How hard of a fix is this? If I have to take it to a shop what can I expect to pay?

 

It's cake, get yourself a manual.

 

Cool thanks, a buddy of mine said thats gonna cost you a s*** load

 

$150 at a shop plus part, $20-30
a case of beer plus part, $20-30 (typical good buddy deal in texas)
Or, like inderocker says get a manual ( get the honda book dood ) and
get a part, and look down the tube end and make a tool (need welder).
When in doubt,the best method here was to put a ball of putty (silly putty is best)or huge wad of chewing gum (no joke) on the end of the re-bar rod and put it down the fork tube until it hits the socket at the bottom, never pressing too hard, then remove and measure the embossed image to make your tool.
My shop has at least 10 different fork tools weve made over the years
,mostly a peice of re-bar with a nut or bit welded on the end that fits the socket on the inside. If you have this minimum homemade tool, forks are easier than tires.

 

watch and follow a how-to video on youtube

 

95% of the time you can just remove the cartridge retaining bolt at the bottom of the fork WITHOUT the special tool. I've also used a long flat head screwdriver in a pinch. Air tools work sometimes too. I have the special tool too but since I bought it I've yet to use it.

Or you can send 'em to me and I'll revalve and respring your forks too!