fork seal leak already???

[Padman63]

Went out and did 150 miles today, stopped for a drink and when I came out I saw that the left fork seal was LEAKING! I took it to the dealer and after inspection they determined there was no rocks or damage to cause the leak. Just unexplainable. Hmmmmm, another little disillusioning issue with my BRAND NEW BIKE. Anyone else have this happen?

[Queensland Ken]

Yep, at about 6K kms.

[w8d4it]

Unfortunately several people have experienced leaking seals. 

[Cide1]

Was pretty common on early bikes.  Mine is an early model, and so far I've been lucky with dry forks, but I always keep an eye on it.  If you search, you can probably find the old threads about it.

[trophied]

Mine leaked at about 150 miles, both sides.  Repaired by the dealer at the 500 mile service per their advice, and so far no worries.  Looked awful on a new bike for a while though, oil everywhere.  Don't let it get you down, they'll take care of it.

[DonTom]

Originally Posted by Padman63

Went out and did 150 miles today, stopped for a drink and when I came out I saw that the left fork seal was LEAKING! I took it to the dealer and after inspection they determined there was no rocks or damage to cause the leak. Just unexplainable. Hmmmmm, another little disillusioning issue with my BRAND NEW BIKE. Anyone else have this happen?

Yes, at first (less than 500 miles) my forks leaked a drop or two. I was going to live with that. But at 2,000 miles, during a 300 mile ride, my right fork leaked all over the right brake disc, and also a little leak on the left.

The very next day I was in for an ECM / centerstand recall and warranty service. They fixed the fork  leak and now there's not even the slightest evidence of a leak at either fork.

However, I have no clue why the new fork seals are so much better than the old. I don't know if it's the same part or not.

Does anybody here know?

-Don-  SSF, CA

[Padman63]

I wonder if i should have both fork seals replaced even though only the left has leaked so far. Does anybody know if there is a difference in the new ones?

[Coconut]

Hi again,

Sorry for not picking up on this earlier, but have a look at this Topic : Fork Seals

It is possible that you don't have a fork seal leaking at all,
and that it is packing grease leaking out from under the dust cover,
which seems to have been a common issue on earlier export models to warmer climates,
where the packing grease can melt and run out of the dust cover !

I don't know how you tell the difference between the packing grease, and the actual Fork Oil,
but you might be lucky, and after a few "clean ups" the problem might go away !