Air Forks

[Strider]

Evening Gentlemen

I've just bought a 1973 RD350, its been tuned and raced at some time, that's all I know as it comes from California via Denmark.

Originally I was going to restore it to standard, but if I put the standard pipes and air box on the tuned engine it will run like a dog!!

Non standard parts are konis, rear sets, fork brace, expansion boxes and foam pod filters ..................... and air forks!!

They have the valve at the top, now I know sweet FA about them, has any one got any comments or information about them????

Oh btw it will end up as some kind of street fighter/flat tracker :thumbsu:

[pyro]

Make sure there are no pits or wear marks on the forks and the seals are in good condition (or the first time it drops from a wheelie, oil will go everywhere), do NOT run them higher than 10psi no matter what the boy racers say. 6-7 psi is fine, any higher puts too much pressure on the seals, when you hit speed bumps, do wheelies etc.

I found the air forks do give a slightly firmer ride when going for it, although I do like my suspension tweaked right up for 'quick' riding.

[Strider]

Thanks for that ..................... :thumbu:

All being well, should get my bonus this month and spend some money on it as i have all the bits stripped off that need tarting up (i.e. polishing)

Oh and while I am on the subject, some of the black laquer/paint has rubbed off on the crankcases, any idea on what to use to touch up, or is it easier to take it all off an just polish them?

[trikerdrew]

air forks are a gimmick IMHO.

In the same vein as anti dive and upside down forks.

Polishing is no probs get yourself a kit save oodles.

paint on cases try plasticote vht or there bbq satin black.

practical mechanics restored one may be worth tracking articles down if you feel so inclined

drew

2t are MAD:D

[Grav]

Black BBQ paint does a splendid job on engine cases. Just make sure they are thoroughly cleaned first.

[pyro]

air forks are a gimmick IMHO.




Sorry mate but I dont agree, they do work better on some bikes than others though.

[Strider]

I don't even know what they are off, they certainly aren't standard on a RD350, they look sort of right still tho, if you know what I mean.

[trikerdrew]

:p:p:p

OK.I hate owt twiddly that don't need to be there.Air forks fall under twiddly tis all.

Oh, the bike looks far better than boring bog stock.Standard rd look like a kid designed them

drew

[Porthos]

Most forks are air forks even if there is no means to adjust the pressure ;)

all you have is means to slightly adjust the pressure, air is a fairly sophisticated spring as it is rising rate, personally I wold not exceed 5 psi unless the manufactures state that you can use higher :)