1979 GS850G steering feels, well, not quite right

[ldolamore]

Thanks, jsandidge! I figured as much. So much for getting an antique bike and expecting to just ride it for at least a while before having to make repairs. When I bought the GS850G the PO seemed to be honest about representing it as maintained and ready to ride, but either he only thought it was OK or I was duped. Anyway, I like the bike so either fix it or get rid of it. It seems to need more money and time thrown at it than I was expecting but I'd rather fix it, which means I have a lot to learn and it's going to take a while. At least half of the time needed seems to be in learning each repair process. Today I noticed the speedometer gear assembly on the front wheel looks to serve as a sort of axle bearing cover, yet there is no apparent bearing cover on the right side. I suppose I'm looking at a seal and this is normal but I don't know so I need to research that.
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[geol]

Putting the bike on center stand and freeing up the front tire and then moving the bars was probably a better first step than loosening/re-torque of all the bolts as it is far easier to do. If notchy feeling, the steering stem bearings are shot. Putting new bearings in requires some effort but is not technically difficult. Looking on eBay there were lots of choices for bearings from companies I never heard of... this is enough work I would choose a name brand bearing, like All Balls. Genuine Suzuki parts are insanely expensive and not sure I wouldn't choose All Balls in any case.

[fastbysuzuki]

Who says those pressures are too low for modern tires? I would agree that 28psi is a bit low for street riding, but not 30psi.Mark

i said I have Avom Roadriders and I would think Contigo's would be similar pressures as for "Who says those pressures are wrong"
Avon says so have a look at the recommended pressures on their website.

[ldolamore]

I had also looked at lower priced bearings on ebay, some of which might be fine, but I agree that All Balls appears to be a good choice and is much better priced than Suzuki parts. Like many mechanic jobs I've done, I know enough to believe I can do the job (good success record) but nervous until it's done because I haven't done it before. From initial research it seems the bearing replacement job isn't bad, but I have to learn how much disassembly of other parts is needed.
I'm wrestling with a touch of buyers remorse but largely feel the bike is cool and worth the money and time to at least address the most critical issues. Perhaps I'll find that so rewarding that I'll continue by improving upon the less urgent needs. I feel that my GS850G is fundamentally intact with any issues being related to normal and expected wear, not that anything is tragically broken. Hopefully that will pan out to be an accurate assessment. Thanks to everyone who has offered advice so far. Every little bit helps at this point!