What the fork!

[SanDiegoMike]

My manual states that I should be running about 15psi in my forks for a proper ride. When I pulled my caps off to check the air pressure, it came up at ZERO! I'm not showing any signs of fork seal problems, but then again, I haven't done any fork maintenance since I've owned my bike. I know that somewhere along the line progressive fork springs were installed, along with the spaghetti pipes and the K&N filter, but I don't know much more than that. Is it possible that there might be NO oil in my forks? And, is the Schraeder valve the only thing that keeps the air in there? Once again, any and all help is appreciated.

[81xsproject]

If you have progressives, then you don't need air.

[Ken Talbot]

There should be oil in the forks, but I don't know a way to really check it without letting some of it out. I suppose you could roll the bike forward, clamp on the front brake, and see how 'springy' the front end feels. That's not really very scientific, but it would probably tell you if there was or was not any oil.

[HobbyMan]

I am not sure about SG but the manua states for the G that you can run them at zero. If they are leaking you can replace the o rings

[prometheus578]

Just like tires... forks can lose air over time.
Unless you can see evidence of oil loss, like leaking fork seals, there should be oil in your forks. How old it is, is anybody's guess. Should be changed every two years at least.

If you have progressives, then you don't need air.

I would change that to,"You may not need air", 81xsproject.
(I rarely state anything in the absolute definate. Too many variables and individual tastes.)

[Brian_D]

Originally posted by prometheus578
....
I would change that to,"You may not need air", 81xsproject.

yeah, especially since these bikes enjoy air UNDER the front tire every x twist of the throttle

[79XS11F]

To discover if there is oil in the forks ... just change it out. Who knows how old it is or if both even have the same amount in them at this point. I change my fork oil every spring. In fact I change ALL FLUIDS every spring.
Rob

[HobbyMan]

If you don't know whats in there you need to change it. Every time we get another biike, I change every thing. Engine oil, gear oil, brake fluid... I even dissasemble the brakes to clean them. Its not worth the risk of loosing brakes or oil. Just think of this statement, "I don't know if the engine has oil." Sure its more critical than the forks but its not that hard to change. IMHO, if you havn't changed the seals you may want to. Even if they are not leaking. It sucks getting away from home and your fork seals just start blowing out oil. It makes a mess and gets everywhere.