air in forks

[kparkfan]

Ive searche through my clymers manual but couldnt seem to find my answer. How much air do I need to put in my forks once I'm done replacing the fork seals?

[bwringer]

Zero -- install Progressive or Sonic fork springs and use no added air.

[kparkfan]

Man wish I could afford them right now but I'm on a tight budget and have already gone over it lol.

[bwringer]

If you're a bit light in the wallet, then use a cutoff wheel or find someone with a metal saw to cut about four or five inches off your stock springs (this will give you a higher spring rate), install commensurately longer spacers made from PVC pipe, and ride happy...

If your springs are spaced more closely at one end, cut that end. The exact amount you cut isn't important -- just make sure they end up the same.

Try a few dumpsters near construction sites if your budget doesn't stretch to a couple bucks' worth of PVC pipe.

[Turtleface]

Ive searche through my clymers manual but couldnt seem to find my answer. How much air do I need to put in my forks once I'm done replacing the fork seals?

First off, nearly 1000 posts, and you don't have Basscliff's website bookmarked? Inconceivable! Second, the factory service manual says 11.38 PSI.

A link!

http://www.mtsac.edu/~cliff/storage/gs/80-83_GS1100T-LT-EX-1000SZ-EZ-SD-ED-ESD.pdf

The procedure for airing up the forks in on page 313.

Nice thing about the online manual is that you can print out only the sections you need, and you don't have to worry about getting them dirty in the garage either.

[Turtleface]

If you're a bit light in the wallet, then use a cutoff wheel or find someone with a metal saw to cut about four or five inches off your stock springs (this will give you a higher spring rate), install commensurately longer spacers made from PVC pipe, and ride happy...

If your springs are spaced more closely at one end, cut that end. The exact amount you cut isn't important -- just make sure they end up the same.

Try a few dumpsters near construction sites if your budget doesn't stretch to a couple bucks' worth of PVC pipe.

Also, listen to this. If my thoughts are correct, the air just increases pre-load, which is essentially the same thing you do if you cut the springs and install a longer spacer. However, you don't need to periodically check your spacers, like you do the air. ALWAYS follow the K.I.S.S. principle whenever possible.

[Big T]

If you don't have the proper hand pump and air pressure guage (0-20 lb), don't put air in your forks

Above all, do not use a compressor!

Unless you want to change your seals again

[DanTheMan]

I use a low pressure air regulator and set it at the pressure I want in my forks. My book says 10-15 psi though.

[Nessism]

Also, listen to this. If my thoughts are correct, the air just increases pre-load, which is essentially the same thing you do if you cut the springs and install a longer spacer. However, you don't need to periodically check your spacers, like you do the air. ALWAYS follow the K.I.S.S. principle whenever possible.

The air increases the spring rate, just as cutting the springs does. Adding spacers to a spring that has not been cut increases ride height.

[jwhelan65]

[QUOTE=Nessism;1171313]The air increases the spring rate, just as cutting the springs does. Adding spacers to a spring that has not been cut increases ride height.[/QUOTE

Wouldn't it add stiffness to the ride also? I know mine are, but I prefer the added height.

[kparkfan]

wow alot of options lol. I have a hand pump that I use for bicycle tires wouldnt that work for putting the air in? I'm not one for cutting things as I have a habbit of messing things up. I guess I'm saying I'm affraid that if I go cutting on the springs that I will screw them up and prolong my getting out on the road. Maybe once I get the forks apart and see the springs I might feel a little more confortable.

[Nessism]

[QUOTE=jwhelan65;1171320]

The air increases the spring rate, just as cutting the springs does. Adding spacers to a spring that has not been cut increases ride height.[/QUOTE

Wouldn't it add stiffness to the ride also? I know mine are, but I prefer the added height.

Yes, it will add stiffness. If you skip the air though the overall stiffness will be about the same.