1978 GS 1000E Rusted Forks

[Eldogfarmer]

Hello All,
Can rusted front forks be restored? Please zoom in the attached picture. Notice the rust and scratches in the chrome. Trying to stop fork seal leaks......ABF52251-828B-4598-9F15-4C8DBFD4D080.jpg

[Suzukian]

It's the part by the seal that matters. When a steel molecule rusts, it becomes around 17 times larger than the steel it replaces, that is why you get such a big pit. A rust spot near the seal cannot be fixed. No matter what you do it will leak. There are a lot of decent, rust free forks for your bike on EBAY, and they aren't expensive at all. I'd start there. That bike has a lot potential, and was a good year for that bike.

[Rijko]

You could have the inner legs re-hardchromed, or buy new ones.
Both expensive options ... looking at the overall state of the bike, you not mentioning nut and bolt restoration, Suzukians advice is probably best.

[salty_monk]

You can also buy new fork tubes too.... https://franksforks.com/