Suspension system rework

[Saintjude33]

Mornin'

I'm looking into removing the entire air-ride system in its entirety from my 86 Aspy, so I have a few questions.

I'm shopping for front springs, these came up on BB:

http://www.bikebandit.com/aftermarket-p ... s?m=151678

I'm under the impression that if I put a seal in the air inlet on the front shock housings and replace the spring with these it would eliminate the air-ride portion on the front end. Please let me know if I am reading into this correctly. I'm also going to be replacing the seals and all of the additional hardware on the front shocks, does anyone recommend any rebuild kit for this. I'll be putting in I believe 9oz of oil in the front end, what is the best oil for this?

More questions to come

[jimmyschow]

that seems like a good price on their springs. I have used them on my 85 since 1988. you can call them directly here to inquire about oil.

[Saintjude33]

So you replaced the front springs and disconnected the air system? I want to eventually ditch the air compressor completely.

Andy

[Rednaxs60]

Had the suspension on my '85 LTD upgraded to Race Tech springs and gold valves for the front forks, and Progressive Series 12 (non-air) shocks and springs for the rear. Don't have to use the air system for either; however, would keep the compressor system installed and operable just in case for other issues such as topping up the tires, etc. You can blank off the air system to the front/rear shocks under the right side of the upper fairing. Keep all the parts just in case you want to revert back.

[jimmyschow]

Hi Rednax, wondering how much improvement you noticed with the gold valves installed. Also how hard is it to adjust rear suspension with their spring over rear shocks?

[Rednaxs60]

Hi Rednax, wondering how much improvement you noticed with the gold valves installed. Also how hard is it to adjust rear suspension with their spring over rear shocks?

The front forks don't dive as much; however, if I hammer on the brakes I can bottom the forks. I have not touched the gold valves since install, but I'm thinking that the front can be a bit stiffer for my riding style. Have to read up on these - have the suspension book put out by Race Tech.

The rear shocks are easy to adjust; however, you have to take the side bags off to do the adjustment.

[Saintjude33]

My whole purpose is to remove the compressor from the bike so I can have a bit more space up front- I'm putting in some aux power center there for voltmeter, alternator fuse, etc. I just want to remove the whole thing entirely. Not only that, but the front end tends to SLAM down every time I hit a pothole I don't see, so I definitely need to fix that issue.

Andy