It can seem a bit daunting when you start looking at what's available, particularly when it comes to the forks.
If you don't want to go down the Maxton route of them junking the original internals and fitting their own cartridge conversions, then the first thing to find out is what can be done to yours using what is in there. This will range from basic spring change to one of a more suitable weight matched to perhaps different weight fluid to re-valving and shims tuning.
Changing forks for those from a better spec'd model is great in principle (it's a bit more difficult to find some for the earlier bikes with 17mm axle, different brake callipers and front mudguard etc.) but you do need to know which ones are going to fit and can still bring it's own problems if as I said earlier you are at either end of the weight spectrum.
If that's the case then you will likely need to change springs anyway, along with any other valving adjustments that are required and as with most modifications, this is made more awkward (expensive) if you are then going to get someone else to do the labour fitting them etc.
The rear shock is probably an easier decision as much of it can be down to how much you want to spend as even the cheapest will be better than a tired bouncy original but if the bike is a keeper as you say, then consider the future costs of getting it serviced- do the manufacturers offer that service themselves such as the likes of Öhlins, Nitron etc. who know what they're doing and will have the parts or will you have to trust a third party to carry out what they can and hope for the best?
Or worse and it be another 'consumable' type unit like the original where you'll be going through this again in a few years time.
My advice would be as Jez has done most recently, ping out some emails or better still chat, either in person or on the phone and get a feel for the people you'll be dealing with.
Factor in a time scale as those companies who supply race teams will be getting booked up soon ready for the new season and people who are busy are usually busy for a very good reason and those who aren't....well that's probably for a very good reason too.
