Can you adjust the idle screw to keep it from quitting when you turn off the choke? It is possible that it is just turned in (I think) so far that it won't idle. Barring that, the air screw could be so lean that it won't idle. Check those (free and easy) first.
My forks do not bottom on braking, so I'll say that is not normal. My bike is 17 years newer than yours, though, so I bet my seals, fork oil, and springs are in better shape. You may need to disassemble the forks and then put them back together with new springs, seals, and fork oil. Having broken into a set of forks before, I will say that the $150 to $200 you will spend having a knowledgeable shop do it is money well spent. I think forks are a pain in the rear.