Hi there

Im just looking for some guidance as to how I can fix a problem with my GS500 front suspension.

The bikes vital statistics: 1998 / 38000 miles

My problem is, firstly ever since I bought the bike about 12 months ago, I have though that the front end has been a bit soft, when breaking on an approach to a speed hump if you happen to still be breaking when you hit the hump then the front forks seem to bottom out, or at least thats how it feels / sounds.

Second problem....got caught in what I can only describe as a monsoon on my commute home last week, on my way back to work the following day I noticed everytime I hit the front break or go over a bump, the forks now make a horrible squeaking noise....I can only assume the water has gotten in somewhere and casued this.

So my question is, what are my options for solving both the soft front end and the newly aquired squeak...

I appreciate that they forks are going to have to be stripped down, but what parts will I have to replace...

Over to you...

Thanks in advance

I don't know about the GS but on some bikes you can measure the level of fork oil with a dipstick. You'll need a manual to tell you the level and quantity. You can also measure the length of the fork springs and compare it to the specs. I get my manuals from the library.

You could always try progressive springs and heavier fork oil i am told this works very well. |Not sure about the squeak though

I'd cahnge the fork oil; it's probably more like sludge now. Should make quite a difference.

On the squeak sied of things, it sounds a bit like your brake pads might be vibrating. Try a very skinny smear of copper grease on the BACK of the pads.

I treated the RF to a fork rebuild over winter. The springs were at the service limit so a set of Hagon progressive springs (£65), new seals and #5 weight fork oil have transformed the old gal.

You will need to strip and clean the insides as the oil in it is probably original and will have turned to sludge at the bottom as E&B says.

If you get the bits up front it's a nice easy Saturday job.

I took a fork seal down the local bearing factors and they matched it up and got me a pair the next day for £3.50 each

You can get all the bits from Wemoto - http://www.wemoto.com/bikes/Suzuki/GS_500_EV_EW/97-98/


Suzuki workshop manual available here - http://www.carlsalter.com/aaman/Suzuki_GS500E_89-99.pdf