Fork caps replacement

[Peteortiz11]

Morning all, got a question about fork caps. On my 82 850gl my fork caps have air stem valves. I kno why they’re there except there’s no air in the forks nor have I ever put any in. Bike handles just fine so my question is can I just remove those eyesores and install a 37mm flush cap in its place?

[hampshirehog]

Yes you can. You'll need to match the thread and the depth as they compress the springs a bit though you can always play around with spacers to set your suspension up how you want it

[Peteortiz11]

Awesome! Thx for ur reply!

[jsandidge]

I'd love to do the same with mine. Any idea where to get some?

[Steve]

... there’s no air in the forks nor have I ever put any in.

Unless you assembled the forks in a vacuum chamber, there is more air in there than you think.

Yes, it's quite possible that you have never added any, and you think it "handles just fine", but have you ever considered the possibility that it really could be better.

Have you at least installed proper springs? The stock springs were intentionally weaker than necessary (for comfort), which required the use of additional air for support. If you have never added any air, it's most likely that you have been running around with these softer springs and think that all is well. One way to test is to measure the amount of "sag" in your forks. You may be surprised at what you find.

Once you have proper springs in the tubes, yeah, it should be no problem replacing the caps.

I am also curious why they are considered such eyesores. Mine have chrome covers on them.
Not sure I would call them "attractive", but they are definitely not in the "eyesore" category.



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[GSXR7ED]

I agree with Steve...they're not really eye sores. Here's mine:




Ed

EDIT: My bike is a bit dirty/dusty.

[storm 64]

I agree with Steve...they're not really eye sores. Here's mine:




Ed

EDIT: My bike is a bit dirty/dusty.

Ed, your caps are a eye sore! 😀 How's you knee doing?

[GSXR7ED]

I'll message you Norm...let's talk about fork caps! lol


Ed

[cowboyup3371]

I agree about them not being eyesores. You'll be doing more riding than sitting that you won't really notice them.

[Peteortiz11]

Mine aren't pretty, polished. since I've made such drastic changes to the bike, just thought I'd change those things as well. btw, how much air should go into those things anyway?

[Rich82GS750TZ]

8.5 psi according to the owners manual for the '82 850G
psi.jpg
you can download your manual here.

http://gsarchive.bwringer.com/

[Steve]

... btw, how much air should go into those things anyway?

I think the manual calls for 7-14 psi, or something like that. The problem is that you have to KEEP checking it somewhat regularly. The problem with THAT is that every time you check it, you lose a bit of air. Not much, but enough to make a measureable difference. Add it the inevitable loss past the seal, you will soon be down to NO additional air.

A better solution is to replace the weak stock springs (you know they were weak from the factory, or they wouldn't be asking you to add air to help them) with proper-rate springs. One of the forum favorites happens to support a member. Sonic Springs are great, straight-rate springs. Install them with 10w fork oil and a proper preload spacer, you will never have to worry about how much air is in your fork tubes again.

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