fork pressure valve

[catbed]

where is the valve located to adjust the air pressure on the forks? i want to adjust the pressure because after 16 years in the garage, i think there is little air in there. thanks.

[posplayr]

If you have them

There are Schrader valves (with cap) right on top of the fork tubes above the triple clamp. If you don't you will probably just have a top nut.
I have an 1980 GS750 parts bike that doesnt have em, and a 1981 GS750 that does. Progerssive front spriings with minimal to no pressure is recommended. Pressure differential is a bad thing. The GS1100E's have cross fork tube equalization line.

Posplayr

[twr1776]

The parts fiche does not show air for the 83 850GD forks. Do you still have the original springs? If so you should change to new Progressives or Hagons regardless of the miles on the bike. I agree with many others here that the 25year old OEM springs are just plain dangerous. I have not priced them recently but they are probably around $ 80 and worth every penny and more.

[bwringer]

The parts fiche does not show air for the 83 850GD forks.

Yeah, it does. The valve is located on the left lower triple, and has a cap over the top. There's a balance air line between the fork legs.

But I definitely agree with all the above -- air forks are unreliable and useless. All you need is Progressive springs with the correct preload.

I thought you had installed Progressive springs already...?


It's on the steering stem fiche, part 16...

[catbed]

The parts fiche does not show air for the 83 850GD forks. Do you still have the original springs? If so you should change to new Progressives or Hagons regardless of the miles on the bike. I agree with many others here that the 25year old OEM springs are just plain dangerous. I have not priced them recently but they are probably around $ 80 and worth every penny and more.

if you go to the steering stem fiche, it has an air valve. is that the right one? it looks like it has a balancing tube too.

nope, no progressives. will upgrade definately this summer though.

[bwringer]

Better suspension is worth every penny and then some, but you do need to pace yourself or you can spend all your money on your GS in a hurry... guess how I know this? :-D

This is slightly OT, but why is your bike burgundy?

AFAIK, the 1983 850G only came in Cosmic Blue (like my bike) and black (with natty gold pinstripes).

It it wearing 1100G livery (I think the 1100G possibly came in burgundy that year), or parts from an '82? Or repainted? The black engine and air forks with balance tube definitely make it an '83, but I've never figured out why it's burgundy.

Just wondering.

Doesn't matter, really. It's still a great bike!

[catbed]

nope, completely stock. no parts from any other years. on the color chart it has maroon listed as a color. i like your color blue though.

[twr1776]

My bad, I did not realize they hide it on the stem for the G's. I will agree on the need to pace yourself although I have not been too good at it this winter. :-D

[catbed]

My bad, I did not realize they hide it on the stem for the G's. I will agree on the need to pace yourself although I have not been too good at it this winter. :-D

same here, something about upgrading i think. i like change.