How long do fork seals last ?

Discussion in 'Mods, Upgrades, Accessories and Products' started by BladeRR8, Oct 21, 2011.

  1. BladeRR8

    BladeRR8 Active Member

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    How long do fork seals last ? in mileage terms ?

    The only reason I ask is my bike is now 3.5 years old with 7500 miles on the clock so I was planning on getting the forks serviced this winter ready for next season.

    I rang Maxton today and they want £60 to change the oil or £150 to service them which is basically change the oil, replace the seals and check for any wear.

    Richard at Maxon said himself USD forks rarerly wear excessively and at 7500 miles they will be fine so for the extra £90 I m basically getting the fork seals replaced but they don't leak and if they are unlikely to in the next 7500 miles I might just leave it until the next service in a few years time and save the £90.

    What are peoples experiences / opinions on the subject ??????
     
    #1 BladeRR8, Oct 21, 2011
  2. arthurbikemad

    arthurbikemad A very helpful Gent

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    Seals can last for years it just depends on what they are subjected to, the bushes in cbr an cb forks rarely ware and the oil often stands up well, I did a pair of cb1000r forks that were near new this year (had the tubes anodised) and they seemed much the same as another pair I did that had 22k on the clock. It's a hard question to answer but do take into account that I also rebuild forks on 15-20 year old bikes that have never been touched! If they don't leak I would not be in a panic.. :)

    Posted on my HTC Sensation with Tapatalk
     
    #2 arthurbikemad, Oct 21, 2011
  3. megawatt

    megawatt Well-Known Member

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    Yep , what he said. Fork seals usually leak when they get dirt on em ,the chrome gets damaged or excessive wheelying. If they don't leak, leave em alone!!!
     
    #3 megawatt, Oct 21, 2011
  4. tonyblade

    tonyblade Active Member

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    In my 98 rrw it's never had any, and that's doing wheelies as well. I wouldnt worry bud.
     
    #4 tonyblade, Oct 21, 2011
  5. Givover

    Givover God Like

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    If it ain't broke don't fix it!!!
     
    #5 Givover, Oct 21, 2011
  6. BladeRR8

    BladeRR8 Active Member

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    Great feedback cheers guys you have just saved me £90 which is enough for a carbon hugger, win win happy days !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
     
    #6 BladeRR8, Oct 22, 2011
  7. dan.1moore1

    dan.1moore1 Senior Member

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    My top steering head bearing went before my fork seals did from wheelying .. As above . dont worry till you see oil on the forks
     
    #7 dan.1moore1, Oct 22, 2011
  8. Sossige

    Sossige Active Member

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    The other thing with fork seals is that they may appear to be weeping ever so slightly, but as soon as the bike gets used they will "close up".

    As said by others, misuse and poor preventative maintenance is a major cause of premature wear - less wheelies, more cleaning :D
     
    #8 Sossige, Oct 22, 2011
  9. JM1

    JM1 Active Member

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    I've only ever had to change them on my KTM, but that was due to crap wheelie landings and other assorted abuse :)
     
    #9 JM1, Oct 22, 2011

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