Air pressure shocks GS1100gk

[lucabond]

Does anybody have the range of air pressure for the rear shock and front forks on my 82 GS1100gk and how the air pressure and dial settings relate to each other on the rear shocks. thanks in advance for any reply.
Paul

[Nessism]

Not sure about the effective air pressure range but the dial is for adjusting the damping. It's common to increase the damping if increasing the pressure.

[lucabond]

Not sure about the effective air pressure range but the dial is for adjusting the damping. It's common to increase the damping if increasing the pressure.

Thanks Nessism for your reply. My guess is that for x amount of damping you should have x amount of air pressure in the rear. The front I would guess its x amount of pressure for the ride your looking for. So I guess I'm looking for the high value and the low value there must be a starting # and a # not to go beyond. Not having a manual or shop book makes it hard so I turn to the pro's here on the site and they always come threw. So I'm sure somebody out there knows the answer to my question. Thanks again...

[Nessism]

Can't you just adjust the air pressure until it gives you the ride characteristics you want - depending on how much load you are carrying?

[lucabond]

I could that and just play from there. I guess see what pressure there at now and go from there. I would imagine there must be a pressure not to go above so as not to blow the seals. I haven't taken a reading yet thought I'd ask before I start playing around.

[twr1776]

my service manual lists #14 lbs as standard and #35 lbs as maximum

[Nessism]

my service manual lists #14 lbs as standard and #35 lbs as maximum

Is that for the forks? What about the shocks?

[twr1776]

that is for the rear shocks, it lists # 9.95 as std for the fronts with the same max of #35 lbs. I would strongly recommend a minimum of getting new Progressives in the front at least for safety. The OEM front springs are IMHO are shot and dangerous to run regardless of mileage.

[bwringer]

I would strongly recommend a minimum of getting new Progressives in the front at least for safety. The OEM front springs are IMHO are shot and dangerous to run regardless of mileage.

Right on, Brother Tim.

It is also very, very likely that the rear shocks are just as crappy.

The act of fiddling with the air pressure on these is known as "polishing a turd". A 25 year old turd with dried-up seals, in this case.

Or, more politely, "rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic". These shocks are doomed, is what I'm trying to say.

[twr1776]

Your are correct sir! Even a bright & shiney turd is still a turd. The springs are around $ 80 and worth every penney. Even if you have them installed at a shop it is still the best bang for the buck for these bikes. All OEM fork springs must go.