[hraponte]

Long story short:

1. Wednesday - Noticed a ring of oily film/residue around the fork pistons. Did not think muck of it, and cleaned it.

2. Thursday - Went to the local bike shop and the mechanic noticed a very light film on the pistons, but a bit mmore than usual. He said the forks are leaking. Cleaned them, and after about an hour of riding and had no issues.

3. Sunday - Same residue, cleaned the forks, after 6-8 hours riding had no issiues.

I expected to see some oil dripping from the forks after 6 hours, but itall looked normal.

Anyone experienced this?????

 

[JUICEBOX]

I've heard a little residue is normal but if they end up pooling changing the fork seals is an extemely easy task. takes about 1 hour or less if you know what your doing.

 

[miykl]

Sunday B4 last my left fork showed signsof some seepage. At the first stop od our SMR a bud noticed dripping and a puddle forming on the cement. Fuggar pissed it's pants. It can happen that fast. it was a n interesting ride with one fork providing damping and no confidence thinking there may be fork oil on the tire. I would have turned tail and headed home but we were on a memorial ride for a friend.

...long winded point is...if it's weeping, fix it sooner than later to avoid it getting worse and spoiling your day.

Consider revalving while you're at it. I purchaced a spare set of forks so I can minimize my down time (AR ride planned next week). Having mine revalved with Race Tech rebound and compression gold valves. The feel of good suspension is addictive. Can't wait.

 

[lyodbraun]

well if they look like this in the pics I took of my fork then yup time to replace that seal soon I had mine done under warranty..
http://zx-10r.net/forum/showthread.php?t=77747&highlight=fork+questions

 

[TN10R]

Yes, your seals are starting to leak. They may go for some time before getting worse, or they may go bad quickly. No way to tell. Cleaning them every time you ride should help, as the oil will attract dirt increasing the issue. Fresh seals should not leave any residue. At most, you might see a slight ring of dirt from the wiper.

Parts are pretty cheap if you do it yourself. Some shops charge $300 or more(which is a rip off). You might consider a custom revalve with replacement of the internals and fresh springs for about $600.

I used MD Racing when I had my forks done. Very happy with their work.

OEM seals are as good as any, and better than most.

 

[leland]

Yes, your seals are starting to leak. They may go for some time before getting worse, or they may go bad quickly. No way to tell. Cleaning them every time you ride should help, as the oil will attract dirt increasing the issue. Fresh seals should not leave any residue. At most, you might see a slight ring of dirt from the wiper.

Parts are pretty cheap if you do it yourself. Some shops charge $300 or more(which is a rip off). You might consider a custom revalve with replacement of the internals and fresh springs for about $600.

I used MD Racing when I had my forks done. Very happy with their work.

OEM seals are as good as any, and better than most.

Bingo, that slight residue is just the beginning. If possible ask around local for anyone that got their work done and try to find a cheaper/but good place.

 

[ZX-10R_Sinner]

Parts are pretty cheap if you do it yourself. Some shops charge $300 or more(which is a rip off).

One of my seals was leaking earlier this summer and I removed just the leaky one and took it to the dealer. I got charged 14.95 for the seals, 8.95 for the fork oil and 15 even for labor. When the other/next one starts to leak I'll do the same, if it's both then they'll see both. They gave me the other fork seal and all as well, don't know how many other dealers will do that.

 

[Rspec99]

One of my seals was leaking earlier this summer and I removed just the leaky one and took it to the dealer. I got charged 14.95 for the seals, 8.95 for the fork oil and 15 even for labor. When the other/next one starts to leak I'll do the same, if it's both then they'll see both. They gave me the other fork seal and all as well, don't know how many other dealers will do that.

That's a pretty nice dealer you have there. Most of them ask for your first born even if you bring them the forks off the bike.

After working on the forks this past week, it's pretty easy, and I think I could change my fork seals in about an hour including removing the fork off the bike. If you do, do yourself a favour and get a good fork spring compressor tool.

 

[hraponte]

Thanks all. Forks look OK but I will keep in mind all the suggestions. I leave for Iraq in two weeks and can't see myself spending the money now. The bike will seat for a year. Probably will have the wife take it to the shop and have some better internals installed before I return.

 

[superdupersteve]

My 08 has some leakage too so I think Ill see Dan Kyle and get the right springs & ohlins valving so the front isnt so stiff for my 175lbs suited up...thinking 9.5's.....sound right?