Time to change the fork seal and fork oil

[bluebiker3500]

Hey guys,

Apparently I may not have gone trough my full checklist before getting the bike from the dealer. (after all it only had 2700 miles) A few days ago I noticed the right fork has drops of oil on it and sure enough it confirmed the fork seal is leaking after I cycled the suspension a few times.

I went to a local Suzuki parts dealer and bought (2) dust caps ( P/N 51173-08C20) @  16.70 each and have on order the fork seals (P/N 51153-08C20) @ 11.09 each.
I also ordered an OEM Suzuki GS service manual (P/N 99500-34090-03E)  @ $50.11.  (are these the correct items and fair  prices?)

I've used cylymers before on an outboard motor and they were a bit vague, otherwise I would have bought trough this site.


I tried calling a few placed to locate progressive springs, but the 11-1128 part number is apparently discontinued??? I browsed trough the Tucker- Rocky 2003 catalog at the dealer and found the part number listed as 77-1128.. can anyone confirm if this is the correct #??

I havent picked up the 15W fork oil as yet.

Looks like it'll be quite an expensive first season.

On the bright side, I found a brown box in my carport after I got home. I quickly opened it up and found the helmets of all helmets - the Shoei X-Eleven in Axis yellow.  It is soo light, the yellow is highly visible,  and the whole thing reeks of high-quality craftsmanship. I almost had to wipe the drool off. Thanks to MotoXoutlet - I ordered it Friday morning, and it's here today (Monday)! (Im in South Florida btw)

[Kerry]

Thanks to MotoXoutlet - I ordered it Friday morning, and it's here today (Monday)! (Im in South Florida btw)

Impressive!  I really need to stop in at MotoXOutlet one of these days.  It's very close to where I work, and I have yet to set foot in the place.  (To see just how embarassingly close I am, and how small the store is, read my posts in the MAW or ridegear?? thread.)

I'm in sore need of a new pair of gloves.  This week...yeah, I'll stop in this week....

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Best of luck in getting eveything together, bluebiker3500!

[Blueknyt]

Wow, i just ordered and received within a few days, full gasket kit and fork seals for my GS from parts and more, the gasket kit was like 63$ and the fork seals (2 to a pack) were 8$ total came to 71$ U.S. and free shipping.  even at the bike shop the fork seals came 2 to a pack and was 12.30$

[JohNLA]

Bluebiker, If you have opened your front brake resivior recently, there is a chance that the diaphram did not seat properly and that is where the oil is coming from. Thats what happened to me I was sure my right fork seal was leaking until I finally figured it out.

[bluebiker3500]

Thanks for the tips.  
Kerry - definitely saw your spy-pics of motoxoutlet. I think it dosent matter how small the company is, good service will always win. Unfortunately Motorcyclecloseout.com  havent even processed my order as yet (again since friday morning)  and all you get is voicemail on a paid call.

I went by the dealer today for the title (rode the bike) and he came out to check it out.. mentioned the fork seal leaking to him, and he said he'd repair it for free once the parts arrived. That was nice of him.  I ordered a set of progressive springs as well, so I'll do it instead.
JohNLA - I havent opened the brake as yet, although a torough brake fluid flush is planned for this week.

AS i am awaiting the parts, I wrapped a folded paper towel secured by wire-tie to the fork. That way whatever excess  oil comes on the fork wont drip down to the brake rotor/pad/wheel.

One thing happened yesterday as I warmed the bike up - the rear of the fender got melted (4" section surface and paint) from the exhaust heat. I thought the bike would have been designed properly and I wont have to baby-sit the thing! ( I now use a box-fan at the front of the engine to keep it cool) Not that noticable... but still pissed me off.

[JohNLA]

Most of us have cut our fenders off but I have never heard others complain of melting rear fenders. I have heard stories of front fenders melting if the engine is overheating. :dunno:

[Kerry]

John, he said:

...the rear of the fender got melted (4" section surface and paint) from the exhaust heat.

Emphasis added....

[JohNLA]

Oops need to work on my reading skills.

[Frost]

anyone know how much a fork oil change usually cost???
around???

I have to get it changed when i put in my progressives....

in Canada?...anyone know???

[JohNLA]

Depends on the mechanic. Sometimes they will discount it if you bring the forks in off the bike.

[Frost]

if i can take them off...why not just do it myself then...
approx?