Collapsed forks on 96 Katana 600

[Cgarcia]

Hi, new guy here, just picked up this bike that was given to me. Doesnt start, I suspect it needs carb cleaning. But I noticed the forks are collapsed and there are signs of leaky seals. Should I be worried that it may need more than just seals? Thanks in advance.

[arsenic]

Is there any oil in the forks?

[92xjunker]

Are there any springs, or are they in one piece...

[Cgarcia]

I havent done any disassembly yet. And as far as I know, the previous owner parked it in good running condition about 3 years ago.
Going by the amount of grime on the lower fork tubes I'd guess it leaked a lot of oil.

[arsenic]

Well, if it leaked a lot of oil. You can bet you need new seals.

[Cgarcia]

Well, if it leaked a lot of oil. You can bet you need new seals.

Right. I'll frase my quention this way. Can the forks look the way I described from just losing a lot of oil? Or does it mean I certainly have broken springs or other parts damaged?
Thanks for your help.

[ratrider]

What do you mean, does it look like the forks are compressed?

[Cgarcia]

What do you mean, does it look like the forks are compressed?

Thats right

[arsenic]

Opening them and looking beats any "guess" we can give you every time.

[ratrider]

Yeah, like arsenic said. Strange for them to just compress like that even if there's no oil in there!

[Tmod]

Oil won't matter in a static state, Sounds like either no springs or someone cut them to make it lower.

Tmod

[Cgarcia]

Oil won't matter in a static state, Sounds like either no springs or someone cut them to make it lower.

Tmod

Thanks, thats what I was looking for. I'll start reading up on my manual, and then disassemble to see what I have in there.

[ratrider]

Let us know your findings!

[Cgarcia]

Let us know your findings!

Will do. This is going to be a long term project. I havent owned a bike in over 15 years, and this one just found its way to me (free). But I have to admit I have the urge to just tear into it and get it running.

[ratrider]

That's the spirit! I gave a pre 600 to a mate of mine and I hope he gets the same attitude! Kinda looking forward to helping him out.