Air fork modification question

[willie]

I'd like to install a balance tube and pressure gauge to monitor the pressure in the forks of my GK. In additon, I'd like to install a fill valve so I can fill both at the same time. Has anyone done this and/or know what fittings I need and where I can get them?
Thanks,
Willie in TN

[rapidray]

If your forks are the same diameter as the 1100E models you could measure those to find where the holes need to be & drill them in your forks & then use the E fork parts to finish it. Ray.

[willie]

Thanks Ray. I figure it'd be easier to connect the valves that are on the top of the caps now. Install a low pressure gauge and tee in a valve. I could easily fabricate a plate to mount everything using one of the handlebar bolts. S&W used to make a kit that included the hose and gauge. I see them on ebay every now and then but would rather buy the individual parts instead of paying $20-$30 for a "collectible" item. I guess, more than anything, I need a source for the parts.
Willie

[Steve]

... but would rather buy the individual parts instead of paying $20-$30 for a "collectible" item.

If you can find a "collectible" item for that much, I would get it. You would be surprised how much the individual items will cost, not to mention the amount of time spent trying to find them.

I had one of those S&W kits for the forks on my KZ1300, 25+ years ago. Also had the higher-pressure model for the shocks, so I had one gauge on each side of the handlebar clamps. Very nice setup.


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[salty_monk]

Put progressive springs in & some preload spacers & forget about the air altogether... that's my recommendation.

Dan

[bwringer]

Put progressive springs in & some preload spacers & forget about the air altogether... that's my recommendation.

Dan

Seconded. Air is dangerously unreliable stuff.

[Steve]

Seconded. Air is dangerously unreliable stuff.

Not sure I agree totally with that.

When I had the KZ, the forks were air-assisted springs, the shocks were totally air, no metal springs at all. :shock:

The bike handled better than any 900+ pound bike should, and rode like a Cadillac, once the air pressures were determined for different situations. Having the gauge for the shocks really helped me to understand just how air works as a spring, and how to adjust for the best ride. The S&W air shocks were installed after we came home from our long trip, so the bike probably had about 10,000 miles on it. It took a couple weeks of experimenting to determine proper pressures, then enjoyed the ride immensely for the next four years and 66,000 miles. :shock:

I have Progressive suspension on both ends of my Wing and still wish I had the ride and adjustability of the old S&Ws. 8-[


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[SPARKSS]

I'd like to install a balance tube and pressure gauge to monitor the pressure in the forks of my GK. In additon, I'd like to install a fill valve so I can fill both at the same time. Has anyone done this and/or know what fittings I need and where I can get them?
Thanks,
Willie in TN

Hello Willie. I've done what you're asking about with good results and no problems. I'n the pic, the connections to the fork valves are made with a pair of light duty dual wheel extender hoses with their Schraeder valves removed and plumbed to a manifold of brass fittings as you see - My common fill valve is a common plumbing snifter valve with 1/8" NPT-M threads. Use a little thread seal on all connections and the works is held in place with Tywraps - not beautiful but it works just fine....guage is 0-100 psi but a 0-60 or so would be just fine - on the side stand I see 18psig....in the seat 22, normal driving sees 20-28 and a stiff jounce or braking shows up to 45 psi!

[willie]

Thanks Sparkss. Thats the kind of info I was lookin for. The picture was an added bonus. I'll be PMing you another request re: your Vetter.
Willie in TN

[SPARKSS]

I'd like to install a balance tube and pressure gauge to monitor the pressure in the forks of my GK. In additon, I'd like to install a fill valve so I can fill both at the same time. Has anyone done this and/or know what fittings I need and where I can get them?
Thanks,
Willie in TN

Hi again Willie......Here's a second pic of that gearup.

[QuaiChangKane]

The forks on my KZ came with aftermarket (Goki) air-preload caps, with a homemade balancing tube similiar to what's posted above. I'll try to get some photos in a bit...


-Q!

[QuaiChangKane]

Here you go - the bike's filthy from sitting, but you can get the point...

[willie]

Thanks for the closeup. Seeing that little bit of pinstripe tells me you have the KZ650 thats on my most desirable list. Now if I can only figure out where to get the parts for the balance tube and what to ask for (a tee?).
Another step along the way to getting where I wanna be.
Willie in TN

[QuaiChangKane]

Thanks for the closeup. Seeing that little bit of pinstripe tells me you have the KZ650 thats on my most desirable list. Now if I can only figure out where to get the parts for the balance tube and what to ask for (a tee?).
Another step along the way to getting where I wanna be.
Willie in TN

It was a unique (mis)alignment of the planets that led to my owning this bike...


It seems I spoke incorrectly - upon closer inspection, it seems that the coupler valve on that hose is embossed "Goki", so it looks to be a pre-fab part furnishes with the aftermarket air caps....


-Q!