Air forks

[Dead Boy]

Not sure exactly what to call them. I recently purchased a 1975 GT550 and it has schrader valves at the top of the forks. I can't find any info on these to see what air pressure I should be running. When I changed the fork seals and oil there was a small amount of air in the forks, but I didn't check to see what it was before disassembly. Both forks have brackets for brake calipers but I only have the right side one now. They are 35mm forks.

[advant63]

pics please. i believe most forks run 3/6 psi.

[Dead Boy]

As requested.

Right fork.


Left fork.


Top of Left fork with valve. Both forks are the same here.



My buddy told me to try running between 2 and 4 PSI, but I wanted to get more knowledgeable opinions as well. His GT550 had a GT750 front end.

[Coyote]

My GS1000 calls for 11 psi. Its a heavier bike than the 550 though. I expect about 8 would be close. That's a home made setup using a modified spring retainer & clip.

[Frank]

I would think 4-8 psig would be in the ballpark. Understand that you might have difficulty obtaining this pressure with a regular bicycle pump... I bought a small syringe-style pump that I use for similar applications; it moves less air and it's easier not to overfill the forks.