Broken front fork air valve

[littleroot]

I've put about 6k miles on my baby and never checked or filled the front air forks. Doh!

Upon inspection it appeared on the left fork air vavle was a little shorter than it should be. Found half of the thread stuck inside the cap!

Pictures below.

So I barely was able to get any air into the fork and I cannot take a reading. Seems the PO cranked on the cover a little too tight. I'm going over to the local parts store today and hope they have a replacement. What is the pressure suppose to be? I've heard ranges from 7 psi to 20psi, and higher.

Bike is in my sig: 1982 GS1100 GL

Thanks,
-Bob

[salty_monk]

Get some progressives or cut the springs to stiffen them up & don't run any air... then you can just blank that off with a bolt.

Dan

[Guest]

There used to be equalizer fittings that connected both forks, with the filler valve in the center. I would think that you could use one of those and eliminate the fork valves if you can find one. Progressive still makes the small fork pumps with pressure gauges, so I would think they still make the equalizers. I don't know if you have enough thread left to seal a hose fitting. You should replace it if you can, and even with progressive springs, there are situations where you would still need some air.

[Don-lo]

Very nice bike! If someone local doesn't have one of those, I'll send you one, but it will take a few days to get there. Try 15 psi, but adjust to taste. Set your home air compressor tank to desired pressure (15 psi), then hold the nozzle on the nipple for a few seconds, and pulling off quickly, getting a nice little "pop". I do it a few times on each side so the "pops" sound the same. It will perfectly equalize both sides. I would also recommend prying up the top seal covers (top of the fork legs), spraying the leg and inner seal with armor-all, pumping the bike up and down and swirling the seal cover in the armor all (so the rubber pieces get the armor-all on them), and then clean up the excess with a paper towel. The seal life and motion will be greatly enhanced.

[Gary Lich]

Dittos on the Progressive fork springs...I put a set in my GK last winter...The handling & ride improved dramatically...well worth the $89 bucks and no more screwing around with air...

[malibuman]

I have the same problem on my bike

the left air valve looks exacty the same

Help

James

[Guest]

Zook still sells those. I MAY have one.

[Steve]

I just got new valves for "Freebie" ('81 850G) from PartShark. The valves were $11.06 each, the chrome covers were $7.78 each. I also put spacers on top of the stock springs, so maybe I won't need any air, but I have not had the bike on the road yet, so I don't know.

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