Front fork air pressue 83 XJ 750 SECA

What is a good air pressure to run in the front forks of a 83 XJ 750?

 

Recommended pressure is 5.7 psi. Range is 0-17 psi per the Haynes with a warning to never exceed 36 psi. This begs the question of why the pressure range is 0-17 if you shouldn't exceed 36? Wouldn't it be logical to specify 0-36 psi? I'm thinking into this, sorry. Anyone got an answer?

 

I'll take a shot. I'll bet it is REAL stiff at 17 -36 psi. I have about 6 in mine and it is fine. I had tired a bit less than 10 and thought i was too stiff. So I assume they are saying over 17 is probably too stiff to be safe?

Of course over 36 it blows the seals.

 

Thanks Bill, I run 7 psi in mine (at least that is what I put in it last year, don't know what it is now). Sounds like a good spot.

 

I can't tell if mine leaks cause it's so hard to measure without bleeding the thing off!!!

Seems to be OK though.

 

Air pressure? Front forks? No kidding! I never knew that! I just went and looked at my forks and sure enough there were shiny caps on each tube and wouldn't you know - I unscrewed 'em and there were air pressure fittings! So what am I supposed to do with 'em? I'm about 6' tall and 180 lbs. Anybody in my general range?

Secondly, how did you check your air pressure? I have four guages; two of them start at 10 psi and two of them start at 20 psi. I do have a regulator that I could set at the required air pressure and then just air 'em up and trust the regulator but how are you guys doing it?

 

They make low pressure Gauges, 0 to 10 or 20. I used to set the regulator, air up the forks and check it, once you check it it looses pressure, but you know the accuracy of your regulator, then adjust the regulator, and air up again and cap.
Sound Correct???

 

I use a hand operated bike pump. Bled the pressure then tried 1 pump, measure repeat. But if you have a good regulator that would be a much better way.

Key is not too much pressure or you can damage your seals. Try 6 or 7 PSI then adjust to suite.

 

Mine is currently set at 17psi, but I can still depress the shocks by putting pressure on the handlebars. but I belive my oil seals are bad. i have a slight leak on top of the lower leg by the dust seal. I guess once I fix that i will go back down to 7 psi.

 

36 psi on static extended forks turns into an exponensially higher pressure as they compress over bumps, maybe WAY too much pressure for the seals to handle if they are set statically at 36.

 

Thanks guys!!! I am going to try 5, I am around 180lbs so I am going to start with 5 and go from there.