Harley-Davidson Police Bike Solo Seat Air Ride Conversion

Transcription

1 Harley-Davidson Police Bike Solo Seat Air Ride Conversion Topic: The Definitive Air Tank Bladder Replacement The KONG! A continuation from Previous threads: a) The Experiment : b) The Conclusion : The above two threads are the original beginnings of the Ultimate conversion. Replacing the Air Bladder and Air Tank with a Dog s Chew Toy! For about $10. { From & To} From inception through Design to execution and development. { 2007 & install } This article will condense the process with hopes of simplifying what is needed from what we ve learned. Many Thousands of miles have been logged by several members already converted. Not a one will ever go back to the Air tank & Bladder.

2 What we know so far: Seat Frames: There are basically only two solo seat frame styles to contend with. Those before 2009 and those after (inclusive). Those before 2009 need the stem hole relocated to the bend in the seat tongue. { 2007 & 2009 Frames } Sizes: The Extra Large Kong can be used throughout all model years. Some prefer the Large which is slightly smaller and might need a ½ shim again personal preference. Colours: The Kong comes in 3 colours, Red, Blue or Black. Red is least dense and Black is most dense. Red is most common. Cost: On average about $10.00 at your local Vet. or Wal-Mart. Seat Height: 1 ¾ seems to be the mark to aim for, (+ or ¼ ). This being measured from the bottom of the rubber seat grommets to the top of the motorcycle frame. { Normal height with Bladder at 35 psi.

3 Measurements of less than 1 have adverse effects on riding positions (especially on 2009 and up models). Parts: a) One Kong b) One ½ Carriage Bolt (1 ½ long if using an XL KONG or 1 ¼ long if using a L KONG ) c) Drill a 1/8 hole in the Carriage Bolt to receive the retaining pin. Or simply put a ½ nut atop the bolt. Alternatively you could put a ½ bolt through the KONG and with a little Loctite, thread a washer and nut up through the KONG so as to be permanently affix it to the seat frame. { A 2 bolt is adequate, this is a pre 2009 model d) Some slight trimming or shimming might be needed to obtain the exact desired seat height. If trimming an XL KONG is desired, put the Kong in freezer overnight and cut a ½ slice off the top with an oiled hacksaw. If a shim is desirable you can always slice off a ¾ sliver from the bottom of an XL KONG and place the L KONG inside the saucer for a perfect fit. Videos: { Red XL with ½ off top and Black L with ¾ bottom of XL Harley Air Bladder Replacement - The "KONG" part one: Outlines prepping the KONG

4 Harley Air Bladder Replacement - The "KONG" part two: Step by step installation Instructions: 1) Remove Main Fuse 2) Remove Solo Seat 3) Remove Seat Pan Cover 4) Remove ECM module (lift out of way) 5) Remove Battery cover (lift out of way) 6) Remove 2 (7/16 ) nuts holding the Air Bladder to its support 7) Remove Air Bladder and hose 8) Replace Battery Cover and ECM Module 9) Replace Seat Cover Pan 10) Replace Main Fuse 11) Insert desired KONG with Carriage Bolt through hole in Seat Pan Cover 12) Replace Solo Seat and secure. Many thanks to solo for sharing his install on his 2007 FLHP Visit: to learn more about the unique world of Police Motorcycles now in Civilian use. - gorillaman - See Appendix A below for additional instructions

5 Appendix A Securing Large KONG to slice (saucer) of an XL KONG Use Automotive Silicone Have everything you need. Plus some paper towel and a little dish of soapy water. Place a bead of silicone around the inside of the saucer slice. With a twisting motion, place the Large KONG inside the saucer slice to evenly spread the silicone.

6 Wet your finger in soapy water and smooth out the bead on the bottom of the saucer slice. Turn upright and if necessary adjust alignment of the two pieces.

7 Let stand overnight (24hrs. is best). Enjoy