Front forks HMMM..

[HobbyMan]

OK, so I finally got the fork seals out of my Dad's 79F. Strange that they went out on a bike with only 5900 miles. And yes, those are original miles. Anyway, Its all back together now, I think. After I got it together the first time, I noticed that the little metal rings on top of the headlight bezel mounts were gone. I figure that is because this bike had a fairing when new and the guy sold it just before he sold my dad this bike and never put the headlight bezel on correctly. Anyway, no sweat, my Dad had his old ones when he put is fairing on in 79. Well, to get them on correctly, I had to loosen the upper TT. I didn't think much about alignment and just visually put it back together. Really, There didn't seem to be but one spot where I could slide the forks in easily. I did some searching and I want to know what to look for if they are out of alignment at all. I have read about wobble, but how do I know if they aren't straight? I test road it down the block at about 20mph but that was fine. At high speed will the bike track sideways like a car if they aren't straight? Or will the handlebars just feel turned to one side? Tomorrow morning I am going to re tighten every thing in case I forgot something(Its late and I am exhausted). Thanks for the patience guys. on a side note, I am glad that " I'me 18 and I like it"- Alice Cooper. Now I can't wait till I am 21. I bet you can't guess why.

[79XS11F]

I'm not sure what you mean by "straight" The upper tubes should be "straight" with in specs and it should make no difference what position they get clamped into the triple tree in... so long at they are at the same height in the TT. If the upper tubes are not straight within spec your going have some issues sooner or latter. The manual will list a spec for the maximum upper tube deflection from perfectly straight that is allowed just as it does for axles etc. If they exceed that spec that may be the answer as to why the seals were burned out so early.
Rob

[skids]

My theory is that the seals dried out from lack of use. Less than 7000 miles in all of those years! I had an xs11 that had leaky fork seals and after a few months, it quit, so I changed the fork oil, thinking they may have run down. There was oil in there and the new oil does not leak excessively.

Originally posted by 79XS11F
If they exceed that spec that may be the answer as to why the seals were burned out so early.
Rob

[79XS11F]

There's no doubt that seals will dry out and that could be the reason for the leak. "Tweaked" upper tubes will also reek havoc on the seals and cause leaks. Given the description of the issue during the install I would be inclined to check them.
In any case the upper tubes should be checked any time the forks are disasembled .
Rob

[HobbyMan]

The tubes are perfect, to scratches, bends, or anything else. What I mean by not "straight" is that maby the upper TT is turned off a few deg so that the forks are not running parallel down to the axle.

[79XS11F]

OK so tubes are good. When I insert my fork upper tubes into the top TT I VERY CAREFULLY wedge a smooth slot tip screw driver into the clamp opening to enlarge the circumference of the top TT opening. It dose not take much and the tubes will not hang up when inserted.
Rob

[pggg]

Well the triple clamp holes are aligned super-precise, only half a mm 'out' and the tubes won't slide into the top clamps.

[HobbyMan]

So what you are saying is that as long as the forks are not bent, the TT will be aligned properly? If thats the case then I am done. I did not get a chance today. I had to get my Tux out and accompany my sister to her formal Army dinner. That was an experience. Thanks for the info guys.

[79XS11F]

Sight unseen ... I would say YES your good to go. There is always some play between the lower TT and upper TT holes because they are clamps that are not perfectly aligned until they are closed and tightened. Torque the bolts as per the manual.
Rob