Cyril Huze Blog » Suspension

New Legend Air Ride Suspension For Harley-Davidson Sportsters

Cyril Huze — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:10:33 +0000

We all want adjustability for impressive looks, changing road conditions, riding solo to carrying a passenger, or hauling loads of gear at the touch of a button. Legend Air Suspension’s exclusive Gates Kevlar Air Spring technology is now available for 1986-2003 Harley Davidson Sportster models. Legend greatly improves the ride quality of any Harley Davidson model. The LX786 is available in machined, black, or chrome finishes and offers the no compromise smooth ride and inability to bottom out (regardless of load condition) that you have come to expect from Legend Air Suspensions products.

Standard in the complete kit are: two Legend Air shocks that install in the stock location, so NO modification is necessary, an on board air compressor, rider friendly black handlebar mounted control for on the go adjustability, all necessary mounting hardware, solenoid valve, and a full color instruction guide to navigate the user through everything from the simple color coded plug and play wiring to the basic hand tools needed for this easy installation. The system is made in the USA and backed by a limited lifetime warranty. To learn more about the Legend XL786 air suspension system, or any of Legend Air Suspension’s on-road or off-road products, call at 605.737.4200 or visit their new website Legend Suspensions.

Retro Inspired Parts From Arlen Ness

Cyril Huze — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:45:07 +0000

Not very well known from the public, Arlen Ness offers a line of retro-inspired 41mm parts. First a wide choice of fork boots for FLH, FLST, FLHX, FHLT front ends from 1986 to present, in many options (black, chrome, diamond cut, etc). Starting price is $219.95.

Also, this unusual retro looking Massive-Glide™ Triple Tree Kit offered in chrome in standard or 4° Rake . Price is $1049.95. At Arlen Ness Retro Products Line.

Passing Of Carolyn Exner From Jeri Springer Front Ends

Cyril Huze — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 22:12:40 +0000

It is with sadness that I have to report that Carolyn Exner, wife of Jeri Exner of Jeri Springer Front Ends has lost on Saturday morning her year long battle with cancer. Much more than Jeri’s wife, Carolyn was a full time very important member of the business. Many of us Custom Builders of the industry dealt with her first when ordering a front end. She was extremely competent at calculating and verifying length of a Springer front end for optimum bike trail when we called about a one-off frame with a geometry never seen before. She was also one of the most knowledable women in the business about motorcycles. A native from England, on a personal side, she enjoyed Sail Boarding, the TV show “Top Gear” and taking care of the exotic birds, mostly parrots that she and Jeri rescued from otherwise uncomfortable lives. My deepest sympathy to Jeri and all the Exner family. In memory of Carolyn I post a picture of the front end of my built “El Mirage’ that I conceived and that she helped me to produce with husband Jeri.

Licks Cycles 2nd Generation Short Shocks

Cyril Huze — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 12:41:50 +0000

On a bike with rear suspension, you can always go lower and lower (clearance to fender permits) for a bad ass attitude. But by sacrifying shock travel you end up most of the time with a rougher ride. Shorter shocks should not be simply conceived as shortened ones but as specific shocks capable to handle both the rider and passenger weight if any, with a specific spring load and rebound for a smooth ride and correct reactions of your suspension when absorbing the bumps of the road. Licks Cycles claim that their new second generation or 2G-Shorty Shocks have unmatched handling characteristics for shocks measuring only 10″ eye to eye. They are adjustable and can be fine-tuned from stiffer to softer to match your riding preference for riders from 150 to 325 pounds. Spanner wrench included. Sold in brushed, chrome or black finish. Dealers welcome. Call on my behalf Todd at 888-522-8191 or visit Licks Cycles

New Springer Front End For Harley-Davidson Sportster And Dyna Models

Cyril Huze — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 02:07:31 +0000

New from Paughco these Springer front ends designed specifically for 2004 and later Sportster and Dyna models. These new Wide Glide Springers are a direct bolt-on install and come in stock lengths for Sportsters that came lowered from the factory and 3” over for standard height models. Top clamps can be ordered with ears for use with Dog Bone risers or without for Glide style risers. Each springer features Paughco’s oval rear legs and can be ordered with or without integrated shock absorber. Base price starts is $1870.95 in chrome, and good news, for a little bit more in high luster brass, black powder coating or the mix of your choice, chrome, black and brass. Call 775-246-5738 on my behalf or visit Paughco.

Refined Softail Air Suspension

Cyril Huze — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 23:02:09 +0000

If my memory is good, CCCS (Custom Cycle Control Systems) must have launched The SAS (The Simplified Air Suspension system) for Softail about 3 years ago. It is now offered with an improved air intake filter system. This addition to the SAS eliminates the chance of debris or water entering the internal compressor. The SAS has no compressor to mount, no pressure hoses to run, no fittings to fail and is very easy to install. Ever experience slow leaks caused by a pinhole in one of your hoses that takes forever (if you are that lucky) to find. Raise and lower your rear end at the touch of a button. Add air pressure to improve ride quality during changing road conditions or while hauling added weight. There is also an adjustable dampening valve. Ride height is also adjustable (maximum height is set during installation). 3″ to 4″ of travel. 6″ for custom applications. Comes complete with mounting instructions. CCCS honors a 3-year parts replacement warranty. Custom Cycle Control Systems

Russ Wernimont Custom Lower Leg And Axle Covers.

Cyril Huze — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 14:45:44 +0000

You may have known Russ Wernimont, a long time metal fabricator with 26 years of experience, through his line of fenders that he started to market to our industry in 1992. What you may not know is that Russ also proposes a full line of accessories. He sees his business future in modifying stock Harley-Davidsons with for philosophy that small modifications can make a big difference. Agreed, Russ.

For example these new Lower Leg and Axle covers. They not only cover the axle, but also cover the lower portion of the leg to clean up and improve the look of your factory setup. They hide all exposed axle mounting hardware. Ofered in Diamond or Smooth design. Made of cast aluminum then chromed. Applications are axle and lower portion of stock 2000 & up Harley-Davidson Softail and Touring models with ¾” or 1” axle. May fit some earlier models (Does not fit Sportsters, V-Rods, Dynas or Deuces). Russ Wernimont Designs.

New Neo-Retro Front End

Cyril Huze — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 12:03:56 +0000

Because so many of you are building a new custom bike in the style of yesterday, the after-market front-end business is in full “Retro-Volution” (I have to trademark this new word)).

One more example is this “KnuckleDragger” front end from Lightning Rod Motorcycles. It features double tube style fork legs both for good looks and strength and uses 2 fully adjustable gas shocks. To make your life easier it comes with the headlight and stone guard, and can be ordered with or without the custom bars custom made specifically for this front end. It fits Harley-Davidson style necks and is offered in stock HD length. It uses a 3/4 front axle and is available in raw steel only. It’s up to you to chrome, paint or powdercoat it. Lighting Rod Motorcycles.

Limited Production Aluminum Swingarms

Cyril Huze — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:18:51 +0000

“We machined some swing arms for a local bike builder that went out of business a few years ago. I am contacting you to see if you or your readers might have any interest in them. I realize that custom bikes are unique pieces of art and these swing arms may not fit all of the motorcycle frames in use today. These swingarms would look great on a bike with a similar theme.

Machined from 6061 Billet Aluminum. Unique truss design with intricate pocket milling detail. Left side drive. These swing arms are new. Fits mono shock style frame. Looks great anodized black . The distance between the inside of the arms is 13 1/8”. The overall width of the pivot section is 8 1/2”. Shipping weight is 18 pounds. Please ask if you need other dimensions or information.” Call Greg Stamps at 317-388-9111 (Indianapolis) or Fax 317-388-9124. Kamplain Machine.

Paughco Tapered Legs Springer Front End

Cyril Huze — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 14:10:59 +0000

Paughco recently unveiled an entirely new collection of their tapered leg Springer front ends. They are offered in sizes ranging from stock to 24” over in increments of 3”.

You can order either the traditional Wide Glide with or without the factory style shock, or you can choose Paughco’s popular Narrow Glide chopper design. Available in chrome, bare metal or powdercoat. 100% manufactured in the USA, including in-house welding, polishing and chrome plating, See the entire line at Paughco or for info and order call 775-246-5738.

B-MAC Mini Air Control For Harley-Davidson Touring Models

Cyril Huze — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:54:49 +0000

More and more products for the comfort of the rider, and specifically more suspension items for the bagger market. Custom Cycle Control Systems adds a new item to its line of chassis suspension. Because accessing and adjusting the rear suspension on an Harley touring bike used to be a difficult task this B-MAC Bagger Mini Air Control allows easy access to adjust your bagger air assisted shocks.

This mini CNC machined 6061 billet aluminum air compressor mounts to one of the rear shocks and the air lines plug into it so that the on board switches can add or release air pressure while you monitor the pressure with the built-in 0/60 psi mini analog gauge. Going from single to two up riding takes only a few seconds to get the air pressure to your desired riding/comfort level. B-MAC increases or decreases the stiffness of your shocks and is available for all Harley-Davidson Touring models with air assisted spring shocks. In addition, with the built-in gauge, you can make a mental note on what is your preferred psi level is so you can easily go back to your solo riding mode setup.

The B-MAC takes about 15 minutes to install. Each B-MAC kit comes complete with an internal compressor, integrated pressure gauge, built-in easy access switches and quick connect air fittings. It is a water resistant design. Made in the USA. MSRP: $299.95. Call 702-438-2129 or visit Custom Cycle Control Systems

Shotgunshock Air Ride

Cyril Huze — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 13:03:16 +0000

During the last 10 years, the number of available air shocks has grown exponentially. Most are extremely good. So, what’s new with the “Shotgunshock“?
The company producing it states that their proprietary system has an internal valving with four internal solenoids machined into the body of the shock. A check valve seals the pressurized air supplied by the onboard compressor, then the four solenoids are used to adjust both height and rebound. Hence a more progressive and comfortable ride. Available for Dyna, Softail Evo, Softail Twin Cam, Fl’s models. Shotgunshocks or call 323-359-4914.

MeanStreet Awesome Looking New Bagger Legs And Bells

Cyril Huze — Sat, 09 May 2009 12:10:05 +0000

These legs are made for heavy riding and look very good to me. MeanStreet just released 2 new models, Avalon on the left and Predator on the right that you can customize and embellish with one of their 3 Bell designs (from left to right: Beam, Amen and Facet Face). As usual, you can order in highly polished aluminum, chrome or black anodizing. Try to mix polish or chrome with black anodizing for a cool contrast when choosing a set of legs with a set of bells. MeanStreet Products.

More New Old School Chopper Parts

Cyril Huze — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 13:34:57 +0000

After working in his father’s motorcycle shop, Warren Heir Jr. just started his own company in Milwaukee, and is already offering a few cool retro parts. First, super narrow triple trees available in 35, 39, or 41mm. Sold with hardware and 1” steering stem. Then this Kicker pedal with a vintage look and feel manufactured from 6061-T6 aluminum Two designs are available including Fab-Kevin Spindle for $100.00. And to match, these “Holy Foot Pegs machined out of 2024 aircraft quality aluminum. $125.00 per pair. JRS Cycle Products.

Spectro Oils Answering Your Sticky Questions

Cyril Huze — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 12:14:45 +0000

Questions:
Why is Spectro better than Harley, RevTech, Mobil and Penzoil? What does Spectro contain that makes it better than the competition or is the basic oil better than the competition? What should be in a good air cooled motorcycle oil and what should not? Which of these are in Spectro and are not or are at a lower percentage in competitors oils? On a scale of 10 where does Spectro end up and were does the competition?

Answers:
Oils are compounded using three categories of ingredients: 1. Additives usually combined into a ‘package’. 2. Base oils sometimes including synthetics. 3. Viscosity index improvers made of different types of molecules for different purposes.

Additive packages are revised every year by Infineum, the chemicals arm of ExxonMobil. They do all of the wear testing and ensure the packages meet the required OEM specifications thankfully, because this is the hardest work in the process. Some of these packages are built to be used at several optional treat rates for different uses. They perform dispersant, rust/corrosion inhibition, anti foaming, wear protection, anti acid and oxidation protection duties. Spectro Oils always opt for the maximum treat rate allowable costs us more money but we believe it is money very well spent for wear and rust/ corrosion protection. Then, we specially modify the package with more zinc/phosphorus for even better cam, lifter, and main bearing wear protection. This adds significantly more to the cost. Only a small handful of companies do this, none of which make V-Twin specific oils. This is the reason for the high levels you see on the additive charts.

The base oils we buy are different from most of our competitors oils also. We buy exclusively from ExxonMobil for continued quality and consistency. You can buy cheaper base oils on the ’spot’ market, but you will lose all of the aforementioned advantages. Unfortunately, we pay dearly for this benefit. The finer base oils have a higher natural viscosity index, meaning they thin less when temperature rises. This enables us to formulate a more thermally stable motor oil than our competition. The Heavy Duty viscosity index is a perfect example of what can be accomplished with higher quality VI improvers and higher VI base oils.

The viscosity index improvers do additional work on the oils to even further lessen the thinning out as heat rises. The market is flooded with cheap VI improvers none of which we have ever used. One category is Polystyrene. Another category is Olefincopolymers OCP which most higher quality motorcycle OEM oils are made with: OCPs cost more money than polystyrene. At Spectro, we choose an even more expensive product that is higher still in shear stability and in its ability to survive in a gearbox. By the way, the straight grades do not need this component which is why they work fine with methanol. This shear stability polymer combined with huge amounts of zinc/phosphorus, is what gives a rider longer lasting oil and a longer lived motor! The higher viscosity index is what gives the rider a smoother, quieter motor with better protection at start up. Spectro Performance Oils.

Ol’ Skool Fork Covers

Cyril Huze — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 12:07:46 +0000

You ride a Harley equipped with a 39 mm tubes front end, don’t have much money, and would like a different look without spending a bunch. Here is a sneak preview of new fork covers to get an immediate radical retro look. Warning: before you order you must get rid of your front fender, Dealers can see these covers for the 1st time on the display of West-Eagle at the Cincinnati V-Twin Expo (booth 934) and at the Indianapolis Dealer Expo (booth L303). Retail clients go to West-Eagle Motorcycle Products to see the full catalog (American & Metric Bikes).

Progressive Suspension Drop In Fork Lowering Kit

Cyril Huze — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 11:57:50 +0000

Easy. Lower your front end with Progressive Suspension Lowerig Kit. Explanation & installation by David Zemla. marketing director. Must be because he talks better than any technician in the company.

New RMD Billet Front End For Baggers

Cyril Huze — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 16:52:52 +0000

RMD teamed up with legendary innovator Leo DiOrio on this new front end for FL & FLH applications. It’s available in chrome/black anodize or all black anodize finish. This conventional front end also goes great with RMD’s 1-piece Black-Out Series wheels. Have the Brembo brake powder coated black and then RMD will reverse cut it for that contrast look! RMD Billet.

The Real Story Behind The Easy Rider Movie Choppers

Cyril Huze — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 11:06:10 +0000

With his astute slogan “If it ain’t long, it’s wrong”, fellow custom builder Sugar Bear builds long Springer front ends, and therefore long choppers, since now 37 years. And the man who started producing these zero flop smooth handling street-rideable choppers in 1971 knows a lot about the industry and its untold true stories. Like who really built the Easy Ride bike? I know, but most of you don’t. So I will recommend that if you are near Milwaukee on Thursday November 12th, you participate to “An Evening With Sugar Bear” to hear the untold stories of an American Icon. It will happen at the Harley-Davidson Museum. Tickets are free for the museum members or $10.00. More info at Harley Museum Website.

Monster 24 and 26 Inch Front Fenders

Cyril Huze — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 14:43:58 +0000

B’Cool Products has recently released their new 24” and 26” front fenders for both Metzeler and V-Rubber tires with the assistance of Metalsport Wheels. They are CNC spun from 12 gauge cold rolled steel and TIG welded. Fenders can be purchased pre-cut (as shown) or in builder blanks for the builders to add their own creativity. Like all B’Cool Products fenders are fully guaranteed. More information by calling 613.925.0704 or visit B’Cool Products
http://www.bcoolproducts.com/

New Paughco Springer Front End For Victory Motorcycles

Cyril Huze — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 12:47:07 +0000

More and more custom parts are made available to customize your Victory. Paughco has just announced they have taken their famous Paughco Springer front end and completely redesigned the mounting fixtures, including triple trees, to fit exclusively to 2003-2009 Victory Vegas and Vegas Jackpot machines. The new Paughco Victory Springers are 3” over stock and come complete with unique mounting hardware for use with the stock fender and brake system. Custom risers are supplied for the stock bars or you can order an optional riser/drag bar combo. Also included is a complete axle kit and all mounting hardware for use with stock neck and bearing components. Retail is just $2499.00 and is a bolt-on installation. Paughco also manufactures a new line of exhaust systems for Victory motorcycles. For complete details call 775-246-5738 or visit them on the Web at Paughco.

State-Of-The-Art Front End

Cyril Huze — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:43:24 +0000

Customizing a motorcycle is an art form. Better start with some artistic designs. Like this Avalon front end that you could see featured in a Soho cotnemprary art gallery celebrating the fusion of form and function. Of course, it’s sculpted from noble solid billet aluminum, is available with different triple tree rake (3, 5, 6 and 7-degree), feature a stainless steel semi-hidden axle. It is available in polish, chrome or all sinister/classy black. Tp personalize it even more, choose among 3 different leg tips. Mean Street Products.

New Square Tube Girder Front End.

Cyril Huze — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 02:51:58 +0000

Eager to offer an alternative to “run of the mill” or “foreign made” motorcycle products, Guilty Customs teamed up with Paul Durfee from Durfee Girders to release a new front end with square tubes. This new Girder is state-of-the-art precision built with triangular design, TIG welding and square chromemoly tubing, and in average weights only 29 pounds.

It is able to withstand 58,000 pounds of compression strength. Available from -4” to 12” ove stock at a base retail price of $1795. Powder-Coating and or chroming available upon request. Made in America. Guilty Customs LLC.

New Diamond Parts By Covingtons Customs

Cyril Huze — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 17:20:27 +0000

Covingtons Customs released 3 new parts to its line of Diamond Edition parts.The fork slider covers are from CNC machined billet aluminum and fit 80 and onward FLH models. The finish is black anodizing with diamond-cut fins. To match the slider covers, Covingtons are also now producing diamond-edged Street Glide dash inserts and gas doors.The two other new parts work with the stock dash assembly on ‘08 Street Glides, ‘06 onward Street Glides, ‘04 and ‘05 FLHTCSEs. Like the covers, they are anodized and diamond-cut from CNC machined billet aluminum.Covingtons Customs. Via AMD.

Slamming Your Sportster

Cyril Huze — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 11:14:35 +0000

First, Burly Brand offers a new Slammer Kit, combining dropped fork springs and stubby 10.5” shocks into a very price friendly package. Then, forget everything you know about lowering front ends, as Burly has created a drop-in spring kit that does not require the disassembly of the fork and can be installed in twenty minutes with the forks still on the bike! In fact, the entire Slammer kit is set up to go from box to bike in under an hour with just basic tools. Available for most 1988 thru 2008 Sporties through your local dealer, with an MSRP of only $299.95 for a complete kit! Check Burly Website for more info.

Mean Street Blade Rider Front End

Cyril Huze — Mon, 26 May 2008 11:55:36 +0000

Mean Street Products continues to innovate and just released a new set of legs called the Blade Rider Front End. For a radical change (no round or spike shapes), notice the angle cuts at the bottom and the blade shaped triple tree (I know, not very noticeable on this picture) for an unusual and striking look. I think that the company has now the most extensive collection in the world of custom forks. As always, steering stem is stainless steel with adjustable nut system, slider tubes are in steel alloy, front axle is semi-hidden, fender mounts are billet aluminum, and raked trees are available in 3, 5, 6, and 7-degree rake. You can even pick your length and Mean Street will do it just for you. Available in polish, black and chrome. Mean Street Products.

Hot-Rodding Or Street-Rodding Your Bike?

Cyril Huze — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 11:49:17 +0000

This post is not to explain to you the difference between hot-rodding and street-rodding a car or motorcycle because you are supposed to know (Google Hot-Rod or go to Wikipedia). Anyway, whatever your mood and school of thought, this new front end from MeanStreet has the Hot-Rod look and the Street-Rod requirement. Hope you follow me… It has a sleek billet smooth triple tree, hard chrome steel alloy slider tubes, billet lower legs and features, like always with MeanStreet a semi-hidden axle, stainless steel hardware and precision springs and internal dampening system. Pick your Rodding look between polish, chrome or black. Optional raked triple tree in 3, 5, 6 and 7-degree. MeanStreet Hot Rod Front End.

The Scotchbrite Look By MeanStreet.

Cyril Huze — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 11:10:44 +0000

MeanStreet has probably the world’s most extensive line of custom front ends. And it’s even more true today with this new 56 mm inverted front end called Blunt offered in wide or narrow glide version. But the part I like the most is the fact that you can buy it in Scotchbrite finish, an industrial look that a few custom builders have chosen on their one-off bikes, ever high tech or retro style. Of course, Meanstreet will also sell it to you in polish, in chrome, in black or contrast black. But a Scotchbrite look is so cool that you should think about this theme. Bonus? No polishing and no fingerprints. Think of it on all your aluminum parts. MeanStreet Products..

Mean Street Hot Rodder Front End

Cyril Huze — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 12:08:44 +0000

Mean Street doesn’t stop releasing new front end styles. Good for us always looking for something new. "Hot Rodder" is an all Billet construction mixing modern technology with vintage rounded shapes. You can order it in 3, 5, 6 and 7-degree rake, in polish, black or chrome. And as always, you get smooth triple tree clamps, hard chrome steel alloy tubes and a semi-hidden axle. Mean Street Products.

Spy Picture Of A Crazy Over 8 Foot Long Front End

Cyril Huze — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 12:20:42 +0000

Almost all part manufacturers will accept to make a custom part for you. Maybe not if it’s too crazy. Surely not if you don’t want to pay the price of a one-off. But Russ at Precious Metal Customs had a client who wanted a Springer fork over 8 foot long. The client knew what to expect and not to expect from such an extended front end. So, Russ called MeanStreet to request such forks. First, they said no, but the client insisted more than a few times. So MeanStreet thought that it would be an interesting technical challenge to “reinvent” the XXXXXL forks. So, here is the result. An hybrid over 8-foot long custom Springer that is part inverted upper tube and Springer lower section. Wow! The customer is extremely excited. We all wait to see how the final bike is going to look and handle…especially when negotiating turns.