Are you looking to enhance the riding experience of your Harley Softail? One of the most impactful upgrades you can make is investing in a high-quality suspension system. Legend Suspension is a popular choice among Harley enthusiasts, known for its superior performance, adjustability, and overall improvement in ride quality. In this article, we'll dive deep into the world of Legend Suspension for Harley Softails, exploring its benefits, features, installation, and why it might be the perfect upgrade for your beloved bike.

Why Upgrade Your Harley Softail Suspension?

Before we delve into the specifics of Legend Suspension, let's understand why upgrading your Softail's suspension is crucial. The stock suspension on many Harley Softail models, while adequate for some, often falls short when it comes to providing a comfortable and controlled ride, especially when encountering less-than-perfect road conditions. Upgrading your suspension offers a multitude of benefits that can significantly transform your riding experience.

Enhanced Comfort

The stock suspension on Harley Softails can sometimes feel stiff and unforgiving, especially on longer rides or rough roads. This can lead to discomfort and fatigue, detracting from the overall enjoyment of your journey. Legend Suspension systems are designed to absorb bumps and vibrations more effectively, providing a smoother and more comfortable ride. By minimizing the jarring effects of road imperfections, you can ride longer and farther without feeling beat up. The improvement in comfort is especially noticeable on extended trips, where the cumulative effect of a harsh ride can be significant. Investing in Legend Suspension is like giving yourself a luxury upgrade, transforming your ride from a chore into a pleasure.

Improved Handling

Beyond comfort, upgrading your suspension also dramatically improves your bike's handling. The stock suspension may lack the responsiveness needed for confident cornering and maneuvering, especially at higher speeds. Legend Suspension systems offer better control and stability, allowing you to navigate turns with greater precision and confidence. This is achieved through advanced damping technology and adjustable settings, which allow you to fine-tune the suspension to your specific riding style and preferences. Whether you're carving through twisty mountain roads or navigating urban traffic, the improved handling provided by Legend Suspension will give you a greater sense of control and confidence behind the handlebars. You'll feel more connected to the road, allowing you to react more quickly and effectively to changing conditions.

Increased Safety

Ultimately, upgrading your suspension can also enhance your safety on the road. A more stable and controlled ride reduces the risk of losing control in emergency situations. By absorbing bumps and vibrations more effectively, Legend Suspension helps maintain tire contact with the road, improving traction and braking performance. This is particularly important in adverse weather conditions or on uneven surfaces, where the stock suspension may struggle to maintain stability. The improved handling and responsiveness provided by Legend Suspension allow you to react more quickly and effectively to hazards, reducing the likelihood of accidents. Investing in a high-quality suspension system is an investment in your safety and well-being, giving you the peace of mind you need to enjoy your ride to the fullest.

What is Legend Suspension?

Legend Suspension is a brand renowned for producing high-performance suspension systems for motorcycles, including Harley-Davidson Softail models. These systems are engineered to provide a superior riding experience through enhanced comfort, improved handling, and increased control. But what exactly sets Legend Suspension apart from other aftermarket options?

Air Suspension vs. Coil Suspension

Legend Suspension offers both air suspension and coil suspension systems for Harley Softails, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. Air suspension systems use compressed air to provide adjustable ride height and damping, allowing you to customize the suspension to your specific needs and preferences. Coil suspension systems, on the other hand, use traditional coil springs to provide a more consistent and predictable ride. Air suspension offers greater adjustability and the ability to fine-tune the ride to different load conditions, while coil suspension is generally more durable and requires less maintenance. The choice between air and coil suspension depends on your individual riding style, preferences, and budget.

Key Features of Legend Suspension Systems

Legend Suspension systems are packed with features designed to enhance your riding experience. These features include adjustable damping, which allows you to fine-tune the suspension to your specific riding style and road conditions. Adjustable ride height, which allows you to raise or lower the bike to achieve the desired look and handling characteristics. Progressive springs, which provide a smoother and more comfortable ride over a wide range of conditions. And high-quality materials and construction, which ensure long-lasting durability and performance. These features work together to provide a superior riding experience that is unmatched by the stock suspension system.

Choosing the Right Legend Suspension for Your Softail

Selecting the right Legend Suspension system for your Harley Softail depends on several factors, including your riding style, budget, and desired level of adjustability. Legend Suspension offers a range of options to suit different needs and preferences, so it's important to do your research and choose a system that is well-suited to your specific requirements.

Consider Your Riding Style

Are you primarily a solo rider who enjoys leisurely cruises, or do you frequently ride with a passenger and luggage? Do you prefer smooth highways or twisty backroads? Your riding style will influence the type of suspension system that is best suited for you. For example, if you frequently ride with a passenger and luggage, you may want to consider an air suspension system with adjustable damping to accommodate the extra weight. If you prefer twisty backroads, you may want to consider a coil suspension system with a stiffer spring rate to improve handling and cornering performance. Thinking about how you ride and what you want to achieve will help you narrow down your options and choose the right Legend Suspension system for your needs.

Set a Budget

Legend Suspension systems range in price, so it's important to set a budget before you start shopping. Air suspension systems are generally more expensive than coil suspension systems, but they also offer greater adjustability and performance. Consider how much you're willing to spend on a suspension upgrade and choose a system that fits within your budget. Keep in mind that the initial cost of the suspension system is not the only expense to consider. You may also need to factor in the cost of installation, as well as any additional accessories or modifications that may be required.

Read Reviews and Seek Recommendations

Before making a final decision, take the time to read reviews and seek recommendations from other Harley Softail owners who have upgraded their suspension. Online forums and social media groups are great resources for gathering information and getting feedback from experienced riders. Pay attention to what other riders are saying about the performance, durability, and adjustability of different Legend Suspension systems. Ask specific questions about their experiences and whether they would recommend the system to others. This will help you make an informed decision and choose a Legend Suspension system that meets your needs and expectations.

Installation and Maintenance

Once you've chosen the perfect Legend Suspension system for your Harley Softail, the next step is installation. While some experienced riders may be comfortable installing the suspension themselves, it's generally recommended to have it installed by a qualified mechanic. This will ensure that the suspension is installed correctly and that all adjustments are properly set.

Professional Installation

Having your Legend Suspension system professionally installed offers several benefits. A qualified mechanic will have the expertise and tools necessary to install the suspension correctly and efficiently. They will also be able to make any necessary adjustments to ensure that the suspension is properly tuned to your riding style and preferences. Additionally, professional installation can help protect your warranty and ensure that any potential issues are addressed promptly. While it may cost more upfront to have the suspension professionally installed, it can save you time, money, and headaches in the long run.

Regular Maintenance

Like any mechanical system, your Legend Suspension will require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity. This includes checking the air pressure (for air suspension systems), lubricating moving parts, and inspecting for any signs of wear or damage. Refer to the manufacturer's recommendations for specific maintenance intervals and procedures. Proper maintenance will help keep your Legend Suspension system performing at its best for years to come, providing you with a comfortable and controlled ride every time you hit the road.

Conclusion

Upgrading your Harley Softail's suspension with a Legend Suspension system can significantly enhance your riding experience. From improved comfort and handling to increased safety and control, the benefits of a high-quality suspension system are undeniable. By carefully considering your riding style, budget, and desired level of adjustability, you can choose the perfect Legend Suspension system for your needs and transform your Softail into the ultimate riding machine. So, what are you waiting for? It's time to take your Harley Softail to the next level with Legend Suspension! Ride safe, guys!