Right Fork oil leaking from the lower pinch bolt

[benjamin.alexander]

I have replace my fork seals (both) in June along with the fork oil. I noticed some oil around the top of the right fork seal dust cover. I have done some trouble shooting and discovered today that the oil is coming from the lower pinch bolts on the right side (I only have to problem with the right fork. The left side is good).

Any thoughts or suggestions to correct or fix the problem? I'm stumped.

[DaveO430]

You mean the pinch bolts at the lower triple clamp I assume? It could only be from the o-rings where the fork goes through the air crossover at the top, below the upper triple clamp.

[benjamin.alexander]

Yes at the pinch bolts.

[grand rouge]

https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/honda ... front-fork

Check out the parts shown in box upper left. No fluid will leak from the lower pinch bolts....No fluid will leak from the upper pinch bolts. I am inclined to agree with Dave on this one:


by DaveO430 » Thu Jul 26, 2018 1:42 pm
You mean the pinch bolts at the lower triple clamp I assume? It could only be from the o-rings where the fork goes through the air crossover at the top, below the upper triple clamp.

[benjamin.alexander]

Are you referring to part #65?

[grand rouge]

Could be those o rings, yes. Could be the cross over tube #51 connections etc.

Just a thought......re fork oil volume...… any chance over filled? If forks filled using the 'distance from the top of the fork to the oil' level method......Forks collapsed, springs out, oil 6 to 8 inches below....number not so important as having both forks real close re oil. Are you running air pressure in the forks?

[benjamin.alexander]

I empted and refilled the forks from the screw at the bottom (filled the forks from the bottom). I had to use electrical tape to prevent the oil from leaking the small hole at the top. I filled using the recommend amount of oil (this was a little slow and required patience).

I have been running the front forks at 5-6 psi.

[grand rouge]

Well....fluid leaks because.....a seal or O ring or 'other' (fork equalizer assembly) fitting has failed. Fork tube damaged ...scratched deeply or pitted thus compromising seal, or...……….too much fork oil. Or Way over pressurized.


When you drained oil.......did you measure the volume expelled? Though not absolutely necessary if you are going by specified volume, were you able to compress the forks to expell all oil.....and air....which gets in anyway.....


Wipe everything down.....and look for leak at highest point on fork assembly.


It is not difficult to secure front of motorcycle such to have front tire clear of floor. Remove the fork caps....keeping a hand over the onne you are loosening to prevent it from getting away from you. Remove em both. Remove the springs. Place the fork cap on and make a marker pen dot at the point the threads from cap and fork tube engage...easier to install. Raise wheel up as far as it will go...... I am thinking good chance forks overfilled. Drain oil....difficult to get it all out through the tiny drain screws at bottom. Either way.....with forks fully collapsed, springs out, oil level......6 to 7 inches below top of the tube. Can even be 8 inches.....(1 inch...25.4 MM ) And...since you might be in there.....my experience is 10 wt fork oil gives a great ride. And Springs...JUUUUUST in case...... Sonicsprings.com About 110 CDN plus shipping.....but........wow...what a transformation with these straight rate springs.

Hope this gives you some things to check.. You do have the service manual too, yes?

[benjamin.alexander]

I sure do have the service manual. I had to remove then engine to replace the stator. Loving the owner maintenance. Great learning bike.

Thank you for the advice. I will wipe it all down and look again 1st. I have a 2hr ride over the weekend. Just hope the weather holds out.

Thanks a million everyone,

Ben