So I rebuilt my forks (new bushings, O-rings, and seals), took the bike out for a ride, and noticed that the (chrome) pipes were moist with fork oil where the seals move up & down; both of them. My question is, is it normal for some residual oil to coat the pipes initially after replacing the seals and that eventually it will cease, or did I do it wrong and it should be bone dry and I have to redo the seals again?

 

Yes there is/can be a bit of residue. Don't happen all the time, but new seals can take a few days to fully expand. My new bike had it for a about a week. as long as it's not excessive, just a build up at the top part of the forks.

 

Yep, normal. Just make sure that it is residual & not a new leak.

 

Well, I’ll admit it. This was my first fork rebuild and I messed up. Put the darn seals in upside down

So it looks like I’ll have the pleasure of dissecting the forks… again. On a positive note, and one should always look at the silver lining, the seals used were el cheapo e-Bay bargain basement brand, and I’m going to use good old Honda OEMs next time around. Costly mistake but still cheaper than paying a mechanic. Thanks gentlemen for the replies.

Thought I’d post some pics just cause I can.

 

Well, you live - you learn. Sorry you have to do it all again. It should be quicker this next time. ;-)

Looking at your pics, it appears that you're as meticulous as I am. ;-)

 

Oh yeah. I don't like working with dirty parts and with something like forks, neatness & cleanliness definitely counts.
You're right, next time will be a breeze.

 

Like the way you work! I'm just the same and I take my time with everything, but I usually end up knackered 'cos I take so long to do anything! LOL! Just to help you for any future rebuilds of any sort, the spring around most oil seals face toward the place you want to contain the oil. If you already knew this but just made a mistake on your fork rebuild, then please accept my apologies!

 

You are brave! I never disassemble both forks at once...just in case I forget how they go back together.

 

Funny how that works. Go in with the intention of merely changing some sparkplugs and end up doing a whole engine bay detail

Thanks for the advice, that's an easy one to remember.

 

That was the original plan, but once I saw how simply constructed the forks were, it wasn't much of concern. The manual has a nice exploded diagram and descriptive step by step reassembly guide. Without it I probably would have done only one at the time. Taking pictures of the parts as you progress along can be very helpful as well.