Fork seal job,GS450T

[grcamna2]

I'm going to travel from CA. to Mi. by bicycle in 2 months to pick-up my 1981' GS450T and when I get there I'll be doing some maintenance like fork seals,etc. on it.
Can any of you tell me what size wrench I will need? The allen head bolts on the bottom are either 6mm or 8mm. I may need to take these tools with me as a friend over in Michigan where i'm heading to may not have them. Thanks

[aclaytonb]

I really hope you mean Canada and not California...

[dorkburger]

You're going to need a whole lot more then a single allen wrench. Look up fork rebuilds here so you at least have an idea of what you're getting into.

[grcamna2]

aclaytonb,
I'm going to St. Clair Shores,Mi. from Winters,CA.,2500 miles.I need a great adventure,just need to 'go for it'.
I've done fork seals before and will bring the necessary small stuff like seals and allen wrench in my bicycle saddlebags;the fork seal driver will be too heavy so I'll use a piece of PVC plastic pipe for the 33mm fork seals.

[aclaytonb]

Pretty sure I used 1.5" pvc for that. Not 100% on the allen size. Thought they were 5 or 6. Makes a difference pedaling that stuff 2500 miles, I suppose. I used an adjustable wrench for the for cap. Not sure on the fork pinch bolts. Technically, you should be able to do all of it with the allen, an adjustable wrench, and a flat head screwdriver. Might have trouble getting to the fender bolts though. Was a 12? Experts feel free to chime in.

[dorkburger]

Ambitious and cool plan. You can always buy what you need when you get to the (motor) bike and ride home with it. How is the bicycle getting back? I’d guess you’re riding a nice one to take a trip that far..

[aclaytonb]

I do 15-20 miles per day on a stationary bike and 2000 miles just sounds hideous. Be a cool 4 month vacation for me...

[grcamna2]

Ambitious and cool plan. You can always buy what you need when you get to the (motor) bike and ride home with it. How is the bicycle getting back? I’d guess you’re riding a nice one to take a trip that far..

I'm riding an old 80's Motobecane 'Super mirage' which i'll leave there with a friend Dan,he also works on Japanese bikes.He finds them in the Detroit(and surrounding)area and then sells them or parts them out.

[Gorminrider]

I can't remember which it is either! 6 is about right. Mine are poorly marked and I just grab the "right size" from a selection.

But maybe best get a small set of metric allen wrenches anyways. They might be handy on the bicycle too...(brake levers,handlebar stem etc.?)
PS I've never had any luck with any allen wrench that wasn't black denoting a harder steel.. The chromy ones that I seem to have as a legacy from somewhere, without a real brand name, always twist, wear,break

[solarae]

Get a set of hex drivers for a 3/8 ratchet from Harbor Freight.

[aclaytonb]

Get a set of hex drivers for a 3/8 ratchet from Harbor Freight.

Yup. This. Thats what I use.

[grcamna2]

I have quality 3/8" drive metric hex sockets,the bicycle gets 'heavy' when pedaling it uphill(I will already be carrying other tools,this is a Long journey by pedal power) and I don't want to add any more weight to my rear bags than I need to.I choose to carry 1) metric hex key & it's either a 6mm or an 8mm.Can anyone please confirm this size for me on their GS450? I know it's possible to check by removing your front axle partially from your GS450 and fit a hex wrench up inside there. Thanks,Bill

[LAB3]

There's plenty of pawn shops over that way, just pedal inland a mile or two from SCS and you'll be able to get whatever you need cheap tool wise. I've got an 82 450 and am willing to go out out my way to help someone out but to to save you 50 cents, you're asking for a lot!

[solarae]

https://www.cmsnl.com/suzuki-gs450et-1981-x-usa-e03_model34202/partslist/BLCK0026.html#results

It's an 8 according to the fiche.

Oops 8 the diameter I suppose. Must be a 6 hex then.

[grcamna2]

https://www.cmsnl.com/suzuki-gs450et...6.html#results
It's an 8 according to the fiche.

Oops 8 the diameter I suppose. Must be a 6 hex then.

ok,I appreciate the feedback.