I noticed yesterday that if I press sharply on the handlebars while holding the front brake in, at the end of the suspension movement (2-3 inches), there's a "clunk"-y noise coming from the suspension.
There is a good chance that one of the POs changed the springs or at least the oil, since it's (very) stiff, not soft like I understand stock springs are, but I haven't taken the forks apart.
Should I be worried about my front suspension?
your the one who is riding it,forks are a major part of the bike itself,i personally would take it to a bike shop and get there advise-your safety is the most important mate
Check the fork oil level first, any fork seal leakage? If it's an old bike with previous owners the oil could have leaked out to where it no longer leaks. Need to put on center stand and put blocks under exhaust pipes to hang front end and just pull caps off the forks, lift out the springs, and measure oil level.
I had a fork seal leak that started late last year and decided I'd wait until winter to fix and never got to it. It was just starting to clunk on quick depression of suspension before I replaced the seal and refilled oil last week. Have not heard the clunking noise in about 100 miles since fix or when bouncing it in the garage.
Oil level should measure about 4" from top if you have standard springs and at least 5.5" from top with Progressive springs since they are much heavier and displace more oil. Oil level should be measured with forks fully compressed so lift the front wheel and put something under it while measuring.
Thanks for the advice Jack.
I've tried again this evening and it seems that I was mistaken, it sounds more like friction between a rubber piece (I think the dust seals) and metal, no clunking.
Since I got it last September I haven't noticed any leaks (I was impressed at how clean the fork legs were) and otherwise the suspension is pretty stiff (almost too stiff for our roads, 2-3 inches maximum travel) so I think one of the previous owners swapped the springs or at least put in heavier oil.
I'm going to take it to a nearby motorcycle shop this Saturday and see what they think.