Fork pressure question

[customsound79]

First post here. I can't seem to find the answer. Just got the bike (92 model) a month ago and after 2000 miles it was beating me to death on the rougher roads. I bought a 0-60psi shock pump and it read at least 60 when I hooked it up. From everything I've seen 8psi is the max right? I let it out to around 6psi and the front of the bike dropped a bit. Now when I sit on it the forks drop a great deal and the pressure gauge on the pump jumps to 25. Am I missing something? Is the front supposed to sag that much? I am a big dude.

Thanks in advance!

[carl leo]

sounds like time for a set of progressive springs.

[SgtSlag]

With Progressive Fork Springs, no air is needed... Life is simple -- just ride!

If you want to use the air assist on the rear shocks, then change the oil in them -- process is detailed in the service manual. Otherwise, get some Progressive rear shocks, #416, I believe, with the Heavy Duty Springs -- not the Standard Duty springs. The 416's are airless, as well, so you won't have to mess with pumping air into the suspension, at all. They ride very nice, and they are extremely low maintenance. Cheers!

[voyager55]

412 HD spring shocks for the rear

416 are air shocks

With Progressive Fork Springs, no air is needed... Life is simple -- just ride!

If you want to use the air assist on the rear shocks, then change the oil in them -- process is detailed in the service manual. Otherwise, get some Progressive rear shocks, #416, I believe, with the Heavy Duty Springs -- not the Standard Duty springs. The 416's are airless, as well, so you won't have to mess with pumping air into the suspension, at all. They ride very nice, and they are extremely low maintenance. Cheers!

[Lucasind]

Welcome to the AVA forum Zack, As others have said here,replace the stock suspension with progressive components and all of the issues you described will be gone ....for not much $$$

[customsound79]

Well it seems like I need to order progressive springs. I need a new front tire so might as well knock it out now. Was the suspension on these just junk from the start?

[voyager55]

No, They're old- over the years the springs wear out & sag. The rear spring shocks Progressive makes is much improved product than the original air shocks.

Replacement instructions http://www.abbikeboard.com/jeff/spring/spring.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[customsound79]

Thanks for all of the help!

[customsound79]

Ya'll were right! It was a painless job too.

[customsound79]

Turns out I already have the 416's on the back. The seller said he just had new shocks installed. I looked closer and there was the Progressive logo. What a deal for a $1,700 bike!

[Coastvoyager]

When adjusting the front air the bike should be on the center stand and all the weight off the front end really, and your correct about the 8 psi max. At least that way you getting a true number when fully extended. Yes, suspension should sag some when just the bikes weight is on it,but how mush depends on preload on springs etc.

[voyager55]

If using Progressing fork springs, No air is needed, one of the benefits