Front Fork Air pressure?

So i was reading the haynes book about the front forks. (pondering the complexity of replacing the dust\oil seals) and i found that i have air pressurized forks that ironically have not pressure in either. The book say 17 Psi in each. Anyone know if thats correct or a better psi to have?

Thank you

 

Try different pressures and see what you like, each person has different riding habits. With no air in the forks I bet you have some front end diving when braking. I'm big and heavy so I run my XJ1100 at 10 psi, more air makes the ride to hard for me.

 

Thanks I will try that

 

be very careful adding air they hold almost nothing do not use an air line unles you have a trigger style even then its iffy. then when you check the psi you loose 1/4 of the capacity eacg time. You just about need a bicycle pump with guage set it 1 to 2 psi about what you want so when you disconnect you end up where you want to be.

 

will do thanks

 

Go to Sports Authority and get the Squeeze-Handle pump they use for inflating Basketballs and Soccer Balls.

It has a Gauge it that will let you see how much Air is in there while you pump.

 

Rick, what about an adaptor to fit the pump onto the fork valve? Anything special required?

 

When I first got my Maxi, the left fork had 35psi of air and the right fork had ZERO. After fiddling with pressure, and consulting the shop manual, I am satisfied with about 10psi(I am also a larger breed like mlew) . The manual says 5.7psi standard, and 17psi max.

To fill I just lowered the shop compressor to 20psi(as low as it would go) and then just gave the fork a quick press. Using the tire pressure gauge I found that I lost about 3-5lbs each time I checked the pressure. Knowing that it was easy to dial in 10psi after a couple tries.

 

Or just use a portable tank pre-loaded with the correct pressure, and don't check the fork pressure.

 

I am new to the xj550, can someone tell me how much and what kind of oil is used in the forks? I just bought a 1982 that has been sitting for 14 yrs.

 

I set the regulator on my compressor to 10psi. Hold it on the fork valve a few seconds and then I know the pressure is right. I don't ever check it with a gague