Rehash after market Motor Trike air bags

[2old4two]

Well, since I got to make a trip to the big city to pick up my drive shaft I thought it best not to put the 21 year old rear trike tires back on the road. The old bags held air 10 years ago but frankly don’t know now. Besides, they’re looking cracked and weathered and been flat for who know how long. This would be the time to replace air bags along with tires. I’d be looking at reducing tire width by replacing 235/60r-15 with 215/65r-15. That should keep diameter more or less equal and reducing width by 3/4-1”. The air bag thread started in 2015. You folks who went after market 6-7 years ago still happy with your choice?

Larry

 

[3W-lonerider]

Well, since I got to make a trip to the big city to pick up my drive shaft I thought it best not to put the 21 year old rear trike tires back on the road. The old bags held air 10 years ago but frankly don’t know now. Besides, they’re looking cracked and weathered and been flat for who know how long. This would be the time to replace air bags along with tires. I’d be looking at reducing tire width by replacing 235/60r-15 with 215/65r-15. That should keep diameter more or less equal and reducing width by 3/4-1”. The air bag thread started in 2015. You folks who went after market 6-7 years ago still happy with your choice?

Larry

i was extremely happy i went with the bigger bags. makes a huge difference in the ride quality.

i was running 14# one up and 18 to 20# two up. with the shocks set to #1. i had to oblong the hole for the lower mount so the bag would not rub the rear. but even with the few mods that had to be done. you couldn't have paid me to go back to the stock bags. if i were you i would even consider going to a 205. i ran a 215 and only had 1/4 inch between the bag and tire.

i don't have that trike anymore. lost it in a fire in 2019.

 

[Oldrodder]

i was extremely happy i went with the bigger bags. makes a huge difference in the ride quality.

i was running 14# one up and 18 to 20# two up. with the shocks set to #1. i had to oblong the hole for the lower mount so the bag would not rub the rear. but even with the few mods that had to be done. you couldn't have paid me to go back to the stock bags. if i were you i would even consider going to a 205. i ran a 215 and only had 1/4 inch between the bag and tire.

i don't have that trike anymore. lost it in a fire in 2019.

Could I ask for the part number and the brand for the replacement bags???

Thanks.

 

[3W-lonerider]

Could I ask for the part number and the brand for the replacement bags???

Thanks.

	#800 Sleeve Bag Air Spring Diameter 3.50" Closed 6.00" Ext. 10.00" 1500lbs /axle 150psi rate $49
1-9​ ​	10-24​ ​	25-49​	50+​ ​ ​
$49​	$47​	$46​	$45​

http://www.airbagit.com/v/vspfiles/pages/AirBags_PAGE.htm

 

[Oldrodder]

	#800 Sleeve Bag Air Spring Diameter 3.50" Closed 6.00" Ext. 10.00" 1500lbs /axle 150psi rate $49
1-9​	10-24​	25-49​	50+​ ​
$49​	$47​	$46​	$45​

http://www.airbagit.com/v/vspfiles/pages/AirBags_PAGE.htm

Thank you Lonerider. I just ordered a set! The price is up slightly to $54. Still a great deal!

 

[Oldrodder]

BAGA Air springs.

Thank you Lonerider. I just ordered a set! The price is up slightly to $54. Still a great deal!

As stated in my previous post, I ordered a set from Airbagit. Question for those who have done this mod: How did you plumb it? Did you use 1/8" air lines or 1/4"? Did you use "push" style connectors or compression fittings? For the rest of this season, I just want to install the bags and air them up to 15-16 lbs with a Schrader valve on the bag itself and I will do a proper plumbing job over the winter. Any help/advice is much appreciated!

 

[3W-lonerider]

As stated in my previous post, I ordered a set from Airbagit. Question for those who have done this mod: How did you plumb it? Did you use 1/8" air lines or 1/4"? Did you use "push" style connectors or compression fittings? For the rest of this season, I just want to install the bags and air them up to 15-16 lbs with a Schrader valve on the bag itself and I will do a proper plumbing job over the winter. Any help/advice is much appreciated!

you can reuse the fittings from the old bags if you choose to. no extra plumbing involved.

 

[Oldrodder]

you can reuse the fittings from the old bags if you choose to. no extra plumbing involved.

3W,

I'm interested in seeing what others did. My old bags were plumbed with 1/8" line and push to connect fittings that leaked from day one. I'm thinking of changing to 1/4" line and compression fittings and relocating the air charging port to under the tour pack. I should have my new bags this Thursday. Thanks for your advice!

 

[3W-lonerider]

3W,

I'm interested in seeing what others did. My old bags were plumbed with 1/8" line and push to connect fittings that leaked from day one. I'm thinking of changing to 1/4" line and compression fittings and relocating the air charging port to under the tour pack. I should have my new bags this Thursday. Thanks for your advice!

when i changed my bags, i used the original fittings and lines from motortrike for the first year, then i did switch over to 1/4 inch line and fittings. but your not going to notice any difference between the 2 size lines. but in my opinion the compression fittings do work better. one main reason why the push connections fail is because. those fittings have orings in them and when someone cuts the plastic line and doesn't smooth the cut out it will ruin the oring when the line is inserted into the fitting.

 

[Volkemon]

	#800 Sleeve Bag Air Spring Diameter 3.50" Closed 6.00" Ext. 10.00" 1500lbs /axle 150psi rate $49
1-9​	10-24​	25-49​	50+​ ​
$49​	$47​	$46​	$45​

http://www.airbagit.com/v/vspfiles/pages/AirBags_PAGE.htm

SORRY to hear about your trike.

https://www.airbagit.com/Air-Springs-Air-Bags-p/baga-800-long.htm

This link got me right to the product. THANKS for the info!!

(@ 2oldfor2 OR Lonerider... ) Are you changing the tire width because this bag interferes?

My original tires were 235-60/15, and I wanted shorter tires. I am running 235-55-15's. I will check and see how much clearance I have now.

 

[3W-lonerider]

SORRY to hear about your trike.

https://www.airbagit.com/Air-Springs-Air-Bags-p/baga-800-long.htm

This link got me right to the product. THANKS for the info!!

(@ 2oldfor2 OR Lonerider... ) Are you changing the tire width because this bag interferes?

My original tires were 235-60/15, and I wanted shorter tires. I am running 235-55-15's. I will check and see how much clearance I have now.

in my opinion your going to have to drop down to a 215, but a 205 is better. there are tire sizing charts on the internet so you don't drop in height to much. i tried to keep the same height. shorter tire will create more rpms to keep the same speed. with a 215 i had about 1/4 inch between the bag and tire. with a 205 i had about 1/2 inch. and that is considering your rear is centered. if it isn't one tire is going to be closer the bag than the other tire.

 

[Oldrodder]

when i changed my bags, i used the original fittings and lines from motortrike for the first year, then i did switch over to 1/4 inch line and fittings. but your not going to notice any difference between the 2 size lines. but in my opinion the compression fittings do work better. one main reason why the push connections fail is because. those fittings have orings in them and when someone cuts the plastic line and doesn't smooth the cut out it will ruin the oring when the line is inserted into the fitting.

Thanks again, 3W. Your explanation answers all of my questions regarding plumbing with 1/4" compression fittings VS 1/8" push to connect fittings. I got the bags the other day and now just waiting for fittings due to arrive tomorrow (Saturday) The install will take place when I have all the parts in hand.

 

[Oldrodder]

Loctite as a sealant

On Airbagit's website, when you buy fittings they offer to sell you some blue Loctite as a sealant. Has anyone used it for this purpose? I did a Google search and apparently, you can! I would like to hear from someone who's done it.

 

[3W-lonerider]

On Airbagit's website, when you buy fittings they offer to sell you some blue Loctite as a sealant. Has anyone used it for this purpose? I did a Google search and apparently, you can! I would like to hear from someone who's done it.

i have used blue locktite to seal air and hyd. fittings. on the threads. but i prefer the liquid pipe dope. as far as the pipe tape it does work too.

 

[Volkemon]

in my opinion your going to have to drop down to a 215, but a 205 is better. there are tire sizing charts on the internet so you don't drop in height to much. i tried to keep the same height. shorter tire will create more rpms to keep the same speed. with a 215 i had about 1/4 inch between the bag and tire. with a 205 i had about 1/2 inch. and that is considering your rear is centered. if it isn't one tire is going to be closer the bag than the other tire.

Hmmmm... Might be a case of different models or years. :Shrug: As the signature says, I have a 2006 VTX 1800 solid axle Motortrike conversion. I know the factory doesnt use the setup I have anymore, they said they dont even have the jigs for my style.

My tires are a 225/45-15. (not 235 as I said, thats my camper...) That replaced the original 225/60-15. I deliberately went for the smaller tire for better gearing. They still look good in the wheelwell.



The gap between the tire and bag seems to be about equal on both sides, here is a pic of the left. I would guess there is a 2" gap. I am thinking the new bag isnt THAT much bigger.

THANKS for the reply, and the link to the bag. I will have to do some measuring and see if it will work in my Motortrike. Mine are good for now.... but i would like to have spares at the ready for the day they fail. 16 years old now, but looking good.

 

[3W-lonerider]

Hmmmm... Might be a case of different models or years. :Shrug: As the signature says, I have a 2006 VTX 1800 solid axle Motortrike conversion. I know the factory doesnt use the setup I have anymore, they said they dont even have the jigs for my style.

My tires are a 225/45-15. (not 235 as I said, thats my camper...) That replaced the original 225/60-15. I deliberately went for the smaller tire for better gearing. They still look good in the wheelwell.

View attachment 109112

The gap between the tire and bag seems to be about equal on both sides, here is a pic of the left. I would guess there is a 2" gap. I am thinking the new bag isnt THAT much bigger.

THANKS for the reply, and the link to the bag. I will have to do some measuring and see if it will work in my Motortrike. Mine are good for now.... but i would like to have spares at the ready for the day they fail. 16 years old now, but looking good.

yeah looks like you have plenty of room. the original bags that were on my valk/motortrike were about 2 inches across. the bags i installed after adding air they were around 3and 1/2 inches across. so there was a major difference. iv'e heard mention before that the valk kit and the vtx kits were totally different in every way. very happy it has worked out for you like it has.

 

[Oldrodder]

Here's a photo of both bags. On the left is the Motor Trike bag that I attempted to repair using FlexSeal.....didn't work! Here, the bag is extended. On the right is the Airbagit one. Here, the bag is collapsed for installation. Shown beside my coffee mug for reference.

 

[3W-lonerider]

Here's a photo of both bags. On the left is the Motor Trike bag that I attempted to repair using FlexSeal.....didn't work! Here, the bag is extended. On the right is the Airbagit one. Here, the bag is collapsed for installation. Shown beside my coffee mug for reference.

yep the pic of those 2 airbags side beside look right. but the pic of the bags attached to the rear definitely looks like yours are farther inward than what mine was. mine was mounted pretty close to the outside of the axle. if mine woulda been mounted as far in as yours i wouldn't have had to do mods to get mine to work. one thing to look for once you put air in that bag. check the clearance between the lower mount where the bag will come close to the axle tube. collapse the rear suspension a couple of times and check to see if the bag is rubbing the rear. what i had to do was elongate the lower hole to get my bag away from the rear. over a period of miles it woulda rubbed a hole right at the bottom. only took about an 1/8 inch for me to get the clearance.

 

[Oldrodder]

yep the pic of those 2 airbags side beside look right. but the pic of the bags attached to the rear definitely looks like yours are farther inward than what mine was. mine was mounted pretty close to the outside of the axle. if mine woulda been mounted as far in as yours i wouldn't have had to do mods to get mine to work. one thing to look for once you put air in that bag. check the clearance between the lower mount where the bag will come close to the axle tube. collapse the rear suspension a couple of times and check to see if the bag is rubbing the rear. what i had to do was elongate the lower hole to get my bag away from the rear. over a period of miles it woulda rubbed a hole right at the bottom. only took about an 1/8 inch for me to get the clearance.

3W,

You might have me confused with Volkemon! I did not post a photo of my trike....yet! I know this is the Honda page and my trike is a 2007 Harley Ultra that was triked in 2008 with a M/T Trog kit. I have similar room at the top (1 1/2 to 2") and I pushed the bag as far away from the axle as possible. The reason I'm on the Honda page is this is where I found this thread!!!

 

[3W-lonerider]

3W,

You might have me confused with Volkemon! I did not post a photo of my trike....yet! I know this is the Honda page and my trike is a 2007 Harley Ultra that was triked in 2008 with a M/T Trog kit. I have similar room at the top (1 1/2 to 2") and I pushed the bag as far away from the axle as possible. The reason I'm on the Honda page is this is where I found this thread!!!

sorry. my mistake. but if he reads the post he'll see what i'm referring to.