Front fork air pressure

[Rugrat5288]

New to me 95 aspencade had about 13psi in the front forks. Do people run them higher than the 6psi as stated in the manual. Also find it hard to get 6psi just a smal amount of air loss seems to take it down around zero. Is there a trick to it? Thanks

[Mh434]

My '97 doesn't have air valves I can find...wish it did. Under the black fork caps are just giant hex plugs, with no Schrader valves. I'd love to firm it up a bit without having to replace the front springs.

I'm wondering if anyone has ever tried drilling the plugs for Schraders...? Or possibly replacing the plugs with ones from a model that had valves?

[virgilmobile]

When I was doing my 1200,I used a quick connect bicycle pump.Hit it 3 times and checked the pressure.Let the air back out..hit it 6 times and checked the pressure..This gave me a approximate pressure per pump stroke.Mine settled at 6 strokes for 5 pounds.Once a week or so,I'd discharge them and 6 strokes again.Old leaking seals I suppose.
Just be quick putting on and taking off the fitting.nothing I know of is better other than a fitted gauge like the Harley used under there seat(Police package)

[Bluewaterhooker0]

New to me 95 aspencade had about 13psi in the front forks. Do people run them higher than the 6psi as stated in the manual. Also find it hard to get 6psi just a smal amount of air loss seems to take it down around zero. Is there a trick to it? Thanks

I run 10psi in mine. I just set my air compressor regulator around 15psi, fill them up, and then "test them down" to 10psi with the little bit lost on each test. Never had an issue with seals in 4 years.

[Bluewaterhooker0]

My '97 doesn't have air valves I can find...wish it did. Under the black fork caps are just giant hex plugs, with no Schrader valves. I'd love to firm it up a bit without having to replace the front springs.

I'm wondering if anyone has ever tried drilling the plugs for Schraders...? Or possibly replacing the plugs with ones from a model that had valves?

I'm surprised your 97SE doesn't have them. Mine does. I thought all SE had them. Maybe Canadian ?

Yes, people have removed their plugs, drilled and tapped them for schraders, and installed them. However, the assembly has to be air tight, as the forks will always be holding pressure, even if you don't pressurize them.

Yes, you can get the whole assembly from Partzilla for about $65 each, for the plug, schrader, needed O-Rings (2), and dust/sealing cap.

[RockportDave]

One of these works. Cyclemax has them. Be sure not to over fill, the seals can blow out.

Dave

[Rednaxs60]

My '97 doesn't have air valves I can find...wish it did. Under the black fork caps are just giant hex plugs, with no Schrader valves. I'd love to firm it up a bit without having to replace the front springs.

I'm wondering if anyone has ever tried drilling the plugs for Schraders...? Or possibly replacing the plugs with ones from a model that had valves?

Mike - checked the fiche and you should have air valves. These would be under the black dust caps at the top of the fork(s). Will be checking mine soon as I will be doing a fork oil change and new springs. Cheers

[Mh434]

I pulled the dust caps before I posted- just giant female hex plugs, no provision for valves. I don’t know why it’s this way - I’m certain it’s as it came from the factory. I thought SE’s came with valves, but apparently not all did. By the sounds of it, the forks probably aren’t compatible with air unless the were made that way. Guess I just have to live with it the way it is.

[Rednaxs60]

Checked mine as well. No air valves. Here are the pics:

[Mh434]

Yep - that’s what mine looks like...

[Rugrat5288]

One of these works. Cyclemax has them. Be sure not to over fill, the seals can blow out.
6B3B5344-AC53-4CC5-BCF4-5F6561B7A25D.jpeg
Dave

Looks like the ticket! Thanks Dave.

[curtm]

Check my thread from a few weeks ago, i did exactly what you are discussing, Just changing the oil made a huge difference, and while had the caps off and the forks out i drilled and installed 1/8 NPT schrader valves, can get them off e bay etc for $2.00, mine rides so much better i have not added air to mine since oil was changed
Curt

[RockportDave]

One of these works. Cyclemax has them. Be sure not to over fill, the seals can blow out.
6B3B5344-AC53-4CC5-BCF4-5F6561B7A25D.jpeg
Dave

Looks like the ticket! Thanks Dave

My son bought the pump and gave it to me. It is a 60 psi pump, but the one Cyclemax has is a 30 psi which should be better for the front shocks.
I just used It. One side pumped up slowly as it should (about 4-6 pumps to 4 psi), but the other pumped up to 20-30 psi with one pump. Found it wasn’t screwed on far enough to open the schrader.
I left 20 psi on it and screwed it on farther until the pressure went down. It then pumped up as it should.
Just an observation in case you have the same problem.
Mine rides good with 4 psi in them.
Dave