Fork Air Valves

[garyh]

How do I remove the air valve thing at the top of the forks? I need to remove them in order to replace my springs with progressive ones. I can push them down but cant see anything inside the tube which may be holding them in..... would appreciate any help.

[chiphead]

What kind of bike?

[garyh]

Oops. Sorry. Its a 82 GS650GT shaft drive model.

[chiphead]

I'm not very familiar with the model but if it's like others, there is a circlip located inside the upper fork tube. Best done with two people. One compresses the top cap down into the leg while the other uses a pick to remove the circlip.

[garyh]

Ok, can I use a small screwdriver and I assume prise up this clip? (which incidentally I cannot see even when pushing down on the cap!)

[chiphead]

Ok, can I use a small screwdriver and I assume prise up this clip? (which incidentally I cannot see even when pushing down on the cap!)

That or a small dental tool pick or scribe.

[emjay]

Checking out the parts diagram I don't see a circlip for the airvalve. My 82 850 is similar. Using a socket, you remove the cap (part # 32), then just remove the valve (part # 30). Re-installing the valve is not as easy since you have to press down and turn the cap against the force of the spring.

The picture came from Alpha-Sports:

http://www.alpha-sports.com/suzuki_parts.htm