Marzocchi rear shocks

My XJ 650 has Marzocchi rear shocks (already on when I bought it) I was lookng at similar ones on my mates GS1000 that have a label saying 29psi on the air dampers. Ths prompted me to check the pressure in mine which I've never done and I find there's no air (gas?) in at all. - I've never come across this type of shocker before so, questions:
1) Does it matter that there's no air in?
2) If it does, how do I know what pressure?
3) How do I get air in ? - my mate says he's pumped his up with a bicycle pump, but when I put a foot pump on mine, I can't get any air to go into the valve - do I have to loosen anything beforehand?

Cheers,

Paul

 

I have Marzocchi Symbol series on mine. It states on the label that they are nitrogen charged and should be recharged as such. At your local petrol station, they should have an air pump or such, that might be the way to go if yours are air assist instead of Nitrogen. If not, a suspension shop might be a better bet. Here in the states we have places like Midas or such that replace shocks and brakes. That is where i would go. There definayelt should be some air in them though. cruzerjd

 

The air is an assist for the springs. If you are carrying a heavy load or have a chubby girlfriend you may need to put air in them to pump them up otherwise if the springs are enough for a firm ride maybe you won't need any air.

 

If he is talking about Marzocchi strada with the piggy back reservoir then no it isn't