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[Tx Bohemian]

Need some advice, opinions, and thoughts.

I bought a '99 standard in October of '09 and the previous owner did alot of customizing which included chrome plating everything besides the frame and fenders!  Maybe it's not quite that bad but it seems like it!

Not sure if it was a bad plating job or the fact that the bike sat up for over 2-1/2yrs covered in a shop down here in humid filled South Texas without being moved, cleaned or even uncovered but now everything that was chrome plated is either pitting or peeling real bad and looks terrible. Including the front forks.

Through ebay I got a set of used chrome forks (and triple trees which I'm not going to use) off of an Interstate. Not sure how many miles these have on them so here's where I need advice:

Should I...

install them like they are and just drive the bike?  kinda like "in service" testing and if there is a problem deal with it then.

or

At least re-seal the forks and make sure the fluid level is proper then install them.

or

go through the forks completely (seals, bushings, etc...) just to make sure.

I've been riding the bike and it runs and handles good now (after dealing with carb issues and corroded electrical connections) but it just looks crappy with all the pitting and peeling.

I'm thinking I need to just bite the bullet and go through them completely since I have no idea of the miles or condition and this way I won't have to worry about them for a long time, if ever again.  If I do decide to go this route does anyone know a place I can borrow or rent the “special” tools?  I’d hate to have to buy them for this one time use.

[9Ball]

do it right the first time....and install Progressive fork springs while you're at it....one of the "best bang for the buck" performance upgrades you can do for your bike.

[Baloo]

I would probably overhaul them. If they ever fail, it might be (usually will) while you're away from home on a long trip. If you do them now, you'll buy peace of mind. That is what preventive maintenance is all about and since you don't know how many miles are on them, you might as well get rid of it. Plus, rebuilding the forks is not all that expensive.

If you decide to dig into it, be aware that you don't need the special tool, unless you are replacing the springs with progressive, as suggested. If you are going to leave the OEM springs in there, no need for the tool. I did mine this summer and was about to order the tool, but after reading a post from Gryphon Rider here, I cancelled the order for the tool and I have been able to do the job without it, since I was not replacing the springs.

Good luck!

[Ricky-D]

Sounds as if you have already made up your mind and are just wanting validation.

Happy New Year!

***

[wizard -vrccds#125]

And if you do want to use the tool, let me know,I have one you are welcome to use ! You know where I live, just give me a call. Don't forget wrench Jan. 8             

[Tx Bohemian]

Thanks fellas,

As I was writing this I kinda figured the right thing to do is to rebuild them.

Thanks for the offer Wizard,  not sure if we're going to make the wrench party on the 8th and it'll be 3 months before Linda has another Drs appointment there.  May just have to plan a road trip ride up there.

Did you get your bike back together?