Hey guys, whats up. I have an 03 600 RR and just put it up over 10,000 miles about a month back. Ive heard fork seals like to go out at about this mileage so Ive been checking them regularly. I am learning wheelies, and I have set a few down halfway hard, not gonna lie. Now my question is this: On the right fork, I can feel a bit of residue on it. Its enough to make it slick but its not like squirting all over. On the left fork it feels almost bone dry. On the right side, is that a blown seal? Im hoping not, cause im kinda down right now. Having trouble making enough to help out with bills and everything, need a new tire on the bike, tune up on the truck, filter/plugs for the bike... yadda yadda, you get what Im saying.


If it is a leak, how long will it last from here? When do I HAVE to replace it, and whats the signs that it is gone? The seal looks/feels okay, just a bit of residue on the fork is all. How much do fork seals cost to have a shop replace them?


thanks for any help


signed,

Sad, Worried, and Down for Now

 

The residue is the first sign that the seal is starting to go. You need to check to see if you have cartridge forks -- if so, changing the seals is easy. Cost ya maybe $40-$60 in parts and suspension fluid (fork oil) and you'll wanna buy the special tool for driving the new seals in. You don't have to spend the extra bucks on the special tool but it makes your life easier and reduces the risk of screwing up the new seals. You'll also need an accurate graduated cylinder for measuring the new oil. Neatness counts.

I wish I could tell you when it'll finally blow out and leak gobs of fluid but there's just no way to tell. Sometimes they'll last another 5K miles with just a thin residue -- or you might hit a bump tomorrow and have it blow. Either way with 10K miles on the bike it's really time to change the seals and bushings anyway. Sorry dude ... I know that's not really what you wanted to hear. Just be careful til ya get everything sorted out.

 

it's not about the mileage that they go...it's about your wheelies....
last time mine blew was a week before trackday...luckily i got them done in time!

 

yea set them wheelies down easier, won't go thru seals as much.

 

I know that... but Ive also heard that at about 10,000 they tend to go anyways, no matter how youve been riding the bike. I have a friend that has had 3 consecutive bikes blow fork seals just after the 10 mark.... kinda funky

 

thanks for the info chain, you da man

 

people don't realize that you really need to chain the oil in them every year. that the main reason they go out. there just like the engine then need new oil from time to time.

 

yea mang...also...the fork tubes should be cleaned of anything that can possibly cut into the seals. i occasionally clean the area above or below the tubes (depends on regular or reversed forks) well with a brillo pad and then put some wax on it so it's nice and smooth. any knicks in this area or rust can cut the seals causing premature leak.

t

 

awesome advice, ill have to keep on it now. Is there anything I should be putting on the seals themselves to keep them in good condition, and how do you just change the oil without fking a seal or something else in the process.


I really appreciate the words guys, im still new in a lot of areas :S


Chris