Putting air in front forks

Discussion in '1st & 2nd Generation 1983-1989' started by slowbird, Jun 22, 2009.

  1. creaky

    creaky New Member

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    No experience here with the VF forks....but....I have been riding dirt bikes for quite a long time. Some of the older bikes with damper rod forks had Schrader valves on top of the forks, most called for 5-6 psi max. I experimented with air pressure on some of these bikes, anywhere from 2 to 20 psi. In practically every case, the suspension action worsened as the air pressure went up. The proper spring for the situation was the best answer. My $.02.
     
  2. tinkerinWstuff

    tinkerinWstuff Administrator Staff Member

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  3. slowbird

    slowbird Member

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    LOL@ Tinker.

    Well this is an old thread Res. 2 Bikes ago :redface: (memories!)

    Anyways....I don't recall how long after this thread was made, but sometime after I blew a fork seal. I completely dissassembled the forks....cleaned them of all old fork oil and gunk. Replaced them with new seals, C-Clips, Dust covers and bushings. Kept the stock fork springs as they were still within spec (and cause I didn't want to spend extra $$ on a 1st gen) and topped it up with 15w fork oil.

    The front felt much better.

    A good friend of mine has the bike now....he weighs about 40+ lbs more than I. His brother also rides the bike and he is probably 60-80lbs heavier than I. Both have no complaints. (though they don't know any better)

    ....and there is absolutely ZERO air in the forks. :cool:
     
  4. JamieDaugherty

    JamieDaugherty New Member

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    Yep, the more air pressure the worse things get. Run 0psi for best results!
     
  5. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    OK, first time i tried any air pressure ride was better, but seals started leaking oil, never tried it again.
     
  6. Nony Pestejo

    Nony Pestejo New Member

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    How about at the rear shock? better if no air too? thanks.
     
  7. rc24rc51

    rc24rc51 New Member

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    Start with slightly heavier fork oil if the forks are due for a service. Springs can be added relatively easy after that.
     
  8. JamieDaugherty

    JamieDaugherty New Member

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    Same with the shock - air is bad.
     
  9. karazy

    karazy New Member

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    Jeez, for a moment, I thought that freak DD was back. How to give a guy a scare. All those hours of therapy gone to waste.

    :crazy:
     
  10. Dukiedook

    Dukiedook New Member

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    Change the spring rate, leave the air for the tires.
     
  11. JamieDaugherty

    JamieDaugherty New Member

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    +1

    Well put!
     
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