New forks or rebuild old ones?

[BlackMDK]

I have GN250 that I’m trying to make roadworthy, had been neglected and it was sitting outside for 5-6 years. Current forks had some rust on them but I cleaned it off and now it looks ok. I know that one fork needs seal replaced and my dilemma is should I go down the path of dismantling forks and replacing seals or even rebuilding whole forks or should I just buy almost brand new forks for $250. By the way do the forks from 2007 model fit on 1986 model?

[cowpoos]

get a cheap second hand GN off trade me...it will end up being alot cheaper....they are a dim a doz!!

[speeding_ant]

I have GN250 that I’m trying to make roadworthy, had been neglected and it was sitting outside for 5-6 years. Current forks had some rust on them but I cleaned it off and now it looks ok. I know that one fork needs seal replaced and my dilemma is should I go down the path of dismantling forks and replacing seals or even rebuilding whole forks or should I just buy almost brand new forks for $250. By the way do the forks from 2007 model fit on 1986 model?

Fork seals will end up being around $200 for both forks (may as well do both). If you are sure the forks are straight, go for 'em! The forks should fit. I know I've replaced forks from a 97 and installed them into a 89 and there wasnt an issue. I'd make sure that the mudguard will still fit and that the axle won't have any issues. Best to ask a Suzuki shop for that info! Apparently the 2007 model is designed and manufactured in NZ. They might have recently changed design?

[Madness]

Apparently the 2007 model is designed and manufactured in NZ. They might have recently changed design?

I heard all the new GN's are now made in China. Do you mean Neng Zhang province?

[FROSTY]

Sorry SA --you're talking crap.
Replacing a set of seals yaself costs about $50.00 including fork oil
That said unles you've removed all the rust the seals will chop out again pretty quick
Theres no real need to yak to a bike shop--Measure the fork chrome with a set of calipers and get a set from a wrecker.
Id change the fork oil no matter what ya do --
The GN 250 is now built in China under licence to Suzuki.

[speeding_ant]

Sorry SA --you're talking crap.
Replacing a set of seals yaself costs about $50.00 including fork oil
That said unles you've removed all the rust the seals will chop out again pretty quick
Theres no real need to yak to a bike shop--Measure the fork chrome with a set of calipers and get a set from a wrecker.
Id change the fork oil no matter what ya do --
The GN 250 is now built in China under licence to Suzuki.


Goodness, you learn something every day. Costs me around $150-200 for seals + oil when taken to a shop. I just read on a GN fan site that they were being manufactured in NZ.. My bad!

If you want instant, accurate information, talk to a shop... Welly motorbikes get me information within 5 minutes of ringing and not once has it been incorrect. I guess there's no harm in mucking round with it yourself of course.. Depends on how lazy you feel. And depends if you have the tools..... Although that wouldnt be an issue with someone who rebuilds old bikes, like yourself, would it?

[FROSTY]

no you're missing my point re the forks--You dont need to use GN fork chromes --Just chromes the same size

[BlackMDK]

Can sombody just tell me what are the signs of worn seals (this is my first bike after all i rebuild a lots of cars but never a bike) just to make sure

[FROSTY]

In pain english--iff theres oil on the chrome bits then the seals need replacing--
If not leave well enough alone

[BlackMDK]

I thought so