Front shock air filling.

[Beemer]

GS 1000L
What technique do you use to get such a little amount of air into the front shocks? I'm using a little hand pump with a hose. I pump in the air and I check it and it reads around 18 to 20 pounds but when I remove the gage, I loose most of the air. I can't gage 2 times. The manual says that both shocks have to relatively close. Within 1.5 pounds or so.

[beby99]

Mmmm..what type of air guage you using? I use a regular tire guage and only loose a little psst.

[mixongw]

I use a regulator on my compressor and preset it to the pressure I want. A fast removal of the air chuck results in very little pressure loss.

[Beemer]

OK. So I guess I can blame this one on the tools I'm using. :? I'll work on it.

[chef1366]

Count the number of pumps it takes to get your required pressure.

[arveejay]

I bought a little air pump for bicycle tires, it takes about 4 pumps to get 7 psi. Walmart about 5 bucks.

[robertbarr]

I use a portable air tank. I inflate the tank to whatever pressure I want in the forks. Since there's so much volume, it's not so touchy about how long you keep the air line connected, and checking it doesn't cause a drop in pressure.

From there, I just inflate the forks, holding the connector on for several seconds. No need to rush.

[tconroy]

Go to advanced auto and get a tire pressure gauge with a dial. they are about 14 bucks but well worth it.They have a little air release valve on the side of the hose and you can easliy put in the exact amount.It fits in that tight place under the handle bars too.When you take it off you loose no air at all!

[Sandy]

Over fill a bit then check how much air you loose each time you remove the gauge. If you loose 3 psi each time and you want the air at 7 psi then stop checking when you reach 10 psi. I also used a bicycle pump.

[jimcor]

You could always spring for the Progressive Suspension hand pump. Almost 50 bucks with dial guage, air release valve and no leak connector.

I just use a tire guage and fill from my ten dollar, 12V compressor. That compressor has been one of the best ten bucks I've ever spent. Has an accurate dial guage, chuck does leak on release tho' so it pays to be fast.

[suzukizone]

Front shock air filling BEGONE!

I have come up with this solution. I installed a set of Progressive Fork Springs.
The bike never felt or handled better. No air goes in at all, no more constant checking & adjusting. Suspension has a better more secure feel and handling has improved.

This is for an '81 850G with Windjammer IV fairing & lowers. Wish I had done it years ago. Costs more than air but the overall improvement & lack of hassle made it seem cheap.

Just my 2 cents.

DH

[KEITH KRAUSE]

Yup. Progressive springs can fix you up too.
I used to have a "Goki" air fork kit connected to mine. Both forks connected by extention tubes to one valve in the center. No more unbalanced pressures. I tossed it during my rebuild because I no longer liked the looks.
I still run about 9 PSI even with my Progeressive springs. I just do as Sandy says. Fill it so you see about 14 PSI and it's a good bet there should be about 11 after you remove the gauge quickly. At least that's what I got after some practice. I recommend only about 11/12 PSI with the stock springs and average rider. Don't put in too much or use anything than a hand pump because you'll blow a seal.

[chef1366]

I went with progressive also. No more air unless I go on a long ride with the wife. Still a nice option to have if need be.

[Beemer]

Lots of ideas. Thanks! all.