Gs850 Front Air Shocks

[Michael]

I have a 1981 GS850G with Air Shocks and would like to know what weight oil to use and how much, also what air pressure must the shocks be pumped up to.

[Big T]

Oil weight is based upon your weight and other factors

People use 10/15/20 wt depending on how they ride

Most have abandoned the air set up for modern springs. Use 5-10Lbs if you must. This means you need a special pump and guage

[BassCliff]

Greetings and Salutations!!

Hi Mr. Michael,

Do you mean you have air assisted front forks? Or do you have air shock on the back of your bike? I think you are talking about your forks. If I remember correctly, the manual say to run 8-10psi normally with a maximum of 32psi. I used to run about 15 or 16psi until I installed new Progressive fork springs. Now I don't use air at all. If you like a stiffer front end, use 15wt or higher oil. The 10wt fork oil is good for most applications. You will use about 251ml of oil in each fork. It's easier to measure 140mm from the top. See the Install Progressive Fork Springs guide on my website.

You'll find lots' more GS850G lovin' on my website. Please visit. Come on in and make yourself at home! Let me say, "Howdy!"...

Here is your very own magical, mystical, mythical, mind-expanding "mega-welcome". Please take notice of the "Top 10 Common Issues", the Carb Rebuild Series, and the Stator Papers. Now let me roll out the welcome mat for you...

Please click here for your mega-welcome, chock full of tips, suggestions, links to vendors, and other information. Then feel free to visit my little BikeCliff website where I've been collecting the wisdom of this generous community. Don't forget, we like pictures! Not you, your bike!

Thanks for joining us. Keep us informed.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Steve]

Oil weight is based upon your weight and other factors

People use 10/15/20 wt depending on how they ride

Most have abandoned the air set up for modern springs. Use 5-10Lbs if you must. This means you need a special pump and guage

All very true, especially the "special pump" part.

Whatever you do, DO NOT use the air hose at the corner gas station.
Even the quickest application of pressure from one of those hoses will blow the seals right out.

As suggested, it is recommended to go to new springs (Progressive Suspension is a favorite source) and don't add any air, just let the new springs do all the work.

Oil viscosity is a matter of preference. I have heard it suggested that you should use the lightest oil that does the job. If the oil is to thick, the suspension is harsh and does not respond well to smaller ripples. In my case, I did not change the springs, but did add longer spacers to raise the preload, and used 10w oil. I am pleased with the results.