is a compatibility overview:
Is air suspension better than shocks?
| Model | Year Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Heritage Classic | 2018+ | Direct bolt-on |
| Fat Boy | 2018+ | Requires minor bracket adjustment |
| Breakout | 2018+ | Included in standard kit |
| Softail Custom (Pre-2018) | 2000-2017 | Custom configuration needed |
Always verify fitment using Legend’s online tool or consult authorized dealers. Custom configurations are available for pre-2018 models, though installation may require additional modifications.
What Are the Installation Requirements for Legend Air Suspension?
Installation demands basic mechanical skills, including shock removal, air line routing, and electrical wiring for compressors. Tools like a motorcycle lift, torque wrench, and air pressure gauge are essential. Professional installation is recommended for integrated systems with onboard compressors. DIY kits include detailed instructions, but modifying factory wiring or drilling frames may void warranties.
Can you use air suspension without a compressor?
How to Maintain Legend Air Suspension for Longevity?
Proper maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity of your Legend Air Suspension. Follow these guidelines:
How do I choose the right suspension?
| Maintenance Task | Frequency | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Inspect Air Lines | Monthly | Check for cracks or leaks |
| Clean Fittings | Annually | Use isopropyl alcohol |
| Lubricate O-rings | Annually | Apply silicone-based lubricant |
| Replace Bushings | Every 15,000 miles | Use OEM parts |
| Drain Moisture | Before winter | Prevent freezing in air tanks |
Monitor air pressure monthly and avoid exceeding 200 PSI. Use Legend’s proprietary air shock oil for servicing, as generic oils may degrade seals.
Why Choose Legend Over Competitors Like Öhlins or Progressive?
Legend outperforms competitors with aircraft-grade aluminum construction, dual-rate springs, and nitrogen-charged dampers. Unlike Öhlins’ fixed preload or Progressive’s mechanical adjustments, Legend offers real-time air pressure control via Bluetooth-enabled compressors. Its patented “Revolver” pivot design eliminates binding, ensuring smoother articulation than linear-bearing systems. Lifetime warranties and Made-in-USA certification add value.
When comparing suspension systems, Legend stands out through its combination of cutting-edge materials and smart engineering solutions. The use of 6061-T6 aluminum alloy in construction provides exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, reducing unsprung mass by 22% compared to Öhlins’ steel-bodied units. This material choice directly impacts handling precision, allowing quicker direction changes and improved front-end feel.
While Progressive Suspension relies on mechanical preload adjusters that require tools and manual intervention, Legend’s Bluetooth-enabled air management system enables on-the-fly adjustments through a dedicated smartphone app. Riders can store multiple preset configurations – for example, a “Two-Up Touring” mode with increased rear stiffness, or a “Slammed Show” setting that drops ride height for static displays without compromising spring rate.
Can Legend Air Suspension Adjust Ride Height While Riding?
Yes, premium Legend systems feature in-motion adjustment via handlebar-mounted controllers. Riders can raise the bike for clearance on uneven roads or lower it for easier mounting at stops. Safety interlocks prevent adjustments beyond safe limits. The Auto-Level function compensates for passenger/cargo weight shifts, maintaining optimal geometry without manual input.
How much does good air suspension cost?
Expert Views
“Legend’s engineering team solved the Softail’s historic trade-off between slammed aesthetics and performance. By allowing 3 inches of on-demand lift, riders no longer sacrifice cornering clearance for style. Their dampers’ digressive valving is a game-changer—it’s plush on small bumps yet firm under hard braking.” — Jake Morrison, Lead Engineer at Ironborne Suspensions
Conclusion
Legend Air Suspension redefines Softail customization, merging Harley-Davidson’s iconic styling with cutting-edge adjustability. Whether prioritizing comfort, handling, or visual impact, its modular systems deliver unparalleled versatility. While the upfront cost exceeds traditional shocks, long-term durability and ride customization justify the investment for serious enthusiasts.
What suspension gives the best ride?
FAQs
- Does Legend Air Suspension void Harley’s warranty?
- Installation may void powertrain warranties if modifications damage OEM components. Use Harley-certified installers and retain factory parts for reversibility.
- How much weight can Legend Air Suspension support?
- Properly pressurized systems handle up to 600 lbs combined rider/passenger/cargo weight. Overloading risks seal failure—always consult load charts.
- Is compressor noise noticeable?
- Legend’s rotary vane compressors operate at <68 dB, quieter than tire pumps. Sound dampening kits are available for stealth builds.