Replacement fork tube - help!

[twelvepoint]

One of my tubes is pitted and leaks even with new seals. Not too bad but I'd like to fix it. What's my best option here? Should I try and find a used one from a parts bike (which could also be rusted/pitted) or is there a place to get a new/reconditioned tube?

There are some on eBay, but I'm not sure if a GS500E (my bike) is compatible with a GS500F fork.

[5thAve]

E and F models (all years) are interchangeable.   

I hear that the damper rod retaining bolt is harder to remove from the later years forks, but I don't know what year the change was made to the retaining bolt head pattern.  I am not aware of any other changes.

[adidasguy]

"F" forks have an extra place to mount the front reflector since the fairing hides the upper area where that rectangular reflector goes. Otherwise they seem the same. Someone else might know what year the front brake caliper changed because my bikes have 2 different front caliper brake banjo bolt threads. But that's minor since the brake cable is the same. So don't worry if you see the extra place for a reflector. Look at a photo of an "F" and you'll see the round reflector below the fairing.

[twelvepoint]

Thanks. Just ordered on off eBay. Hopefully it's in better shape than mine. Sort of hard to tell from the pictures, but it was only $20.

[burning1]

You can buy just the chrome tube from the dealer, if you're having a hard time finding a replacement. It's typically the tube that's bent, and it's far cheaper to replace than the entire fork.

[twelvepoint]

You can buy just the chrome tube from the dealer, if you're having a hard time finding a replacement. It's typically the tube that's bent, and it's far cheaper to replace than the entire fork.

An OEM tube from Bike Bandit is a little over $200. Any other cheaper options?