Triumphrat

TexasTri · 03-23-2005

While out tonight I noticed that my right fork has what I consider to be a considerable amount of oil on it. Compared to the left, which is almost dry ,as expected it, seems something is not right.
I am assuming that a seal has gone bad. I noticed in another post about a seal kit you can get from Triumph. OK, is this something a fairly handy person can handle? I do not have any special tool for taking the forks apart, but if required I might be inclined to get them.
The bike only has 12K on it, but if I have to take the forks completely apart I guess I should also consider the prospect of changing the fork oil.

Thoughts, things I should watch out for? Thanks in advance. :???: :???:

mike_ · 03-23-2005

I'd bring it to the shop if I was you. You need special tools, and know how to use them. I do my own valves, carbs and such but I don't mess with forks.

Good Luck

shortys · 03-23-2005

Russ, theres a couple tools, one for drifting the new bush and washer into place, and a little tool for removing the damping assymbly out of the guts. The manual is clear, if you don't have one, I could scan it... but I haven't the factory tools, which depend of course on what forks you have. Not complicated.

But mikes right, it would be easier to take er in...

[ This message was edited by: shortys on 2005-03-23 21:22 ]

TexasTri · 03-24-2005

Thanks for the advice. I have the manual, and after looking at it was why I asked. I'll give them a call to see what they charge and go from there.

LegendGirl · 03-24-2005

It's really not that big a deal. I had to replace the fork seals (and change the fork oil in the process) last May. I used the opportunity to put slightly thicker fork oil in, and pull the fork tubes up through the triple clamp slightly (I'm very short-legged). It wasn't any more difficult than doing the forks on my Kawasaki or my husband's BMW.

rigby · 03-24-2005

LegendGirl,

What weight of oil did you put in yours? How do you like the effect?

I'll be replacing my fork seals and oil soon and I am considering going with thicker oil as well.

LegendGirl · 03-24-2005

Hmmm...apparently age is making my memory faulty.

I did change the fork oil, but used 15w again as recommended in my shop manual. We DID put some washers in at the top of the springs as spacers, to increase the preload. After our first attempt, the forks were too stiff, so we removed a couple of washers. I also pulled the tubes up through the triple clamp to accomodate my short inseam.

I had always felt that the front forks were "squishy", especially when coming to a stop. The spacers made a big difference.

Slinky · 03-24-2005

It is easy enough to dismantle the leg, all you need is a tool to hold the damper inside whilst you undo the bottom bolt. It can be easily fabricated if you have the inclination. I used an old wheel spindle nut spot welded to a steel bar, with a mole grips for a handle. You do not need any special tools to remove or refit seals.

When I replaced my fork oil I found that not only were the fork oil levels wrong, they were both different. Refilling with 15w to the correct level made a real improvment.

jimmyj900 · 03-24-2005

Changing the fork seals isn't difficult -- just a bit messy.

The only "special tool" required is the inner damper rod holding tool and you can get a Motion Pro part from Dennis Kirk for $22.99US. www.denniskirk.com

You might want to consider adding a set of Progressive front springs while you're at it -- made a HUGE difference on my Adventurer.

Jim

TexasTri · 03-25-2005

Thanks again for all the advice on this. I talked to the dealer and they can't get to it for 3 weeks. Based on that and the information I received I'm going to give this a go. I ordered the tool from Dennis Kirk and will order the seals and such today.
In doing a search of the forums I find this has come up quite a bit and Osara has a well documented photo layout of this. That should help a lot.
Here is the link to his folder: Fork pictures