Can I run with no air in forks?

I have an 83 KZ 750 with air assist forks. It has an air balancer that runs between the forks, so I can’t reposition the forks to lower the front or to install clip-ons without releasing the air. Is it safe to ride with no air?

I’m looking at eventually installing progressive springs.

FWIW. My air forks don't have a balancer, and it's so difficult to check & air up the forks properly that I don't bother any more. I did clean & rebuild the forks w new seals & dust boots and added fresh fork oil as per the manual (1981 KZ650-CSR).

I've seen some old topics in which is was recommended to install new quality progressive springs & just eschew the air.

If you leave the hole open in the fork tube you may loose oil and there will be no pressure build up in the forks during compression which is a natural spring assist reducing bottoming tendency.

Also, without the air the forks will feel quite soft. Replacing the springs with some new straight rate springs from Sonic was a significant upgrade on my bike. As for straight rate vs progressive, this is a good read... sonicsprings.com/catalog/straight_vs_prog_tech_article.php

If he doesn't install the balancer or plug the holes, he will loose oil. probably quite a bit.

What do you recommend for plugging the holes? I’ve seen a few threads where that was mentioned, but no one has mentioned how to do it.