Cal 2 front fork air pressure

[handyandy]

What is the correct air pressure for Cal 2 front forks? I did the conversion from metric to psi and came up wit 42 psi. Can that be right? And what is the best tool to use?

[Chuck in Indiana]

*Probably* none. I'm assuming they are the original dampers? If so, what you are pressurizing is a small bladder in the cartridge that restricts fluid flow. With age, they'll get a hole in them, and you'll be pressurizing the fork seals, with the expected results. 
If they are new.. a small high pressure bicycle pump is the ticket.. but I don't put much in them. Just enough to make them hold their shape.. maybe 10 lbs or so. They are plenty stiff enough for me without going to higher pressure.
Caution. They are about the size of your thumb. A little air goes a long way.

[guzzisteve]

Yes, 42-55 if I remember. You just measure 2wice and then you know the loss of checking it. With the sidecar I would keep it high side. I also had them tied together w/1 intake.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Here's a picture of the typical old bladder.

You can see how it works to control oil flow. Or not, if it's old.

[handyandy]

They are new forks. Mary says the wheel bounces when in a tight left hand curve.

[Chuck in Indiana]

New forks or new dampers? It needs damping.. if they are new dampers, bump the air pressure up. If they aren't new, some FACs and Wurth progressive springs would make her a happy girl. 

[Peter949]

Zero PSI for certain ... and just through those old air bladders away after 35 years! 

[John A]

I put fork oil in the bladders. Worked for me.

[wymple]

I always ran 13-15 lbs. All they needed.

[brider]

Soooo, in mine, I swapped in new dampers a few years ago, can't remember what they were (FAC?), and now when I pull the fork caps off, there's no bladder (I don't remember that there was when I changed them), and the fork springs are right there and pop out. I assume I should be running 0 psi?

What about the rear shocks? I recall they have about the same factory pressure setting.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

If they're new FAC dampers, the air pressurizes the fork - more air = firmer springing. If they're new/old Sebac(?) dampers, like Chuck says the air pressure firms up the damping.

In either case, I'd use zero pressure.

[Chuck in Indiana]

I put fork oil in the bladders. Worked for me.

Hmmm. That just might work.. and cost nothing.  <snapping suspenders>  (Guzzi content)   

[John A]

Chuck I was thinking maybe I put the oil in the air chamber underneath the bladder. It's been so long ago. I wrote a tip in and Mike Tiberio called me and he thought it was good. It's in either MGNOC tips book two or three, I tried but couldn't access it on the MGNOC website from here. I'll try when I get home in a few days if you can't find it.