Author Topic: Air in front forks  (Read 1880 times)

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Offline steve7406

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Air in front forks
« on: August 22, 2011, 05:43:03 pm »
I currently run air in the forks on my rm 250 but i'm never sure how much air is in either leg whats the best way to be sure both legs are the same   
2000 Yamaha WR400f
1980 Suzuki RM250t
1977 Suzuki RM125b                                         
1975 Yamaha MX250b
1973 Yamaha mx360 (on the rebuild table)                                                               
1972 Yamaha dt1 250
1976 Suzuki ts 185

Offline JohnnyO

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Re: Air in front forks
« Reply #1 on: August 22, 2011, 06:05:21 pm »
I use a good quality gauge that starts at 2lbs and goes up in 1lb increments

zman

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Re: Air in front forks
« Reply #2 on: August 22, 2011, 06:09:07 pm »
i think you can put up to 7 lbs in em what year is the bike

Offline LWC82PE

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Re: Air in front forks
« Reply #3 on: August 22, 2011, 06:13:20 pm »
You also need a zero loss pump/gauge connection, otherwise you will not get accurate measurements and you will not have the actual presure you think you have. Maxium factory recommendation is 36psi (on KYB fork warning label sticker) but no one actually uses that much. Your owners manual should give to the standard pressure spec and a useable range either side of that. If you got new springs the correct rate you usually dont need air though.
« Last Edit: August 22, 2011, 06:17:08 pm by LWC82PE »
Wanted - 1978 TS185 frame or frame&motor. Frame # TS1852-24007 up to TS1852-39022

Offline steve7406

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Re: Air in front forks
« Reply #4 on: August 22, 2011, 06:34:54 pm »

Thanks fella's it's a 1980 rm250.
LWC82PE where can i get a zero loss pump/gauge connection.
2000 Yamaha WR400f
1980 Suzuki RM250t
1977 Suzuki RM125b                                         
1975 Yamaha MX250b
1973 Yamaha mx360 (on the rebuild table)                                                               
1972 Yamaha dt1 250
1976 Suzuki ts 185

Offline LWC82PE

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Re: Air in front forks
« Reply #5 on: August 22, 2011, 07:11:08 pm »
Well from a lot of places really

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Topeak-Pressure-Rite-Anti-Air-Loss-Connector-/270803451578?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f0d24beba

http://ltthor.home.comcast.net/~ltthor/TOOLS.html

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SHOCK-PUMP-FOX-150-PSI-RACING-SHOX-3805-0061-/180587062165?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2a0bd3e395

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/RACE-TECH-TOOL-NITROGEN-GAUGE-/330578409755?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4cf802391b

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/PROGRESSIVE-SUSPENSION-MICRO-PUMP-W-GAUGE-/390323870026?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5ae11d994a

You may need to do some research to make sure the pump you are looking at has a zero loss connector as not all of them do.

You can also  go to any Bicycle shop or ones that specialise in modern mountain bikes and ask for a shock air pump. They are specially made for MTB forks and shocks but are fine to use on motorbike forks.

Also a lot of specialist motorbike shops that do suspension stuff have the gauges too.
Wanted - 1978 TS185 frame or frame&motor. Frame # TS1852-24007 up to TS1852-39022

Offline JohnnyO

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Re: Air in front forks
« Reply #6 on: August 22, 2011, 07:12:23 pm »
Try about 10lbs of air to start with.. You can get one of those decent pumps from a mountain bike shop.

Offline John Orchard

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Re: Air in front forks
« Reply #7 on: August 23, 2011, 10:37:30 am »
20 psi is recommended stock on my RM125B, with a max of 36.  They are too soft without air.
Johnny O - Tahition_Red factory rider.

Offline steve7406

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Re: Air in front forks
« Reply #8 on: August 23, 2011, 05:41:29 pm »
Thanks again fellas look's like i'm of to the  push bike shop first if no luck ebay.
2000 Yamaha WR400f
1980 Suzuki RM250t
1977 Suzuki RM125b                                         
1975 Yamaha MX250b
1973 Yamaha mx360 (on the rebuild table)                                                               
1972 Yamaha dt1 250
1976 Suzuki ts 185