Expected life of fork seals?

[Scottius]

I've got an 04 RS and am wondering what folks with similar bikes have seen for fork seal life. I ride spiritedly, but I don't scrape pegs and don't do wheelies or any of the stunt stuff. I've got 11k on the clock so far and it looks like the right side is leaking .

[ST-ern]

I've seem them die with less than that as well as last for over 100,000 km.

Check the chromed section of your leg - a chip or even a hard bit of bug splat can cause seal failure.

[Fishtale]

Before you go through the hassle of replacing the seals try this.

If you have some old 35mm film negatives of my past girlfriends, take one of the many and slide it down the fork tube past the seal, then work it all the way around the fork. If there is any debris in the way this will dislodge it.

Dirt bike riders use this frequently and I believe that seals wear but dont't break until you have a few years on them.

Good Luck.

[cm08]

Fishtale,

what excellent timing. Suddenly sprang a leak on my other bike fork seal. Tried your trick, using photo negatives to clear the debris and the leak has stopped, at least for now.

Thanks

CM

[deller4210]

Fishtale, if they are not worth looking at least they can help fix your scooter. All girl friends should be of such good use!

:-D Excellent idea using the negatives. I've also found keeping the bike upright on the center-stand keeps the seals leak tight a bit longer as well.