how much air to put in shocks?

  • chiaronate
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how much air to put in shocks?

18 Aug 2013 11:56
#601989
I did a search on here and didn't find anything about how much air to put in a 1982 1100 spectre suspension, front and rear. What is the recommended amount of air front and rear? I ordered a repair manual that I should have in a few weeks. Is there a special air pump that is recommended? My bicycle pump doesn't seem to go far enough over the valves.
1982 Kawasaki KZ1100 Spectre

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  • Mcdroid
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Re: how much air to put in shocks?

18 Aug 2013 12:38 - 18 Aug 2013 12:38
#601996
Front: 7.1 - 10 psi
Rear: 5.7- 21 psi (depending upon road conditions and shock setting. Single rider w/no accessories is 11 psi)

This is from the factory shop manual.
Michael
Victoria, Texas

1982 GPz750
1977 KZ1000A
1978 KZ1000A
1982 GPz1100
1975 Z2A
Last edit: 18 Aug 2013 12:38 by Mcdroid. Reason: clarity

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  • chiaronate
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Re: how much air to put in shocks?

18 Aug 2013 13:09
#602000
OK thanks, there is no air in them now and they are very soft. My bicycle pump won't go over the valves far enough, is there an air pump that you would recommend? I've read online that it's a bad idea to use an air compressor because they would fill too fast and possibly blow out the seals.
1982 Kawasaki KZ1100 Spectre

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  • 02Type-S
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Re: how much air to put in shocks?

19 Aug 2013 23:49
#602247
I have the same problem on my 550, its like the valves are too short. Not sure what to do
1980 Kawasaki KZ550 LTD
2002 Acura TL Type-S
2002 Toyota Tundra TRD

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Re: how much air to put in shocks?

20 Aug 2013 00:38
#602254
You do not want to use an air compressor.
Are you saying that your pump cannot depress the valve stem? IIRC, those are standard schraeder valves, such as bicycle valve stems. You might try using a longer valve stem.
The optimal solution is to install Progressive or Sonic springs and remove the need for air altogether. Your factory springs are probably sacked by now anyway. Just a suggestion.
1983 GPz 750
810 Wiseco, Kerker, K&N, DynoJet S3, Accel, Progressive, etc.

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  • chiaronate
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Re: how much air to put in shocks?

20 Aug 2013 02:34
#602265
Exactly, they aren't long enough to work with the air pump that I have. I'm going to see if I can find an air pump that will work the the stems, maybe buy the Harley pump that's made for that purpose.
02Type-S wrote: I have the same problem on my 550, its like the valves are too short. Not sure what to do
1982 Kawasaki KZ1100 Spectre

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Re: how much air to put in shocks?

04 Sep 2013 02:32
#604743
koolaid_kid wrote: You do not want to use an air compressor.
Are you saying that your pump cannot depress the valve stem? IIRC, those are standard schraeder valves, such as bicycle valve stems. You might try using a longer valve stem.
The optimal solution is to install Progressive or Sonic springs and remove the need for air altogether. Your factory springs are probably sacked by now anyway. Just a suggestion.

So with the progressive springs, you don't need any air? I just thought it was supplemental
1980 Kawasaki KZ550 LTD
2002 Acura TL Type-S
2002 Toyota Tundra TRD

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Re: how much air to put in shocks?

04 Sep 2013 14:00
#604791
Correct. You choose a spring rate suited to the bike's weight, your weight, and your riding style.
1983 GPz 750
810 Wiseco, Kerker, K&N, DynoJet S3, Accel, Progressive, etc.

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Re: how much air to put in shocks?

04 Sep 2013 14:05
#604793
Also, both front and rear are probably sacked since they are 30 years old. Just one of those things you need to do when riding a classic motorcycle.
There are numerous brands of rear shocks that give excellent performance on our bikes.
On my GS, a dual shock system, I purchased Progressive shocks and springs.
On my GPz, I installed a GSXR fully adjustable shock. Excellent upgrades for both bikes.
1983 GPz 750
810 Wiseco, Kerker, K&N, DynoJet S3, Accel, Progressive, etc.

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