Front Fork Leak

[VMAX_Ghost_Rider]

This morning I found a small oil stain on the floor next to the front wheel left side. I started looking to see the source and found there is oil leaking from the left fork seal. I guess the bike needs to have the forks serviced.

I assume it is a costly service and beyond my mechanic skills. I will call the shop tomorrow to get an estimate.

I was looking at the Wilbers Fork Spring - Zero friction - linear for the VMAX. Are they worth upgrading or just keep the original ones?

Bike has 11.5K miles. Since the bike is going into the shop, depending on the cost, should I get the spark plugs replaced? Bike runs great and I read these plugs can go up to 100K.

Cheers!

 

[Radioguylogs]

Might be a good opportunity to service the steering bearings while the forks are off.

 

[MaxMidnight]

This morning I found a small oil stain on the floor next to the front wheel left side. I started looking to see the source and found there is oil leaking from the left fork seal. I guess the bike needs to have the forks serviced.

I assume it is a costly service and beyond my mechanic skills. I will call the shop tomorrow to get an estimate.

I was looking at the Wilbers Fork Spring - Zero friction - linear for the VMAX. Are they worth upgrading or just keep the original ones?

Bike has 11.5K miles. Since the bike is going into the shop, depending on the cost, should I get the spark plugs replaced? Bike runs great and I read these plugs can go up to 100K.

You shouldn't assume anything until you know what is involved. It would depends on your ability and/ or willingness to learn. With a manual it's well within the capabilities of all but the most witless individuals. That said if you have already decided it's beyond you capabilities then you are probably right.

On a Gen I I would certainly replace the springs but I'll let others comment on a Gen II

When was the bike last serviced? If not within your memory then you should do a full service. Once again, find out what needs to be done do what you can and then get any specialist work done by the shop.

 

[VMAX_Ghost_Rider]

You shouldn't assume anything until you know what is involved. It would depends on your ability and/ or willingness to learn. With a manual it's well within the capabilities of all but the most witless individuals. That said if you have already decided it's beyond you capabilities then you are probably right.

On a Gen I I would certainly replace the springs but I'll let others comment on a Gen II

When was the bike last serviced? If not within your memory then you should do a full service. Once again, find out what needs to be done do what you can and then get any specialist work done by the shop.

I recently changed the oil, final gear oil, and coolant. I am comfortable doing that basic work but when I reviewed the service manual for the forks, definitely out of my league

 

[VMAX_Ghost_Rider]

Might be a good opportunity to service the steering bearings while the forks are off.

Added to the notes, thanks!

 

[Parminio]

Bike has 11.5K miles. Since the bike is going into the shop, depending on the cost, should I get the spark plugs replaced? Bike runs great and I read these plugs can go up to 100K.

You doing wheel stands? I mean, wow. Fork seals gone at only 11,000 miles?

Out of curiosity, have you looked at the bottom of your brake master cylinder on the handle bars and where the brake line joins it to see if it's wet?

I'm just wondering if you may have a leak dripping down on your forks making it look like they're leaking. I've never heard of a fork seal going out on a bike with so few miles on it, unless it's been wheel standed or someone rides a lot of wheelies and lets it down hard or you flat out ran into something with it.

 

[VMAX_Ghost_Rider]

You doing wheel stands? I mean, wow. Fork seals gone at only 11,000 miles?

Out of curiosity, have you looked at the bottom of your brake master cylinder on the handle bars and where the brake line joins it to see if it's wet?

I'm just wondering if you may have a leak dripping down on your forks making it look like they're leaking. I've never heard of a fork seal going out on a bike with so few miles on it, unless it's been wheel standed or someone rides a lot of wheelies and lets it down hard or you flat out ran into something with it.

I use the rear stand all the time and the front only when I need the bike up to do work. I checked the brake lines and cylinder they are all dry. Here are some pictures with the arrows showing where I found oil.

 

[Parminio]

My mistake for not clarifying. This is the "wheel stand" I was talking about:



I've seen people blow fork seals instantly doing that.

 

[Radioguylogs]

With a manual it's well within the capabilities of all but the most witless individuals. That said if you have already decided it's beyond you capabilities then you are probably right.

That seems a bit insulting. Is that what you meant to say?

 

[Radioguylogs]

Always worth a try to use the Sealmate if the fork seals aren't so old they should be replaced:

https://sealmate.net/

 

[VMAX_Ghost_Rider]

My mistake for not clarifying. This is the "wheel stand" I was talking about:

View attachment 82576

I've seen people blow fork seals instantly doing that.

OHHH got it! No wheel stands of any kind. Here is a video rocking the front fork and the picture showing the oil after.

 

[VMAX_Ghost_Rider]

Always worth a try to use the Sealmate if the fork seals aren't so old they should be replaced:

https://sealmate.net/

Cool, that seems like a great option! Thanks for the info!

 

[Redrum]

OHHH got it! No wheel stands of any kind. Here is a video rocking the front fork and the picture showing the oil after.

I would just wipe it off every so often and top off the fork oil once a year and save my money for the next toy.

 

[Gbianchi]

Leaking fork oil has a bad habit of getting on the brakes...=bad results, I would get it fixed pronto!!

 

[Bullies74]

My Vmax had the same issue when I purchased it.

Both fork seals were weeping.

Used the sealmate tool, but unfortunately, it didn’t address the issue.

Ended up replacing both seals with a complete set of K&L’s.

Replacing them isn’t that bad, just more time consuming if anything.

 

[MaxMidnight]

That seems a bit insulting. Is that what you meant to say?

Certainly not intended to be insulting but surely it is down to the OP to decide if that is the case? I don't think I have the right to be insulted on behalf of a third party nor does anyone else.

Mr VMAX+Ghost rider wrote 'I assume it is a costly service and beyond my mechanic skills. I will call the shop tomorrow to get an estimate.'

His comments implied that he had decided it was beyond his capabilities and you didn't say if he had consulted a manual.

Before tackling on a job I always try to establish what is involved and if it is within my capabilities. There are times when I could do it provided I learn some new skills and others when I decide I need to farm it out.
Thus my comment 'You shouldn't assume anything until you know what is involved. It would depends on your ability and/ or willingness to learn. With a manual it's well within the capabilities of all but the most witless individuals.'

I also believe in the adage 'Whether You Believe You Can Do a Thing or Not, You Are Right' this my comment 'That said if you have already decided it's beyond you capabilities then you are probably right'.

 

[Radioguylogs]

Max:

Thought you'd see the humor...It seemed you accidently called the OP witless.

Sorry, I think you didn't realize I was joking.

-Mike

 

[Parminio]

Always worth a try to use the Sealmate if the fork seals aren't so old they should be replaced:

https://sealmate.net/

I have never heard of that. Marking that down for future reference. Thanks.

 

[Radioguylogs]

The Sealmate has worked for me many times.

It's cheap and there is nothing to lose by trying it.

 

[sdt354]

The Sealmate has worked for me many times.

It's cheap and there is nothing to lose by trying it.

Same here, dirt does get in and cause an issue. Best to fixit right away. In a pinch, I've used old film negatives cut to shape. Keep the tubes shinning too. Extend the forks for a good cleaning. Work the sealmate around the seal. Then pump the forks and recheck. OEM seals are a good bet. A lot of e-bay cheap seals aren't very good.