oil leak /reverse went out

[mk9mellinger]

I have a 2004 1800 gw .the reverse went out trying to back up on a small hill ,got it out drove about .2 miles put it away .the next morning the reverse work getting out of a garage went 1 mile down the road and oil was spraying up into me pull over and oil was coming out like a river in the front of engine and left side got it back in garage park it have not looked at it yet wondering what it could be before getting into it

[mk9mellinger]

just took it apart front cover and side oil was everywhere nothing by filter but all in the middle left side ,started it up no leaks to be seen ,put it 1st gear no leaks ,checked oil ok no sure what it is

[mk9mellinger]

just finished putting everything back together ,rode it down the road and the leak is coming from the top by forks a gray oily type any idea's on what it my be ,fork seal? not sure what to look for in manual

[wingman12]

You are correct, you have a blown fork seal.

[mk9mellinger]

thank you this will help on where to start . are they hard to fix?

[wingman12]

I Personally don't have any experience with a 1800. I Checked the how to do articles for the 1800 and no mention of front fork seal replacement. There is a good step by step article for this for the 1500. Supposed to take a couple of hours (assuming you have all of the correct tools). It took me double that time (had to make the spring compression tool). While rebuilding I decided to go with the progressive springs, what a differance in handling. Just do a little research while waiting for your parts and take your time and you will be fine. Ride often and ride safe.