Motor Trike Suspension

[Judge Judy]

I have a Motor Trike kit and would like to know how the air suspension affects the ride. More air equals harder or softer ride? Anybody find "that ideal" setting for a one up?

[Calman]

I really don't think there is such thing as an "ideal" setting for the air suspension. There are so many variables such as weight of trike, weight of passengers, are you towing a trailer or using a hitch tray. On my Shadow Trike I normally run 20 PSI but add 10 PSI if I have the GF on board and 20 PSI if I'm pulling the cargo trailer or add 10 PSI if I use the hitch tray. All these figures came from tinkering until I got the air suspension to where I was comfortable given the load.

[msrvpeig]

The shocks have manual adjustments that can soften the ride too.

[Gold Rush]

Judy, tell us more about your MotoTrike. Is it a solid or independent suspension. I can't address solid suspension questions but have got my IRS pretty well dialed in... Be glad to share with you.

[Judge Judy]

Thanks for taking the time to reply. Here is a link that describes the suspension better than I ever could. See if you have any suggestions after reading this. Motor Trike SRS or IRS that is the Question [Archive] - GL1800Riders

[bobcat1947]

I have found the same thing as Calman noted, adding GF usually add 10 lbs. to the 20 already in the shocks. If your carrying a load in the trunk and on the back or towing you will need at least another 10lbs+ depending on the load. Even out things in the trunk to keep the balance. My only issue is the preset that the factory says is a must for the suspension to pull to the right. I had to get it corrected because it was way too much pull. I have a VTX 1800 2006. Enjoy! Bobcat

[Chumbly]

Setting up the airbags is something like "one step foreward= one step back". More air pressure means stiffer ride, but better control.... less air pressure means a less harsh ride, but the feeling of "riding on an elephant". My (now) MT rep. actually put me onto slightly higher airbag pressures (I think about 30psi., but they should be listed in your owner's manual, or spec. sheet, such as it is.) but dropping down your shock settings to the lowest... a solution that seems to work for me... for now.

[keepinon]

I bought my Valkyrie/MT (S/A) used, so I had no documents with it. I found this place while looking for information on the conversion. (Thanks for the MT manual sticky!)

But I find the shock/air bag suggestions kinda rough, and I'm a big guy. So I started by lowering the shocks to the lowest setting, and adding air to the bags, as I'd bounce the rear of the trike each time I added 5#'s of air. Finally settled on 15#. The trike doesn't lower any as I board, and the ride is much better than before. For 2-up, I add 5-7# of pressure.

[ray4ausa]

My Harley FLHTC Motor Trike (2008) Trog kit takes 35# for everyday riding and 45# with my wife on board (120#). I can ride into any curve at any speed any two wheeled Harley will take and end up on their back tire if I want. The air bag/ coil over shock configuration is very good, I can only imagine the IRS suspension would feel. I love the ride as I keep 25# in the rear tires with 42# in the fromt tire with 35# in the rear bags. i usually carry all the luggage and daily needs on our trips because the wife rides her 07 FXSTC which is meant to "look good' and not be utilitarian. I did have a small leak in the right air bag which I solved with "slime" sealant, works great. One thing I was impressed with Motor Trike was their painting of my unit. I have a "peace officer special" edition made in 95 that has a paint scheme used only on these units. They ACED the paint and pin striping PERFECTLY. It looks great and never fails to get attention wherever we go. We try to make state rallies close to home or within 1000 miles. Have a nice ride.

[rmrc51]

I think the Motortrike conversion on my Valkyrie is an older one than either Chumbly or Keepinon as I'm pretty sure I don't have airbags, just adjustable shocks. My Valk is in for service now and I asked the dealership to make sure the shocks were on the softest setting which I believe they are. The ride doesn't feel still or hard. We'll see.

[tayling]

I have found the same thing as Calman noted, adding GF usually add 10 lbs. to the 20 already in the shocks. If your carrying a load in the trunk and on the back or towing you will need at least another 10lbs+ depending on the load. Even out things in the trunk to keep the balance. My only issue is the preset that the factory says is a must for the suspension to pull to the right. I had to get it corrected because it was way too much pull. I have a VTX 1800 2006. Enjoy! Bobcat

Hi I have an MT Honda Shadow 1100 with coilover shocks and airbags. I know its an old thread but would like to pick your brain. You mentioned on your post - pull to the right - what does that mean. Mine leans to the right on inflation and riding - I cannot work out why - I should point out I am in Australia where we drive on the left so have opposite cambers to the US

Hope I can hear from you with some pointers

Cheers

Tony