GS1000ET front end overhaul.

[Suzuki Mad]

Well, its finally going to happen.

After 10 years of sitting unloved in the back of the garage the GS1000ET is top of the list to sort for 2019. First up is the front forks. The tubes are pitted, seals have blown depositing oil all over the brakes and front wheel. All the NOS parts are secured....



The issue for me is the fork oil. What the heck do you do? Manual gives quantity and weight of oil but the local bike shops dont supply fork oil as in weight. Only fork oil.

So what do people do nowadays?

Cheers SB

 

[cowboyup3371]

Surely they will have 10w printed on the bottles some place?

 

[Rich82GS750TZ]

When my local Suzuki shop told me they were out of it and couldn't tell me when they have it, I found 10WT fork oil at Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Maxima-55901...0ZQCN9VK5AN&psc=1&refRID=7WQX74Y3J0ZQCN9VK5AN

 

[Steve]

Seriously, fork oil is one of the tune-up variables.

I don't see springs in your parts layout on the table. Hope you are not going to re-use the stock items?
Check into replacements from Sonic Springs, unless you have a vendor over there that sells straight-rate springs.

Depending on your gravitational attraction and riding style, something in the .95 to 1.0 spring rate would probably work, then add the proper amount of 10w fork oil and enjoy the ride. :encouragement:

.

 

[LAB3]

Funny thing, I picked up a quart of 15w for $5 at an "outlet" store which generally has stuff from stores that close or old stock that gets liquidated. If you need it NOW I'd be looking at an independent shop (non dealer) since they tend to do a better job at helping out DIY folks. Don't forget, ATV's also have suspensions so you might want to drop by one of those for a look. As with many other things, eBay is your friend and a large chain type auto store can usually get something like that in a couple of days, Wallyworld probably as well.

 

[Suzuki Mad]

Cheers Guy's for the suggestions on oil.

Yes, it sounds daft but the three bike shops I've been in the fork oil they were selling didn't have a weight on it.

As for the springs, I will measure the length and see if they are within spec. If they are I will re-use them as she was handling like a dream before. If they are out of spec then I will have to source new springs but I have no idea where I would start looking. I will cross that bridge when I get there. (probably Wednesday if I can get the right oil.)

Don't forget that the ET model had air suspension plus the oil.

Let the work commence.

 

[uk gs nut]

Motul and Silkolene make fork oil in all grades, what kind of bike shop have you been in ?

 

[Grimly]

Fork oil is like snake oil.
For SAE 10 fork oil, I use ATF. In the Yamahas I'm using a synthetic 5W40 car oil.
Meh.
Who cares? It works and I haven't planted a tree with my face yet, so it must be sticking to the road ok.

 

[Suzuki Mad]

Picked some 10Wt fork oil up in the shop I get my bikes MOT'd of all places, today, so that's progress.

Also managed to get one of the top cap's undone in the yokes without damaging it do that was also a bonus.

The rest will have to wait till another day when I have time to spend on her. She's waited this long another few days won't hurt.