Parts List: (Please inventory to ensure you have all the parts before beginning the installation). (1) Air Compressor (1) Pair of Air Shocks (1) Dump Valve (1) Heavy Duty 3-way Switch (1) Drop Speed Controller (4) Shock Bolts and Washers Electrical & Air Line Schematics Included. All air line, electric & fittings required are included.
Before installing the systems please read the following Safety Warnings and Disclaimers and always contact us or a qualified mechanic if you have a question. 1) NEVER activate the compressor with the vehicle on the jack. The Bike weight and frame are necessary or damage to the system and possibly (likely) injury can result. 2) NEVER activate the Compressor while in ACTIVE motion. Only at a complete standstill should you adjust your Air Ride. 3) If in the event of an unlikely failure of the system, immediately disengage and disconnect the system to prevent further damage. Do NOT ride your motorcycle if there is a suspected leak or bad shock. 4) NEVER exceed the gross weight of your motorcycles as per the manufacturers recommended Gross Weight Vehicle Rating. 5) If your motorcycle is raked or has additional modifications, extreme care and consideration must be given to the Rake and Trail numbers. By lowering and raising the motorcycle you can effectively dramatically change your Trail numbers causing an unstable ride and uncharacteristic handling. Consult a motorcycle mechanic before installing this system. 6) It is the responsibility of the owner to check all State/Federal or local laws pertaining to installing this system. It is not intended for Street use but for closed course settings, Off Road experts and show. Ultimately, altering your suspension can have dramatic affects on the handling of your motorcycle. Use at your own risk. 7) A qualified mechanic should install this system. The instructions provided are just a basic installation and can be varied at the owners discretion. By modifying or customizing your motorcycle with this system; you retain exclusive and total responsibility in the use of this product. All Legal, personal risk and liability lie with you and anything associated. This product is use at your own risk with Schumacher Air Suspension Products and their distributors free of any and all legal obligations.
Tools and Accessories needed but not included with the kit: Standard Metric Socket Kit and wrenches Floor Jack Loctite 243 Torque Wrench Velcro (available in any Home Improvement Store) Small Spray Bottle with Soapy Water (to check for leaks). Various electrical Connectors and Wire (12 Gauge Minimum) STEP 1 Prepare, Jack and Support your Bike: a) Remove your Seat. b) Remove both Left and Right Side Covers c) Disconnect the battery, by removing the Negative (-) lead first. d) Following the procedures outlined in your Owners Manual, Lift your VTX1300/VX1800 so that the rear wheel is approx 3-4 inches off the ground. Place a support under the front tire to prevent the bike from rocking and strap your bike to the stand/jack to prevent possible movement while the bike is jacked. STEP 2 Removing your current Shocks: a) Remove and reinstall the new shocks ONE AT A TIME ONLY!! DO NOT REMOVE BOTH AT THE SAME TIME. b) Remove the Upper Shock Bolt and Washer. c) Remove the Lower Shock Bolt and Washer. d) Carefully pull the Shock (ONLY 1) from the upper and Lower mount.
e) Owners of the VTX1800 may have to change the upper shock mount (Left and Right) to fit the new Air Shock. This is not a Schumaker requirement but any aftermarket suspension system requires this step. Utilize Honda part Number 52452- MCH-000. If your VTX1800 already has aftermarket shocks, then it is likely they have already been changed. f) Install the New Shock utilizing the Supplied hardware in the kit. Position the Shock so that the Air Manifold on each shock is either forward or rear ward depending on your taste. A small amount of soapy water on the shock Bushing may ease the installation if needed. g) Slightly apply the Loctite to each Bolt and torque the Bolts to 25-30 ft Lbs. STEP 3 Mounting the Compressor VTX1300. You can mount the Compressor as you desire, for those with hard Bags installed You can simply mount it inside one of the Bags with Industrial Velcro or screws. For those with out bags the recommended location is in the Toll Box Area under the left Side Cover. This will take up the entire area. a) Remove the Tool Box Cover with a Dremel or Hand cutting tool.
b) You will now Cut the Entire Bottom off of the Tool Box and the Bottom half of the Left Side (See Picture). Left Bottom Half Removed Bottom of Box Removed c) Apply Industrial Strength Velcro (Found in any Hardware Store) to the Inside of the Box as shown at the rear and Right Side.
d) Apply the Mating Industrial Strength Velcro to the Compressor. Velcro around compressor e) Attach the Compressor to the Velcro in the Tool Box. You may have to adjust it to find the best location. The Compressor tips for the Air Lines will envelop the Side Cover Mounting Hole. After positioning the Compressor, you can then firmly attach additional bracing and Rubber as needed to prevent rattling of Metal against Metal and/or better security. Many utilize an Additional Velcro Strap across the FRONT of the Compressor around the Tool Box and a rubber mount at the bottom of the Compressor to prevent vibration. This is all at the discretion of the installer but recommended.
Make Sure Grommet for Cover has enough Space to attach properly f) Remove the Bolt on Side Cover Grommet Bracket Route the BLACK ground wire from the Compressor and attach the wire to the bolt and secure the bolt and wire tightly. Attach the Ground wire here
g) Route the Air lines from the Shocks to the Compressor as desired. Make sure you leave enough slack that as the shocks inflate/deflate that no pressure is on the lines. Leave ample additional lines at the compressor. Do NOT KINK the lines, smooth transitions and curves are desired. h) Cut the Lines SQUARE and insert the Lines into the Compressor FIRMLY! To remove the lines Depress the Blue Lock and gently pull. i) Install the supplied toggle switch in a suitable location. There are numerous available locations. Run the Wiring as in the Diagram to properly connect the switch and run an additional Wire from the Center switch Post to the Battery. j) Secure all your lines with Tie wraps and/or Tape. k) Slowly drop the bike off of the Lift. Turn on the Compressor and slowly inflate the Shocks. Use the Soapy Water solution and check for any leaks and reattach/tighten any line that leaks. l) Reassemble your Bike and ENJOY. REMEMBER - NEVER UTILIZE the Compressor when Moving Always REMEMBER to let out all air from the System before performing ANY MAINTENANCE.