Luc’s Tips: Is Your Motorcycle Weeping?

Published: Posted on by admin

Last Updated: April 1st, 2024

Lucs Motorcycle Tips Image As you probably learned in a training course, performing a pre-ride inspection is a great way to prevent having troubles when on the road.  For those of you unfamiliar, T-CLOCS is the recommended method for the inspection. (CLICK HERE for the checklist)

Under CHASSIS, you’ll notice a front suspension review.  I’d like for the review to include fork seal leaks too.

Fork seals keep the fork oil where it should be –  IN THE FORK TUBES!  Sometimes, through age, wear, worn components, damage to fork legs via rock chips, or even hardened bug matter, seals can be destroyed.  How to check if your seals are still doing their job?

SPOTTING TROUBLE

Upon visual inspection of the front fork, you may notice nothing out of the ordinary – definitely a best case scenario.  Blown fork seal on a motorcyclePushing down and pulling up on the handlebars may not produce anything unusual.  However, upon closer visual inspection, you may notice fluid on the fork leg.  In this case, I recommend getting your hands dirty to determine if the fork leg is wet from fork oil.  In a worst case scenario, you may notice an accumulation of fork oil, dirt, and grime around the dust seal or the outer fork leg itself.  This is definite cause for concern.

BLOWN FORK SEALS BAD?

There are several concerns should you determine that your fork seals are blown and not working properly.

  • Fork oil can get into your brake pads and prevent your motorcycle from stopping properly.
  • Poor handling (lack of fork oil means damping is greatly reduced or non-existent)
  • Damage to internal components

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

A properly handling motorcycle is vital to your safety.  Make sure to have a local authorized shop look at the motorcycle and suggest repair options.  Even if there are no leaks, you’ll want to check with the owner’s manual to determine if it is time to replace the old fork oil.  The key here is that you’re safe and ready to put on the miles!

The more we know, the better experience.  Now drop the wrench and go for a ride!

-Luc

DISCLAIMER:  The views and opinions expressed in this column are not necessarily those of any manufacturer.  The content provided is merely educational and not intended as a replacement for professional repair.  TEAM Arizona, its staff, and its RiderCoaches are unavailable for private motorcycle repair; we recommend seeing your local dealership or repair shop.