1982 GS650l Fork seals replacment

[intrepid65]

Hey all,

My fork seals are leaking and I know I have to get that fixed. I have the clymer and shop manual, but have never worked on the bike before. I want to install some progressive springs while I am at it. I have a shop willing to do it for $150 +parts. Is it easy enough that if I take my time I can do it safely and correctly myself? Or should I just cave in and have the shop do it. ( If anyone is near North East Ohio and wants to help let me know :-D )

Thanks guys,

Mohan

[kalessin]

It's not a difficult repair, and a good way to learn about how the front suspension fits together. I have only the Clymer manual, which wasn't terribly accurate about some details:

1) Clymer said I needed to disassemble the forks to change the fork seals, which is wrong. You can pull the seals out with a metal pick ($7 buys you a set of four picks and hooks at Sears).

2) Clymer said I needed snap-ring pliers to get the fork seal retainer ring off, but it was just a wire thingy that came out with a flat-bladed screwdriver.

I worked very slowly, and took about four hours with a friend to do both sides (including a long time trying to disassemble one of the forks, the bottom bolt stripped, and so we used a pick to get that seal out, SO much easier). I put an article with my comments in it in the "Tips and Tricks" forum, look for the thread "Fork seal replacement comments".

[intrepid65]

1982 gs650L Fork Sela replacement

Thank you very much for the reply. A friend at work has offered to help me, so i will give it a try. One last thing: If i want to put in some progressive springs while I am at it, can i still use your method?

Thanks,
Mohan

[beby99]

Thank you very much for the reply. A friend at work has offered to help me, so i will give it a try. One last thing: If i want to put in some progressive springs while I am at it, can i still use your method?

Thanks,
Mohan

Yes...the springs will be the first thing that flys out when you remove the top cap.:-D

[intrepid65]

1982 GS650l fork seal replacement

Bret,
I read through the clymer today and see what you mean. :-D

Guess I'll do the whole shebang at once.

Thanks guys,

Mohan

[kalessin]

Yes, the springs will pop right up when you remove the fork caps. And "POP" is accurate... when I replaced my seals, I managed to bounce the top washer off the roof of the garage! Have your catchpan ready! I'd suggest working over a dropcloth, too!