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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: rhebb on May 02, 2012, 10:00:41 PM

Title: What Size Are The Fork Seals on 2004 + up GS500,s ?
Post by: rhebb on May 02, 2012, 10:00:41 PM
Hi  I would like to know the Size of the front fork seals for 04 + up GS500,s      I.D.  x  O.D.  X width in MM .    Thanks  RHebb
Title: Re: What Size Are The Fork Seals on 2004 + up GS500,s ?
Post by: adidasguy on May 02, 2012, 10:24:33 PM
Just buy fork seals for a GS500 1989-2012. They are all the same. Never measured them - I didn't know you had to know the dimensions to buy fork seals. I just but GS500 fork seals.
Title: Re: What Size Are The Fork Seals on 2004 + up GS500,s ?
Post by: sledge on May 03, 2012, 03:35:01 AM
Not thinking of fitting standard R21/23 oil seals instead of fork seals are you?....if so forget it they cant cope with axial movement.
Title: Re: What Size Are The Fork Seals on 2004 + up GS500,s ?
Post by: slipperymongoose on May 03, 2012, 03:45:11 AM
^ what they said.
Title: Re: What Size Are The Fork Seals on 2004 + up GS500,s ?
Post by: gsJack on May 03, 2012, 06:35:46 AM
Don't think so guys.  Searched everywhere when I needed seals for my 02 GS and everyone had them for 89-00E and 04-09F models but no 01-02 seals.  Ended up buying OE seals at premium price.  Just checked parts fiches and 3 different numbers are still listed 89-00, 01-02, and 04-09 models at 3 very different prices.

The fork protectors were added for the 01-02 years and the 04 and up are made by a different supplier in Spain since bike assembly was transferred there and are a different design.
Title: Re: What Size Are The Fork Seals on 2004 + up GS500,s ?
Post by: gsJack on May 03, 2012, 08:06:38 AM
Mmmmm, finding more places now that list same seals for 89-00 and 04-09 GSE/F, here's one that gives dimensions for what it's worth.

http://www.oemcycle.com/Item/product/900193182/_affidz_-dGP
Title: Re: What Size Are The Fork Seals on 2004 + up GS500,s ?
Post by: adidasguy on May 03, 2012, 12:22:29 PM
All forks are the same on a GS500. They are even interchangeable.
If someone knows that 01-02 forks are different - let me know.
Mounts are all the same. Triples are all the same. Fork tube diameters are all the same.

I don't know, though. If you really want one that states 2001-2002 then simply look it up in any parts catalog like here:
http://www.ronayers.com/ProductDetails/N/687/SKU/708670

Real simple to find.
Title: Re: What Size Are The Fork Seals on 2004 + up GS500,s ?
Post by: sledge on May 03, 2012, 12:46:22 PM
They may have similar dimensions but the internals are different. Try taking the Spanish Paioli ones apart without one of these  :D

(http://www.alpha-sports.com/tools/0327.jpg)

Part # 09940-34531

Boltheads and lengthened 1/2" drives with hex-bits may get the Es apart but you have no chance on the Fs without one of these.
Title: Re: What Size Are The Fork Seals on 2004 + up GS500,s ?
Post by: adidasguy on May 03, 2012, 12:56:14 PM
The internal cylinder for 89-00 is the same part as 01-02  51146-01D00
So it may take the same tool. part number changed in 2004  to  51146-01DD0

2001-2002 is the bastard of models - part old and part new. It is always hard to determine compatibility for those years without studying the parts lists.

However on fork seals, I have no idea why it has a different part number when most all the rest of the parts are the same though a mix of 89-00 and 04+
Title: Re: What Size Are The Fork Seals on 2004 + up GS500,s ?
Post by: gsJack on May 03, 2012, 01:41:54 PM
Quote from: adidasguy on May 03, 2012, 12:56:14 PM..........................2001-2002 is the bastard of models............................I have no idea why it has a different part number when most all the rest of the parts are the same though a mix of 89-00 and 04+

The 01-02 has the fork protectors that were not on the 89-00 forks.  They fit around the top of fork sliders where the seals and wipers fit inside.  My guess is they had to make the seal and wiper ODs smaller so the outside of the sliders could be turned down for fitment of the fork protectors while other internal parts remained interchangeable.  I have a new loose 01-02 OE seal I could measure the OD of if you have one of the seals that fit all other models to measure to compare?

The 04 and later forks are redesigned internally as well as externally but all GS500/E/F fork assemblies remain interchangeable as assemblies between all model years.

And those 01-02 GS500 bastards remain the best GS500 bikes ever built, they have the 3 circuit carbs giving much improved mid-range performance in every day riding over earlier models but are not covered with the unnecessary plastic bodywork of later models.  :thumb: :icon_lol: :icon_lol:
Title: Re: What Size Are The Fork Seals on 2004 + up GS500,s ?
Post by: slipperymongoose on May 03, 2012, 01:44:18 PM
Yaaaay go the k1-k3 models!  :woohoo:
Title: Re: What Size Are The Fork Seals on 2004 + up GS500,s ?
Post by: tzzzel on September 20, 2014, 01:47:13 PM
I don't mean to revive a dead thread, but I just wanted to answer the question in full... because I felt very confused when looking for fork seals and dust/oil seals for my GS500F.

37mm x 49mm x 8mm


Those are the dimensions you should be looking for. If you're not sure if your model is the same size, then you could wrap a string/floss/craft pipe cleaner around your fork tube and then straighten and measure.

I was confused because a lot of different years and terminology were found online... in fact, I even saw an ebay auction with the right fork seals, but it said it wouldn't fit mine (because the fork seals are listed for 1989 - 2000).

Definitely recommended getting both fork seals and dust seals. I got my set from Amazon by Pyramid Parts (item link (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E3DTVXW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00E3DTVXW&linkCode=as2&tag=thehawpla07-20&linkId=GTWCYHDO4AXGND3F)). A Suzuki dealer out here said $85 for just the OEM fork seals and they'd have to special order it.

Installation wise, I wanted to do it myself, but don't have the jack. Cost me $230 (Honolulu).