Air Ride Suspension Questions

[Nomad2day]

I have a 2007 Bulldog and have considered putting on the BDM air ride suspension kit. Would like to hear from someone who has it on the newer bikes already to see the pro and cons.

On my Harley RK, I had a cheap air compressor, 3 way switch and some Monroe air shocks on it and you play with it on the fly. Had the switch under the seat mounted through the frame.

Should the kit just be bought and install or will BDM not cover it under the warranty if they do not put it on?
Thanks for any input
Neil
Laid back in Tenn

 

[kickstart]

Didn't know the 07 Bulldog didn't have it stock, the 05 did. And Hell yes it's the best, my ole back does appreciate it.

 

[Gas Man]

I think hoat just did this...

I also believe all the dogs are pre-wired out of the EHC for it.

 

[Nomad2day]

I sent Hoat a PM on it.
Just wonder if BDM will cover it in the warranty too if I install it.
I feel like it is a must do anyway with my bad back. Ok, so I think it is pretty cool too...
Is Vickie able to take orders on this kinda stuff?
Neil

 

[bdmridgeback]

BDM should warranty it if the dealer installs it. They did all my goodies.

 

[lee]

I got legend air ride on my 05 Bulldog - the hi beam low beam switche is used to raise and lower it - its good but very stiff compared with the shocks on my HD Heritage

 

[kickstart]

I sent Hoat a PM on it.
Just wonder if BDM will cover it in the warranty too if I install it.
I feel like it is a must do anyway with my bad back. Ok, so I think it is pretty cool too...
Is Vickie able to take orders on this kinda stuff?
Neil

It is easier on the ole back but depends on how bad the back is. My L5&6 are just about history so 100 miles or so I need a break. It's a bitch getting old but the alternative is worse.

 

[hoat]

I sent Hoat a PM on it.
Just wonder if BDM will cover it in the warranty too if I install it.
I feel like it is a must do anyway with my bad back. Ok, so I think it is pretty cool too...
Is Vickie able to take orders on this kinda stuff?
Neil

reponded to the pm I think you may hae to have the dealership install it for warrenty purposes. I said f it and did it myself. If it breaks then I'll fix it!!!

 

[Nomad2day]

Thanks Hoat on the reply,
I will ask them when I go to pick the bike up from them whenever it is finished. How much difference is in the ride with it? I do have a bad back but it is what relaxes me cruising on it. Only hurts when I get off.
The bumps hit pretty hard on the Bulldog even though it has shocks. Got to pick my butt up off the seat before impact or my back really takes a shot.
The Loratabs take the edge off but I am getting old and wore out too at a young 51.
Perhaps I just need something stronger so I don't feel the pain.
Neil

 

[hoat]

The differene in the ride depends on where you set the air presure. I found that it absorbs some of the most hellatious bumps 100% better than stock. For instance there is a road that out of Baltimore 295 south that I road with the stock and it seems like there are speed bumps on the highway. They would knock me right out of the seat. With the air ride it absorbed every one of them. I still felt the bump but my ass did not come off of the seat!!!

 

[Nomad2day]

That is the info I have been looking for. Hoat, that alone has sold me on the system. If it makes the bike a pleasure to drive more so that it is now, I am in.
Neil

 

[BBChopper]

It is easier on the ole back but depends on how bad the back is. My L5&6 are just about history so 100 miles or so I need a break. It's a bitch getting old but the alternative is worse.

L4 and 5 for me and it sucks!!!!

 

[hoat]

That is the info I have been looking for. Hoat, that alone has sold me on the system. If it makes the bike a pleasure to drive more so that it is now, I am in.
Neil

come to DC and ride it! If it was warmer I'd meet you halfway!!!! maybe in the spring

 

[BBChopper]

I have a 2007 Bulldog and have considered putting on the BDM air ride suspension kit. Would like to hear from someone who has it on the newer bikes already to see the pro and cons.

On my Harley RK, I had a cheap air compressor, 3 way switch and some Monroe air shocks on it and you play with it on the fly. Had the switch under the seat mounted through the frame.

Should the kit just be bought and install or will BDM not cover it under the warranty if they do not put it on?
Thanks for any input
Neil
Laid back in Tenn

I'm out of warranty I was looking at the all in one, compressor shocks etc. What do you think?

 

[Gas Man]

I have heard mixed feelings on the self contained unit... but I think Hoat is the resident expert on these.

 

[txchopperguy]

I had the BDM unit put on my 05 chop this year and it makes all the difference in the world, especially if you ever ride 2 up. I got my system off of ebay from "shovelheadkicker" for about $400.00 and he frequently has them for sale. It was missing an air line, and I did not use the guage as they have been a problem in the past. It was installed by my dealer for about $200.00 ( air line included) and has been absolutely wonderful...no more dragging the frame going in and out of driveways or over speedbumps.

 

[hoat]

I have heard mixed feelings on the self contained unit... but I think Hoat is the resident expert on these.

I have the bdm unit and the handle bar controls make all he difference. no fumbling for a switch, change the presure on the fly, if a component goes bad replace it. I don't know about the self contained one but I am sure that you can get any unit without the pump and use the bdm pump and controls.


I was riding 2 up had it set soft, saw some twisties coming up thumbed the start button then the hi beam switch and firmed up the ride thru the twisties, afterwardds let some out and continued to cruise!!!

 

[Nomad2day]

If I remember correctly the dealer told me a while back the system was $1200. Hoat, I will cruise up your way this spring. I would like to meet the whole crew up it that area.
Neil

 

[pink chopper]

If you bought the air ride at the time you purchased the bike it's covered under the 2 year warranty just like the bike...You can buy the Works air ride system (which I can get) and it has it's own warranty..Works is very reputable so there isn't a problem getting it warrantied. It's the same as the Big Dog one except you have to buy a little jumper wire that adapts the wiring to your bike. I can get the Works set and sell them for 1305.00. They're black shock housings wiht polished billet compressor brackets. They also have a run flat design so if the system fails it deflates slowly so you have time to slow down and it can be ridden.
The BDM ones use the Works compressor and different style shock, not sure who makes the shocks for them so it's compatible. The BD ones are nice cause they're chrome but you've got to be sure to tighten all the fitting before installing as Hoat and I found out the hard way.
Vickie
816-356-0931
913-269-5137
If you want to look at the Works set, Drag Specialties sells them or you can check out Works website.

 

[BBChopper]

If you bought the air ride at the time you purchased the bike it's covered under the 2 year warranty just like the bike...You can buy the Works air ride system (which I can get) and it has it's own warranty..Works is very reputable so there isn't a problem getting it warrantied. It's the same as the Big Dog one except you have to buy a little jumper wire that adapts the wiring to your bike. I can get the Works set and sell them for 1305.00. They're black shock housings wiht polished billet compressor brackets. They also have a run flat design so if the system fails it deflates slowly so you have time to slow down and it can be ridden.
The BDM ones use the Works compressor and different style shock, not sure who makes the shocks for them so it's compatible. The BD ones are nice cause they're chrome but you've got to be sure to tighten all the fitting before installing as Hoat and I found out the hard way.
Vickie
816-356-0931
913-269-5137
If you want to look at the Works set, Drag Specialties sells them or you can check out Works website.

Yea, Go Pink Go!!!!!!
It's great to see you back at it!!!!
Listen to her!!!!:up: