CSR 1000 fork question

[cpg]

The fork seals started leaking on my '81 CSR 1000 last fall before I put it away. It lost quite a bit of fluid and so I don't know how much is left in it, probably not much. I know it affects handling to a point but will it ruin the forks to drive with little to no oil just riding on the springs? I plan to fix it but I would need to use my parent's garage (I live in an apartment) and its about a 160 mile ride. It would be a nice excuse to get home for a while but would that distance hurt the forks? Just not sure if I should spend the $90-$100 to get them changed at the dealership or wait to do it myself. If it will hurt the forks I will just pay to get it done before I go because it will obviously be more expensive in the long run if I ruin my forks. Thanks for any help.

[sheldonbourgeoi]

Without oil in those forks it will feel like driving a pogo stick, the front end is going to bounce at will. NOT safe for any length of travel, let alone 160 miles.

Take off the wheel, then the forks and bring them to a dealer to swap out the oil seals. Should take them no time to do it.

[cpg]

Didn't realize it would affect handling that bad as it still felt ok at the end of last season but I imagine they are pretty well empty now so I will just have the dealer swap the seals. Thanks

[sheldonbourgeoi]

Well it's the oil that acts as the damper, so with no oil....

Like I said if you brought the forks into the shop, should take him about 1/2 hour to remove and install new seals.