Fork seals again

[Geezer]

I figured it has been long enough since the last fork seal discussion that I could bring it up again without fear of too many flames.

I know that the factory seals are best but none of the local dealers have them in stock and the pair I bought before I moved aren't turning up anywhere.

Anybody have any favorite aftermarket source for fork seals? Mikes XS has seals but I don't know if they're the right size for the 1100.

Geezer

[bikerphil]

fork seals

I like the Leak Proof brand. They just pop in without a driver and can be removed and put into another set of forks if needed. I've had good results with the Parts Unlimited brand also. The Leak Proof seals are great especially if your fork tubes have a few dings in them.

[skids]

Re: fork seals

Just make sure they are right for your model. They do vary with size.

[Geezer]

I'd like to get the ones from MikesXS but I can't find the specs on the XS11 for seals.

The MikesXS seals are 35 x 48 x 10.5/11 mm.

Anybody know if these are the right size?

Geezer

[bikerphil]

seal dimensions

Standard: 37X49X8
Special: 37X48X10.5

XS650 seals won't work. HTH

[Geezer]

Too bad, the MikesXS seals looked to be the best quality.

Geezer

[XSPastor]

They do vary with size.

Doesn't everything?

[stoked]

Re: fork seals

Originally posted by bikerphil
I like the Leak Proof brand. They just pop in without a driver and can be removed and put into another set of forks if needed. I've had good results with the Parts Unlimited brand also. The Leak Proof seals are great especially if your fork tubes have a few dings in them.

wha wha, what is this you speek of? I've heard good and bad things about these but had no idea they were that flexible. I wouldn't mind replacing them often if it was that easy.

[bikerphil]

seals

The Leak Proof seals aren't rigid like the OEM type. They just pop right in with no tools. I have them on my Special right now which has dinged up tubes from the PO (vise) . The OEM type seals would only last a few weeks in this particular application, but the Leak Proofs are still goin' strong after 2 years. YMMV. They come in regular and moly. If the tubes are pristine, I'd probably go with the OEM type though, they have a little less stiction.

[stoked]

Re: seals

Originally posted by bikerphil
The Leak Proof seals aren't rigid like the OEM type. They just pop right in with no tools. I have them on my Special right now which has dinged up tubes from the PO (vise) . The OEM type seals would only last a few weeks in this particular application, but the Leak Proofs are still goin' strong after 2 years. YMMV. They come in regular and moly. If the tubes are pristine, I'd probably go with the OEM type though, they have a little less stiction.

Well that is good info. I have a pair of forks that are in the sort of condition that it sounds like the leak proof seals will be good to try on. Thanks for the info.

[Crazcnuk]

Last ones I used, on my Virago, were from Pyramid in Australia.

They haven't given me any problems.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Yamaha-XS1100-1978-1979-1980-1981-Models-XS-Fork-Seals_W0QQitemZ280263846804QQihZ018QQcategoryZ35233QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1713.m153.l1262

[Geezer]

I still haven't gotten my shipment from Parts'N More but wouldn't you know it, 3 days after I place my order for new seals, I found the pair of Factory Yamaha seals I had.

The real pisser is that they were in a box that was right smack in the middle of my garage and not even that well hidden.

I managed to build up one set of forks from the screwed set on the bike and a set off a parts bike. With a little luck I can have it finished in time for the last couple of dry days of the year...

Geezer