I'm confused about the air bag on the 2019 RT

[BigGuy66]

The operator's guide describes two different methods for the air bag. The guide describes a "manual adjustment" and an "automatic adjustment." My new 2019 RT Limited has a Schrader valve under the seat just like my old 2010 SM5. I assume that I DO NOT have automatic adjustment and I am back to filling the air bag every time I ride with my wife on the back. Is this true? If it isn't automatic, why isn't that a feature of the Limited?
Jim

 

[Jackhartjr]

My understanding is that RTL's have the automatic airbag. My 2013 also has a soft to hard adjustment toggle under the dash.

 

[EdMat]

The operator's guide describes two different methods for the air bag. The guide describes a "manual adjustment" and an "automatic adjustment." My new 2019 RT Limited has a Schrader valve under the seat just like my old 2010 SM5. I assume that I DO NOT have automatic adjustment and I am back to filling the air bag every time I ride with my wife on the back. Is this true? If it isn't automatic, why isn't that a feature of the Limited?
Jim

The Limited version of the 2019 RT is automatic. While there is a schrader valve under the seat, if you add or let out pressure it will just self adjust back to where it wants to on your next ride.

 

[Gray01]

The Limited version of the 2019 RT is automatic. While there is a schrader valve under the seat, if you add or let out pressure it will just self adjust back to where it wants to on your next ride.

Is there an easy method to deactivate or override (temporarily) the automatic function to change the air pressure and not have it self-adjust back to what it wants?

 

[Steve W.]

This might be a good time to point out how the "automatic" part works.

The ride height selector is one of the switches below the handlbar, and is curiously labeled "SOFT ... HARD". It should actually be labeled "LOWER ... HIGHER".

Anyway, pressing either side of the switch should wake up the display on the dash to show what position the setting is in. A second press will either raise or lower the ride height. HOWEVER, for it to change, the engine has to be running, the transmission has to be in gear (not Neutral) and the parking brake must be OFF. When those conditions are met, the system will add or subtract air to meet the desired height.

I have proven this with my wife's '17 RT-S, which also has auto ride height. With the wheels chocked, brake off and the trans in first gear, I selected the middle height position. We were doing this at night, so we could see the headlight aim change across the yard as the bike level changed. Once the height stabilized, my son stood on one rear floorboard, I stood on the other (combined weight is about 35 stone). It took several cycles and maybe close to a full minute, but enough air was added to bring the headlights down to where they were when we started. When we got off, you could hear the valve hissing as it released air, but the headlight aim soon returned to normal.

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[Mikey]

Is there an easy method to deactivate or override (temporarily) the automatic function to change the air pressure and not have it self-adjust back to what it wants?

What are you trying to do, why do you want to temporarily over ride it?

 

[Wahrsuul]

If I recall, the 18- on up RTLs don't have the adjustment switch anymore. It's all automatic.

 

[EdMat]

If I recall, the 18- on up RTLs don't have the adjustment switch anymore. It's all automatic.

You are correct.

 

[MONK]

I asked this same question a while back. Apparently, the Schrader valve under the seat is to dump the air to aim your headlights.

 

[Grandpot]

There is a Schrader valve on all airbag systems, regardless of being manual or automatic.

 

[billybovine]

There is a Schrader valve on all airbag systems, regardless of being manual or automatic.

My 2018 F3L does not have one.

 

[Grandpot]

My 2018 F3L does not have one.

I stand corrected. I wonder why not? It will come in handy if the compressor fails.

 

[BigGuy66]

I knew that I could count on you all to give me the informtaion I needed. Thanks - I'm glad I don't have to add air every time my sweetie wants to ride.
Jim

 

[Gray01]

What are you trying to do, why do you want to temporarily over ride it?

To adjust it to where the operator wants it (rather than where the device wants it) on command.

 

[billybovine]

I stand corrected. I wonder why not? It will come in handy if the compressor fails.

I was sort of surprised myself. But if there's a leak. The reason the compressor fails generally. Then the Schrader valve does no good until the leak is found and fixed.

 

[Steve W.]

I knew that I could count on you all to give me the informtaion I needed. Thanks - I'm glad I don't have to add air every time my sweetie wants to ride.
Jim

When you have a few minutes to spare, follow what I did in post #5 to verify that your system does, indeed, auto-level itself.

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