Honda-SOHC

Hi chaps!! Oldboy from Hampshire here, new to this forum and 500/4 Honda's. Recently restored a pair of Suzuki Super Six's so I thought I'd give a Honda a go.  Exchanged a VFR 800 for a pretty looking K1 500. that had at some point had a lot of money thrown at it. Powder coating, new rims, new complete ex. system, front mudguard , indicators rubbers and nuts and bolts etc. When I got it home and started really looking into what I had, I realized all was not as it seemed. So virtually a complete strip down was needed to satisfy myself it was safe to ride!!  After a few month which included having the head off to lap the valves in due to lack of go/compression (a job that I was informed had been done!!)  it's now almost back on the road, apart from sorting the very hard front forks out. So it should be ready as it starts to snow.!!!!!!  

In the process of rebuilding a supposedly totally rebuilt 1972. 500. (think I've been fleeced!!) When I rode the bike briefly the front end felt rock hard. Played about with different fork oil and check that everything was straight. Today I removed the fork springs which measured 480mm in length. According to the manual they should be around 425 to 450mm. Plus also there is no long damper rod in these forks making me think there later forks. Would I be right in this assumption?? I've also ordered some progressive springs from Bike Barn as my previous order with Performance Parts never did arrive after waiting nearly six weeks (buyers beware!!)