So was out at lunch today and was looking for the source of a rattle when I discovered that my right fork is leaking oil. Not sure how long that's been going on, but what I'm wondering is how long can I ride on it like this? The bike isn't my main mode of transportation, but it's my main mode of keeping money in my pocket with gas prices right now. I don't get paid until next Friday, so I really won't be able to work on it until then.

Can I ride on a blown seal? What kind of damage am I looking at if it runs dry?

 

Do not ride it. Simple. The main reason is your own safety. You might not have noticed it, but your bike is way off balance right now.

If you brake hard you'll see some wallowing from the front due to differences in absortion capacity from the forks.
Now, brake hard enough, like in an emergency stop, and that wallowing will become an all out tank slapper while braking.

Ever had one while accelerating? Imagine one while braking trying to avoid something.

You might say "Ok, I won't brake hard" but do you know for a fact that you won't be forced to do so?

Ask me how I know

 

where would you look to see if oil is leaking? just on the fork itself?

 

Mines leaking from the top. Little bit more squirrely but I commute in a straight line. Parts are on order, I might just drive my truck next week and handlebit next weekend.