looking at 97 tomorrow

[cranky]

I use one after my namesake, a bicycle fork pump with a zero loss fitting and
a push button for letting out a tad of air if needed, very small - you're right...
Best to Ya!!! ... look like you're movin' right along!!!!

[cushman eagle]

For Peg and I riding without luggage,26 lbs in the shocks is good,we weigh 300 lbs together.When we load up for a trip,i increase the pressure to 35.I only run 3 lbs in the forks,and do that by using my small air transport tank,pumping it up to about 40 lbs bleeding it for my shocks,then with a low pressure gauge,bleeding it for my forks

[Nails]

Where did you source that low-pressure gage? I've only found them down to 10 PSI.
My paint-sprayer deal didn't work, but I could keep the pressure under 40. I ended up bleeding the forks until they were really low but still raised maybe 2 inches on the side stand. And I sorta put more in the shocks, maybe about 30. I'm guessing it'll be better the 50 in the forks and none in the shocks that I started with -- and wondering why y'all carried on abut the handling ;)
I had truck issues so didn't get the parts I need. But the plugs are loose -- sure was a lot of crud down there. Looking forward to buttoning up the fake gas tank sector. Still need to research tightening the headset.
I might break down and buy a sonic cleaner for the carbs.
Continued thanks.

[cushman eagle]

I have two 0-20 psi pencil type gauges I use,they both agree when I use them at 3 psi,so I am guessing they are right I also use them at 7psi in the back tires of my lawn mower,and 10 in the front.I do not remember where I got them.

[JHD]

You can find a lot of Harley Touring hand air pumps on CL when owners upgrade their stock air shocks. They are well built and very small. Never use an air compressor to pump up your suspension. Hard to believe your front forks had that much pressure. A set of Progressive front springs is your least expensive option to improve your suspension and something that most owners have done. The rear shocks aren't the worst and can be maintained but a set of Progressive shocks will really dial in the suspension.

[triton28]

http://www.progressivesuspension.com/pr ... gauge-pump

[Nails]

Continued thanks. If the shocks don't leak flat, I might live with the air suspension until I sort the higher priorities. (The forks sure do hold air.)
And thanks for that pump/gage source -- I'd have use for it even after getting rid of the air suspension.
(My '74 Husky motocrosser had air caps. Then air went all road-bike. But now air forks are coming back to MX, even without any springs at all (Ken Roczan)! But I'm no fan-boy -- I dumped the air suspension on my old Land Rover, too.)
Yes, I'm amazed the fork seals don't leak. They were over-inflated for at least two years: the PO had it that long and had never seen the Schrader valves in the fairing before I popped the cover. (No wonder the bike scared him -- this had to be his first-ever bike.)

[Nails]

The shocks and forks apparently hold air.
For the forks, this seems like the best gage I can find: http://www.cabelas.com/product/auto-atv ... type%3DGNU. Slime makes a similar pencil gage: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Slime-Low-Pr ... 10&veh=aff. I'll get one of these.
For the shocks, I think any normal tire pencil pencil gage would work swell.
And I'm sure any mountain bike hand pump (schrader) would work swell.
Unfortunately, I haven't had time to work on anything.

[cranky]

... analysis of a bike shock pump....

http://tinyurl.com/hxmy5aw

You need the zero loss connection/screw on end so the pressure
doesn't change when Ya connect / disconnect.... pppssssssstttttt....

Getting a scale that is meaningful is nice too, I found one that went up
to 30.. no name, sigh... once Ya get the idea, you can search google and
ebay for a good deal... Best to Ya!!!!

[VoyKimmer]

Nope, To do it right spend a little money and get the progressive pump made for motorcycle air forks and shocks. Don't cheap out or you will be sorry.

[Nails]

I don't need a pump, just a gage. I'll take several readings in a row to see how much is actually lost and whether it's consistent -- others have found this to be a non-issue (despite what Kawa says). Will let you know.

[Mr Jensee]

When you get ready to torque the head bearings. Take note that on You Tube AVA members have posted a lot of videos to walk you though the process. If I were you I would look into progressive springs for the front and back and forget having to pump the shocks up ever again.

[Nails]

Thanks. I don't have a service manual. (But would be happy to send email addy if you still do -- see, I am doing my noob research! ). It wasn't immediately obvious to me how to deal with the headset, and I'll need to check out those resources.

I'm no fan of air caps, but need to focus on roadworthy more than farkles right now. Sure am glad the headset/suspension and charging system seem like non-issues, though -- that budget goes to farkles!!!

I apologize for stringing out this "noob here" thread, but I just haven't had a chance to work on it. I do have lots of the stuff I need -- just gotta find the time. I might get it back on the road next week (need VIN inspection to register it).

Continued thanks.

[Nails]

Well, maybe not paying enough attention to notice the manuals, right in your dang signature. THANKS!

[Nails]

Okay, I downloaded the whole manual -- everything except the parts manuals. All 378 pages. Originally 270MB, but got that down to 130 MB.
THANKS!

[Mr Jensee]

Parts manual is pretty useless. Use somebody like www.bikebandit.com. All the part numbers are there if you are using a dealership or order them online there. Beware the parts are getting scarce new. Manufacturers are only required to supply new parts for ten years. Contact Carl Leo for any items you need and cant find anywhere else. Ebay motors is another parts source. You can reach Carl at voyagerparts@bellsouth.net if you haven't talked to him already.
Good luck with everything
Michael