Opportunity Maintenance with Tires & Forks Removed?

[beRto]

Hi Everyone,

I have a 1995 GS with approximately 5,000 km (3,000 mi) - yes, it's been gently used! The bike is completely stock and does not appear to have any problems despite the low mileage (and therefore presumed sitting time). I've removed both wheels for tire replacment (Sport Demons) because the current tires are the original Excedras! There is plenty of tread and no sidewall cracking, but I am replacing anyways because they are 12 years old (and because they're, well... Excedras). Also, I'll be removing the forks for a non-lazy install of Progressive springs. I was thinking that with all these parts out of the way, now would be a good time to grease the steering head and swingarm bearings.

1) Is it worthwhile to go through the added hassle to grease the bearings? Because of the age I'm thinking that re-greasing is a good idea, although I don't actually know if grease gets "old".

2) Is there any other opportunity maintenance that I should do while the wheels and forks are off? (i.e. other bearings that should be looked at, difficult to reach bolts that need tightening, parts that should be inspected, etc.)

3) If I remove the forks and steering head, how do I support the handle bars? Do I need to remove them completely? I'm especially concerned that the brake lever might accidentally get squeezed. Considering that the wheels are off, several previous threads have shown that this would be a problem. I've already wedged some cardboard between the brake pads, but I'm not sure that this is enough.

Thanks for any and all suggestions.

[ohgood]

Sure, grease everything you can.

If you're fortunate enough to have a garage, tie the bars up by string from the ceiling.

You can put the bike on a milk crate (one you didnt steal of course) and rig up a couple saw horses to hold it solid.

With the calipers dangling you can stack pennies in there, and then squeeze them slightly to prevent falling out.

take pictures of your progress, you'll think of something someone else hasn't

[scottpA_GS]

Other than what you already have The only things I can think of are.. Easy oil change  and unobstructed reach to the inside of the rear fender to clean  . Possible fork seals if it needs them. Mines a 95 as well with only 6,000 miles now. I needed fork seals as it sat for 10 years! 

Using a torque wrench when putting everything back together is "good maintenance" as well 

[CndnMax]

For supporting the front: If you have a center stand just prop it up and use a piece of 2x4 wedged under the front of the motor