Coming back from Arnhem recently we noticed that one fork leg was decidedly oily as a fork seal was leaking. Not experienced this on a GTR before in 35000 miles. Upside down forks are harder to dissemble than RWU forks and not a job I would do, so some unexpected expense due.
Before committing the bike to the garage, I thought I'd just try one of those internet/YouTube tricks an so I bought a Seal Buddy.
Essentially a slim piece of plastic that you insinuate up the fork leg, into the seal and move it around in the hope of reseating the seal. At £5 or so, I thought it worth a go.
Well, knock me down with a feather; it works! Done 80 miles so far and the fork leg has stayed clean and dry. How long this lasts is anyone's guess, but happy bunny so far
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F231329952292
Well done Burchy. What will have happened is you have had some dirt trapped in the seal, the tool effectively dislodges the particle(s) that is causing the issue. Feeler gauges work also but you need to be super careful not to cut the seal. I had a similar issue with a WR450 at the start of a 5 day Enduro event . I was really in trouble however another rider passed that tip on to me and the forks lasted for the whole event.
I have the upside-down fork tools and also fork seal drivers bought recently. As you were kind enough to provide me with the electronic manual, I would be happy to overhaul your forks for you but you would have to come up to my place (all the tools are here), just bring new dust and oil seals plus some oil. I have done about 6 sets of forks for various people over the past few years. Your forks may be fine, but the offer is there if you wish to take me up on it. I think I am about 60-70 miles from you.
That's very kind of you and I'd like to take you up on the offer if my temporary fix turns out to be just that!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wlzfoVroSY
That's the little beastie and that's exactly how I did it, all without the aid of a video :cool:
I viewed the video after reading you post :mfr_lol:
The problem with the GTR is the mudguard can hide a multiple of sins, this is what I found on mine on both sides
The fork legs can be polished up and it is important that pits do not form as it will cut the seals. In the chaps video he should have cleaned up the dust seal with the tool also, as this is more than likely holding dirt as particles have to pass the dust seal to get to the oil seal.
I cleaned my front up, repainted all the brackets and bolts and brought it back to 'as new condition'. Maintenance in this area should not be overlooked ;)
I can see your GTR has gone to a good home and will get pampered. :clap:
No maintenance should ever be overlooked ... especially that involving polish and generally looking good ! :yes:
How has the seal held up.
I used this version of the tool on my CB1300 (surprising how captivating the video is for such a simple tool!): https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0fNr3m3qII4
It worked but I exchanged the bike a short while later and it may have been starting to leak again (I wasn't certain whether there was a small amount of residual oil left over from the leak but this may have been wishful thinking!).
Still good. TBH I've not given it a second thought since I did it. Done a good few hundred miles in all weathers
Quote from: Burchy on December 12, 2019, 01:49:57 PM
Still good. TBH I've not given it a second thought since I did it. Done a good few hundred miles in all weathers
Defintely worth a try then - before resorting to stripping down forks.
I have to admit I only watched that video to see Teri. :mfr_lol:
Quote from: Lonewolf on December 13, 2019, 07:05:21 PM
I have to admit I only watched that video to see Teri. :mfr_lol:
simple but effective marketing!