Fork Springs

[maicorider]

Well, I ignored the black rings long enough and it's time to do the fork seals. I figure that since I'm going to be in there, I might as well replace the springs as well. I called the dealer, $21 a piece for the seals , springs unavailable. So my question to you guys is what springs are available? I saw the progressive springs at Dennis Kirk, are those about all I have to choose from? Should I spend this much time worrying about what fork springs to get?


Thanks in advance!

[sidecarKev]

That's alot for seal. Got mine from the dealer for $12 a pair I think. Partsnmore has them for $8 a pair. Not sure on the brand or quality of the partsnmore ones. Dennis Kirk alos has them. They carry Leak-Proof brand seals. I've heard mixed reviews on them.

Partsnmore Fork Seals

Yep the progressives are about all that available except for used ones I think. Progressives are also a decent upgrade.

[maicorider]

thanks for the reply. I looked at partsnmore but bith types of seals are out of stock. $21 seemed pretty darn steep to me too. Dang dealers! I've read good and bad about the ones from DK. I'm betting the bad reviews were from people who had trouble installing them, or didn't polish the tubes before installing them. I'll probably try those, and get the new springs. But of course, DK is currently out of stock on the springs. Anyone know of another site?

[sidecarKev]

This place has them for $60.

Motodepot

Don't know anything about them. They also have seals for $7.95.

[kf4anm]

parts

try www.newmotorcycleparts.com

cycle recycle 2 here in indy

i just installed a set of progressive springs on my gl1100 and versa fork seals. i have been satisfied so far.

[Jerry]

There is some confusion on fork seals. The XS/XJ 1100s used 2 different sizes, 36 x 48 and 37 x 49. My understanding (could be wrong!) is that through-the-fork axles use the 36 x 48 and leading axles use the 37 x 49. Some places (including Dennis Kirk) list the 36 x 48 for all XS/XJ 1100s.

Make sure you get the right size seals for your bike! I don't know if the Yamaha seals are better, or just that Yamaha will give you the right size every time where other sources may not. I suspect a lot of the reported failure/leakage problems are due to getting the wrong size seals.

[sixtysix]

I used a set of the 'leakproof' brand seals and they lasted me 5 years. Not too bad. They are a soft seal with washers on either side for strength. The OEMs have metal built into them and seem stronger. I have heard others who hated the leakproofs, and they leaked in no time. Just my expeience.

Get the Progressive springs. for $70 US you can't go wrong. I loved them.

[John]

My experience has been that most aftermarket seals suck. What good are $12 seals when you have to replace them yearly, when OEM seal fit right the first time and will last for years. Do the work, and spend the $$ once and don't worry about them for a long time.
That's my 2$$ worth

[sidecarKev]

What good are $12 seals when you have to replace them yearly, when OEM seal fit right the first time and will last for years.

But what if my OEM seals were $12?

[John]

Originally posted by sidecarKev

But what if my OEM seals were $12?

Then you got a hell of a good deal!
He must be a kind hearted dealer. The one near me wanted over $20 three years ago. Went to a smaller dealer 12 miles away, and paid $15 for the set.

[sidecarKev]

Then you got a hell of a good deal!
He must be a kind hearted dealer.

To bad its about the only deal I ever got there. Everything else I've checked into is at least twice as much as other sources. Just your typical dealer I guess.

[Winterhawk]

I was out at Merriam Cycle today and they had progressive fork springs and fork Braces. I think the yamaha fork seal are $12.00. The fork brace was costume machined and really nice. I bought one for I think around $165.00.

[btdtdan]

The brace

I been meaning to ask about the fork springs and brace. Anybody know where else to get a fork brace and the price?

[Czekus21]

Check on Ebay. I haven't seen any fork braces for awhile but I have seen them for sale. Also, I bought my fork deals on Ebay with the buy it now deal. They seem to work good so far figuring that the majority of the miles I ride is with SWMBO on the back. Had a few hard stops, thought they would start leaking, Dry so far. ( SWMBO's at work so I guess I can say this and be in the clear) ( as long as she don't read this ) she aint EXactly little.

[Winterhawk]

Here is a pic of the Fork Brace for my 1978 XS1100. I got it from Bob Jones at Merriam Cycle . 913-677-4663.