Posts
279
Joined
3/17/2022
Location
USA
Edited Date/Time
11/11/2022 9:21am
I have noticed an odd fork response on my '22 GasGas 125 that I don't ever recall having before on my bikes in the past. This is my first time on a bike with air forks so I am not sure if this is a common feeling. At high speeds, the forks feel too soft, slow to respond and too low in the stroke; but then at slow speeds they feel like a pogo stick. I want to increase my rebound, but I am worried this will worsen the pogo stick feeling. Is it possible that the fork is too deep in the stroke and I need to decrease compression? I am on completely stock clickers, I weigh 160lbs and have been running 135psi. Is my psi too low? The shock feels amazing compared to the fork. Any insight is greatly appreciated!
I don't have this model, but the GG line-up has a reputation for being softer than the SX range. I wouldn't hesitate to add some clicks (2+ comp and 4+ rebound) once you've double checked the front-end assembly and warmed up the fork.
WP known to come apart internally
The Shop
DeCal Works Huge Plastic Inventory of UFO and Polisport kits.
Luxon 4-Post Bar Mounts
$189.95 - $239.95
Free shipping: VITALMX
You're learning why there are 400 different spring conversion options for them. Either way, I agree with some more compression, and don't be afraid to add some air to it also. They're great forks and I think everyone can adjust them to some level of happiness. Also, carefully set the torque and alignment of the front end. It's not going to fix your problem but it's part of the journey to singling out what you don't like and fixing it.
Maybe give these a try?
Air pressure: 151 psi
Compression: 12 clicks out
Rebound: 18 clicks out
Amen Brother.
Also make sure you bleed both fork chambers when you set the air pressure. Also make sure you do this with the bike on a stand and not with bike on the ground.
For reference, I weigh 180-185 and I run 158psi on my 350 and 130psi on my 125 to achieve relatively the same feel/performance. I'd say OP should try around the 120-125 psi range.
The too soft and front end riding low, can indicate that the positive chamber pressure has transferred to the negative chamber, thus the 'spring element' is reduced.
And, conversely , you then say at low speeds ( and, perhaps low travel usage) that it feels like a pogo stick. That can be a product of pressure from the negative chamber, transferring to the positive, giving you a high 'spring element', and, to top it off ( bad pun, I know) what ends up as a (very) high pre-load level.
Air transfer between positive and negative chambers is inevitable, things wear. And, things can be damaged, badly installed, have an out of specification part , chemistry ( re: seals) or dimension from new, or, just simply fail early.
While I have little personal experience with WP air forks, I have massive experience with Air Sprung Suspension - decades of it, through just one of my professions.
It's something to consider, as are all of the previous comments .
But, sometimes, it doesn't, if the seal between them is not sealing properly, after it goes either side of the transfer port.
Taken from here:
https://azwecdnepstoragewebsiteuploads.azureedge.net/22_3215051_en_OM.p…
Been a while but I finally got a chance to ride yesterday and the forks feel great at 120psi! Thanks everyone
Post a reply to: WP fork question