Front Fork Woes

[Axel]

So after the third set of fork seals this season and new bushings , one seal is still leaking a lot .There was fluid on my brakes today on the test ride . Time for different forks ?

[bikerphil]

If you go with the progressive springs, you won't need air anymore, and you can use the Leakproof Seals. Just a suggestion.

[Axel]

Hey

Hey Phil . I have the progressive springs (no air) and I've used 2 or 3 different kinds of seals .
All-balls red seals ,some black seals and red seals from XJ4ever (which I think are the same as All-balls) . Inner and outer bushings have been changed as well .

[bikerphil]

I've used the Leak Proof brand before on pitted tubes and they stopped the leaks. They were first designed for motocross applications, then developed for street bikes. They are flexable and don't need to be driven in like a conventional seal. Dennis Kirk has 'em. They're about $20 American for a set.

[snowdog51]

forks

fj forks dropp right in just 1 7/8 inch spacer nice brakes nice handling

[xs11bobber]

If you go with the progressive springs, you won't need air anymore, and you can use the Leakproof Seals. Just a suggestion.

Can you replace just the springs to do this conversion? I just bought some air'd on eBay, but I'm a little worried about when they start leaking.

[GARTHXS]

spacer

fj forks dropp right in just 1 7/8 inch spacer nice brakes nice handling

Where does the spacer go?

[bikerphil]

Can you replace just the springs to do this conversion? I just bought some air'd on eBay, but I'm a little worried about when they start leaking.

Replacing the springs with the Progressive ones will eliminate the need for air, but your seals still have to be in good condition or you're gonna have fluid leaks. The ride is much better with these springs IMHO. I'm running them in both my 11's.

[WMarshy]

Replacing the springs with the Progressive ones will eliminate the need for air...

Phil, to my understanding the 79's didnt have air forks unless they were specials...? Is this correct? I have been wondering about the progressive springs for mine and was wondering if they are different springs beteen the two types... Can you clarify please? Thanks.

[bikerphil]

Phil, to my understanding the 79's didnt have air forks unless they were specials...? Is this correct? I have been wondering about the progressive springs for mine and was wondering if they are different springs beteen the two types... Can you clarify please? Thanks.

You are correct. The 78-79 Standards were not air forks but the 80 and up's are air type. All the Specials are air type forks. The Progressive springs are the same for all the XS11's, Standard and Special. The Specials require a 3.5" spacer on top the springs which is included in the kit, Standards (all), no spacer.

[fredintoon]

So after the third set of fork seals this season and new bushings , one seal is still leaking a lot .There was fluid on my brakes today on the test ride . Time for different forks ?

Hi Axel,
and don't you just go sliding on when your brake pads get oil on them?
Got me a right forearm just like Popeye's from that.
OK, the seals I changed were most likely the one's that the bike had from the factory but if your new seals are leaking, check the fork tubes.
Any surface defect in the fork tube that's big enough to see or feel will chew at the seal and make it leak.
If you find such a flaw, replacing the tubes is the only answer. Or as you say, swapping in another fork.

[Axel]

One more time - pls

Got another set of forks on the way. Polished the cr@p out of the pitted tube with crocus cloth then Autosol . Then I waxed it ??? Anyway after my holidays in NS I will be ready to confront this problem again . I just think I'll sneak out for one last ride - ok maybe 2 .
I cleaned the brakes off with carb cleaner and re-adjusted the pinch bolt . Seems the disc was touching the caliper !!!