Fork Seals

[killakev]

I need to replace the fork seal on my right fork, I'm just going to do both of them.  Does anybody have any tips on the job?  The bike is an 03 GSXR1000, I dowloaded the service manual for the bike, and it doesn't look too complicated.  I'm still a little nervous to tackle this, I've never done any work to suspension before.  Do I need to get the tools that the manual recommends?  Is there an easy way to make the tools necessary instead of spending the big bucks for the expensive tools that I'll only use once or twice? 

Also I was considering to change out the springs while I have the forks apart, would this be an easy task, or something that should be done by a pro?  Should I even bother?  Will changing the springs make much difference in the performance?

[Yard Sale]

You need a spring compressor and holder, not Suzuki's special tools but from Traxxion or Race-Tech.

You can go ghetto by making a PVC pipe seal driver. You can go ghetto with a tape measure to set the oil level.

Pulling the springs to service fork seals is required with upside-down forks so changing springs is no big deal.

[TWF]

those forks are pita without right tools.
do you need new springs or not depends on your weight.

[killakev]

Well I have been considering changing the springs, because of my weight.  But I have never really had any big problems or much reason to complain before on my old 600's, my last bike before this one was an 03 GSXR600 with all the suspension (forks, triple clamps, swingarm, rear shock, brakes, etc..) from an 02 GSXR1000.  I really liked that set up, the forks on this 1000 seem a lot softer than those forks did on my 600,  so I didn't know how much of a difference it would make for me.

I'm on the light side compared to most people that would be on a 1k, I weight around 150lbs.  I would think if I got springs more suited to my weight they would be softer, but I don't want to go softer, I think they are too soft.  If I changed the springs I would want them to be a little stiffer, I would think?  Idk, I'm looking for some good advice from experience, I don't know what would perform better for me, I ride fairly aggressive and I plan to start doing track days later this summer.  So I want it to have good performance on the track and still be able to handle it on the street.  I'm lost when it comes to suspension I've never done anything with suspension. 

thanks for the replies, any advice is greatly appreciated.

[Oneup]

I weigh a little less than you do and I still run the stock springs on my 1000.  I think that I am supposed to go to a softer spring do to my weight but I know that the springs on my 600 are much stiffer.  I would talk to someone who knows before changing the springs.


I would recommend getting the suspension done by a professional.  Suspension is a pain to work on.  There are a couple of good shops in Reno (2wcp or SPL) that can do the work or you can send it to a suspension specialist like Catalyst Reaction or Aftershocks.

[killakev]

I have been considering having it done by a pro, but it would be handy to know this stuff for the future.  But I don't know, its starting to sound complicating.   

[Oneup]

The most I have ever had to tear into the suspension on any one of my bikes has been twice in one year.  If that happened to all of my bikes it would still be worth it to have it done professionally.

[Mike]

Let's not forget about TWF Zoran great service.

[killakev]

Let's not forget about TWF Zoran great service.

you should have made the TWF a link 

I think I'm going to take the forks off later this week, so I'm looking for someone to replace the seals.  I already have the seals, I just need to get oil.

[Mike]

Send TWF a PM. Look at the 2nd reply to you post.

http://www.sierrasportbike.com/smf/index.php?action=profile;u=96