Our 2002 Electra Glide is up on a bike jack and stripped down. However, for this install you only have to remove the seat, both rear shocks, both side covers, and the rear wheel and fender, as we’re going to mount the new AirFX air compressor under the battery box after disconnecting the battery.
By Chris Maida
Revamping the rear of a 2002 Electra Glide
In this part of our ongoing series on reworking a 2002 Electra Glide, we’re going to finish the AirFX front and rear air suspension system install we started two issues ago. In that article, we showed you how to bolt on a set of Air Ride cartridges. This time around we’ll be installing the rest of AirFX’s full bike kit, which consists of the rear shocks, air compressor, front and rear valve system, reservoir tank, micro-button package, and whatever lines, harnesses, etc. is needed to make the system complete.
Let’s start with the Magnum long stroke rear shocks (#FXA-2009-B-S/$900). The Magnums use a new shock technology that incorporates a double-sealed, 63mm, extra-large composite piston. This arrangement requires less air pressure and volume to operate, resulting in a consistently soft, smooth ride. The shock body uses an upper spherical bearing and lower stud kit that allow the shock body to pivot in all directions. This minimizes shock side-loading or pivot friction while increasing shock response when cornering. As for rebound, the rider can adjust this setting by adding or removing rebound air via the Schrader valve on each shock.
After removing the bike’s batter and the bracket from the AirFX compressor, Tom positions the bracket in the center and front of the battery box and marks where he needs to drill four mounting 1/4″ holes.
The system’s compact compressor assembly (#FXA-2001/$160) is equipped with a thermal overload protector that will shut down the unit if it becomes overheated. Once cooled off, the compressor will automatically restart. This protects the compressor and ensures a long component service life. The compressor comes with an Omega-style mounting bracket and pre-installed insulated wiring.
The compressor is secured to the battery box using four 1/4″ X 3/4″ buttonhead bolts (not supplied) with a flat washer on top. Just a locknut is used under the compressor bracket.
We also installed AirFX’s Instant Up kit (#FXA-2012-2/$500), which comes with dual reservoirs, a compressor control box, pressure switch, and relay sub-control. The compressor control will automatically turn the compressor on at 170 psi and turn it off at 190 psi, so a supply of pressurized air is always at the ready whenever the ignition circuit is activated. A front control valve pair (#FXA-1015/$195) and rear control valve pair (#FXA-1014/$210) also come with the complete kit, as well as a micro-button package (#FXA-1010-MB/$200) that mounts on the handlebars, so the rider has easy access to the system’s controls.
Tom secures the bottom of the shock using an AirFX flat washer between the shock and swingarm and an AirFX flat washer and locknut on the outside.
So how does the bike’s owner like his new AirFX system? He loves it! In fact, two other owners who saw his bike had the same AirFX system installed on their new 2016 H-D Touring bikes. The accompanying photos and captions show you what was done to finish this installation.
The tank assembly is secured to the right muffler support using the stock hardware, blue Loctite, and a 1/2″ socket.
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Sources
AirFX USA LLC
800/210-1454
AirFXusa.com
Bullet Customs
203/339-5468
BulletCustoms.com
After routing the switch harness up to the handlebars, the AirFX two-button switch is fastened to the stock front master cylinder mount clamp using a T-27 Torx.