fork seals?

[beemer]

Hi,i forgot to ask you guys about this,but here it goes!when i brought my bike back after purchase,it was strapped down in a van,as i didn't have insurance for it at the time,so i couldn't ride it home,anyway,the front forks were compressed,as the straps were put around the handlbars,when i got it home,i noticed fork oil on the van floor,and the right fork seemed to have been leaking due to the compression i guess,could the seal have been damaged?or is it possible that there was too much oil in the fork?and it was pushed passed the seal?how much of the seal should you be able to see when you remove the rubber dust cap?i wonder if i will now have to replace the seals?thanks for your help,J.

[Bob_Roller]

I would clean up the fork oil leakage, change the fork oil in both forks, and then ride it and see if you really do have a problem with the seals .

If it continues to 'seep' or leak, then you will need to replace the seal.

It may have just been the unusual treatment it received while tied down for transportation.

[beemer]

Could you tell me how much fork oil it needs,and how to fill and empty please,thanks,J.

[thrang]

I find a funnel or a squezeable bottle with a tube is the best way to get the oil in the fork. On the back edge of the fork bottom you'll find a drain hole. At the top of each fork leg under the plastic cover you'll find a plug with a screw out center for filling.

If you strip the fork the is 210cc of fork oil a leg. If your just draining and replacing then 190cc.

Carefully remove the drain plug (they are very easy to strip) at the bottom of the fork leg, and the filler plug. Let the oil drain out when it has replace the drain plug, and then refill with clean oil. Its dead easy and takes no more than a half hour.

[Justin B.]

I use a large (60 cc) syringe.  No muss, no fuss...

[beemer]

I replaced the oil in both tubes,so let's see if the oil leaks now!!otherwise i guess i will have to replace the seals,i will keep you updated,cheers,J.

[montmil]

I replaced the oil in both tubes,so let's see if the oil leaks now!!otherwise i guess i will have to replace the seals,i will keep you updated,cheers,J.

Should you decide to freshen the fork seals, be sure to replace the "felts" that fit into the crown of the rubber slider caps. They are the first line of defense against grit getting to the seals.

I prefer the open fork tube look with the small slider caps but many have replaced the caps with gaiters/bellows or whatever you like to call 'em. Does offer more protection for the seals.

With the sliders removed, "borrow" a pair of pantyhose from your significant other and use them to slowly wipe down the fork tubes... calm down, guys... The fabric will snag on the smallest imperfection on the tube, if there is one, and perhaps show you what's eating the seal. Smooth with 400/600 wet-or-dry.

[stevie]

Hi fellas

Whilst on the subject of fork seals could you guys please enlighten me what grade of fork oil I should be using?
thanks Steve.

[beemer]

Hi fellas

Whilst on the subject of fork seals could you guys please enlighten me what grade of fork oil I should be using?
thanks Steve.

Ive just put 10w in mine,seems to be ok as far as i can tell,cheers,J.

[Bob_Roller]

The bikes come from the factory with 7.5 wt oil.

I don't know at what weight of heavier oil will cause problems, just keep that in mind.

[montmil]

Hi fellas Whilst on the subject of fork seals could you guys please enlighten me what grade of fork oil I should be using? thanks Steve.

Steve,

I buy the overpriced BMW 7.5 weight fork oil as spec'd by the factory. Doubtful a scooter could tell the difference between 7.5 and 10 wt. The 10 wt is much easier to find.

Monte

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

I have read on Boxerworks of some owners mixing 5 and 10 wt oil, to get the 7.5.  So I guess it is important to some.

Some folks are more sensitive to these things than others.

[beemer]

If the fork seals need to be replaced,do you have to remove the forks from the bike,or can it be done without removal?thanks,J. :-/

[nhmaf]

While  I think that I could do it if it was a challenge and there was prize money involved, it is really much easier to do with the fork tubes off the bike.

If you need help with the process we can walk you through it - someone might even have some pictures posted in some thread somewhere around here.

[beemer]

That's very helpful,will let you know when i'm ready to do it,thanks,J.