TOPIC:

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.

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.

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.

I have the same problem on my 550, its like the valves are too short. Not sure what to do

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.

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

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

Correct. You choose a spring rate suited to the bike's weight, your weight, and your riding style.

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.