GS450 fork question

[Guest]

Is there any way to find out before forks are taken apart if springs will need replacing?
I don't know exactly how to explain this (English is my second language), is there a way to do some kind of measure how much forks should sink when braking at certain speed, and how much are they supposed to sink in when you just sitting on bike and not driving?
Mine feel very soft and my common senses tell me that they are sinking way to much. I will have to replace oil seals and oil but would like to know before I do that if I will need new springs. Just to mention, bike is 31 years old, sitting for over 28 years (not being ridden) and possibly 99.9% that they are factory with oil never being changed.

[pete]

I can't comment on measurements as such, but I do know that they were quite soft from the factory. I had the same issue with mine and with my '87 Suzuki Sierra (Samurai to the US folk ).

I'd suggest unless you're the size of a little Japanese man that you upgrade the springs or at least add some spacers to pre-load them

[BassCliff]

Hi,

Yes, if you can afford new springs (they are not that expensive) then just replace them. I like Progressive springs. Sonic springs are also good. The 30 year old factory springs are kaput! If you can't get new springs right away then puttin in longer spacers for more pre-load will help a bit.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Inblues]

Thank you guys for reply. So I guess I should go with new set of springs too. Hmmm...

Any good place to get them?

Do I need anything else if I am replacing springs, like "O" rings or some seals?

[pete]

I believe Z1 has Progressive springs, but there's also Bike Bandit and others which likely sell them also. Not 100% sure but I'm guessing there's probably somewhere in Canada also.

While you're in there, replace your fork seals, give it a really good flush to get the old fork oil out, and replace the gaskets under the drain screws.

Check the dust covers for cracks and replace if necessary.

It's also a good time to have a close look for any pitting on the fork sliders and to give them a really good polish.