For those with the early hurricannes mordel, what air pressure do you have in your frotn fork?


and what seems to be best handling pressure?


Thanks!

 

My XJ 900 had air shocks, Carl.
I used to run that at 1 Bar.
FWIW.

 

I'm no expert but if they are a bleed valve like on an MX bike, then don't put any extra pressure in there. Have your forks fully extended and let the built up air pressure out. If it's a bleed screw make sure you tighten it back up while the front wheel is off the ground. Well, thats the deal with MX bikes. It's still the same principal I suppose.

 

Ok luckily i had an electronic gage, i put 3.5psi in each fork qnd we will see how it goes.i will probably lower to 2.5

 

I think most forks with air caps usually get no more than 2 PSI. You could get the same results by increasing the oil level a few mm w/o air caps.

 

I had a suspension expert who runs his own GNCC race team explain to me through another forum that the air in the fork is an "air spring". Basically varying the "air spring" with different oil heights. I personally wouldn't add any extra pressure, just research different oil levels/heights for what you're after.

 

By far the best way these forks work is to have the right springs in there, and run no air pressure. Air is a terrible spring for motorcycle forks, which is why you don't see it any more. If you still have the OEM springs, check out www.sonicsprings.com and order up a set of the proper rate jobbers (there's a tool on the site to figure it out). They're like $80 I think...

 

Dont know if this helps or just clouds the situation. I have an 88 and I run 10psi in the forks. Ialso have a 1500 Goldwing with air ride suspension, in the owners manual for the wing it recomends between 6 and 15psi. AS for the idea that air aint a good thing on suspension, maybee you should check out most car shocks as they use air or gas, as an upgrade from oil filled shocks, go figure . I find the ride and handling good on both bikes.
Like I said it may not help but dont knock air ride till you try it.

 

10PSI they recommend a maximum of 6 on the 88, they might blow your seals.

 

Hey DragonCBR,

Yeah I got the same advice from a few people as what the other members have stated here, don't run with air! it's crap. It also loads up your seals.

I run an 88 CBR750 which is very very close to your thou model. I rebuilt my front forks late last year. I blew a seal due to having too much air pressure. I now run with NO added air in them. After 'much' mucking about trying this and that here's what I come up with.

I changed the oil to a heavier grade now running the 10W variant as opposed to the recommended 5W oil. Additionally I have also ended up approx 10% extra oil in each fork. I also replaced the standard spring preload spacers with custom home built units that a are 15mm longer than standard to increase the preload.

The forks are now considrabley better for me. Bearing in mind the bike is 220Kgs plus my 100Kgs and typically tour with and extra 12-20kgs and occasionally a pillion.

Around town and touring with the bike fully loaded up I still get that nice compliant bump soak up ride. But when I'm out on the back roads scratching, they are waaaaaaaaay better providing more 'feel' and have lost that slushiness they used to have with the excessive soft travel they had. I feel more 'anchored' and in control on the road. Even with the heavier oil when really pushing hard I don't get any hydraulicing effect indicating valve or oil issues.

Cheers, Andy