Left front fork seal

[rescue3]

Does it hurt to ride with a seal that is leaking.Now is good riding season shop's around here are 2weeks to a month behind.

[Hoosier Jack]

You could probably change them in an afternoon if you have the parts. Not a terribly hard thing to do and there are probably tutorials here to help. These guys with 1800s are sure to help. Save you a bunch of money.

I see a lot of bikes with leaky seals and if the fluid level is really low I would imagine that you would feel the difference. But then it would be a gradual thing I suppose.

[newday777]

You didn't say what wing you have.

If it's an 1800, the left seal blows from the antidive valve locked and the front suspension is locked . Honda's poor design. Yes it needs repair so further internal damage isn't done. The forks need servicing every 20,000 miles.
The antidive valve can be disabled so you don't get blown left seals but you still have to get the forks serviced regularly.

Does it hurt to ride with a seal that is leaking.Now is good riding season shop's around here are 2weeks to a month behind.

[newday777]

Leaking Fork oil will drip down on to the brake pads and you won't stop when you need to in a hurry.

[Ghostman]

If youre rebuilding your forks every 20,000 miles with a stock suspension youre wasting your money. The fork seal is underneath the neoprene dust guard on the fork. You can go 40,000 or more before servicing easily. The possible issue here is if its a trike what kind of raked front end do you have. Is it a 3.5 or more you might have issues with the ADV or more probably crud in the seal.

[newday777]

If you go 40,000 miles before you change the fork oil the wear the dirty oil on the fork legs will be beyond the service limits and you will be buying new fork legs at +$175 each leg. If you think you will be saving money or advise someone to go 40,000 miles between fork servicing you are giving bad advice.

If youre rebuilding your forks every 20,000 miles with a stock suspension youre wasting your money. The fork seal is underneath the neoprene dust guard on the fork. You can go 40,000 or more before servicing easily. The possible issue here is if its a trike what kind of raked front end do you have. Is it a 3.5 or more you might have issues with the ADV or more probably crud in the seal.

[Ghostman]

Ive got an 07 with a 3.5 degree rake. First time I rebuilt them was at 27,000. Bottom bushing on the left fork leg was slightly worn all other bushings and seals were in good shape and within spec. Second time I rebuilt them was at 60,000 miles and left fork legs lower bushing was slightly more worn but still within Hondas spec. If I rebuild them at 20,000 miles I would just be wasting money. If youre forks have Traxxion components they recommend service at that mileage but stock Honda I wouldnt.

[rescue3]

Thank you, to all who responded .

[thrasherg]

As stated, driving on a leaky fork is not really bad for the fork (unless it runs dry, the fork oil not only dampens the fork movement, but also lubricates, and no lubrication is always a bad thing, But it takes a long time to drain a leaky fork through the fork seal!!) the biggest risk is getting fork oil on the brakes. If its a small leak, then just wipe the oil of occasionally and you should be fine. You definitely want to fix the leak but it's not urgent. You might also want to try a "Seal Mate" its a thin bit of hooked plastic that your run around the fork leg (between the seal and the leg) and it helps remove dirt and crap, sometimes stops leaking forks if the leak was due to trapped dirt, costs ~$4 so worth a try before changing the seal!!

Gary

[newday777]

How did you make out with it?

Thank you, to all who responded .

[Rowdy]

Seal Mate , Try first

[Erdeniz Umman]

I agree on the SealMate, I had a leak on a new OEM seal after 3000 km, and used SeaMate to clean the seal. I don't know how it happened but, a lot of dirt came out and made 15000 km after that, no issues so far.

[rescue3]

Thanks,I will try that.

[Big Blue UK]

I agree with newday, get rid of the cheap stupid anti dive. I got rid of the linked braking system also. Perhaps I am toooo old school, but who the bleedin hell wants to apply the back brake, and have some numpty design apply ones front brake and stiffen up just one of ones fork legs into the bargain.

[newday777]

You still haven't said what bike this is rescue3

Thanks,I will try that.