I bought my first motorcycle a few weeks ago. I checked the fork seals before buying, and they were fine. After I got the bike home I noticed there was a fork oil leak. So, I need to replace the fork seals. (the tubes are fine, no gouges etc)
But, I can't find them anywhere. My local Suzuki dealer wants $50 for the pair, and another $50 for a pair of dust seals, which IMO is pretty ridiculous. I can't find them anywhere online. There is a set on eBay but says it'll only fit an 03 - 04.
Any suggestions would be helpful. I don't feel like spending $100 on four small pieces of rubber
http://www.bikemaster.com/bmstrv2.nsf/Products/B597D344B32B0206862577150050E1A6?opendocument
My model year bike isn't on their list.
Not pretty sure, but E-model seals should work on F too.
We've been tearing into lots of forks in the bike cave.
While the lower part of the tube may be different (due to reflector mounting tabs, some dizzy little circular brand logo, difference in the finish) the seals and dust caps have been the same. Forks are interchangeable (keeping in mind reflector mountings). My 1992 Junior has 2009 forks.
See the bike cave thread showing the tool we used to take apart the forks. You need one to remove the bottom bolt so you can ram out the old fork seals. Hoist up the bike and you can remove one leg at a time. Easier if you have a spare set to rebuild. Then it is just 15 minutes to hoist up the front end a little, drop the wheel and swap the forks one at a time (then you don't have to rip apart the entire front end). 2 people are better than alone - you need someone to help steady the bike. 3 people means you have someone to bring you beers while you work and look for that thing you just dropped and rolled under a cabinet.
We also had a junk triple. We used that in a vice to hold the fork while working on it. Safer to hold the fork tube in a triple than to clamp it in the vice. (Maybe we should make a video?)
We still have a few forks to reassemble and a couple sets to replace seals on. Now is a good time for you to upgrade the fork springs. I found progressives nice for city riding. Soft for little bumps but stiffer for the big bumps.
From the thread:
Rebuilding forks. You can see the threaded rod that Scott made for removing the fork internals. Saved a BUNCH of money from having to buy a Suzuki tool. Did you know that a round paint roller is just the right diameter to press in for seals? (Use an 18" roller, short nap, good strong quality)
(http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb442/adidasguy/GS500/DSC01175a.jpg)
HOISTS: We can hoist up 2 or 3 bikes at one time. Sweet!
(http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb442/adidasguy/Garage/DSC01172a.jpg)
Quote from: justafifteen on September 14, 2011, 01:10:44 PM
I don't feel like spending $100 on four small pieces of rubber
If this is the case, resell your motorbike. Things wear a LOT faster on a bike than a car, service intervals are MUCH shorter forcing you to spend money way more often - oil, tires, chains, chain lube, etc. You can "not feel like spending" all you like, at some point you will have to accept that Sometimes you just have to ante up - it's the price we pay for owning bikes.
This isn't to say not to try to get a better deal. Just that, it's really a misnomer that owing a motorbike is Cheap. Fuel economy might be better and initial purchase price too, but everything else is more expensive.
Michael
Quote from: mister on September 14, 2011, 02:19:03 PM
Quote from: justafifteen on September 14, 2011, 01:10:44 PM
I don't feel like spending $100 on four small pieces of rubber
If this is the case, resell your motorbike. Things wear a LOT faster on a bike than a car, service intervals are MUCH shorter forcing you to spend money way more often - oil, tires, chains, chain lube, etc. You can "not feel like spending" all you like, at some point you will have to accept that Sometimes you just have to ante up - it's the price we pay for owning bikes.
This isn't to say not to try to get a better deal. Just that, it's really a misnomer that owing a motorbike is Cheap. Fuel economy might be better and initial purchase price too, but everything else is more expensive.
Michael
I completely understand this and bought the motorcycle fully knowing this. I think you misunderstood me though. I meant, either $100 for everything at the dealership, or $30 for it all online. And I'm getting that "$30" because I've found GS500E seals on ebay for $15, and dust seals for $15 as well. I hope you understand me lol
Quote from: justafifteen on September 14, 2011, 04:18:49 PM
Quote from: mister on September 14, 2011, 02:19:03 PM
Quote from: justafifteen on September 14, 2011, 01:10:44 PM
I don't feel like spending $100 on four small pieces of rubber
If this is the case, resell your motorbike. Things wear a LOT faster on a bike than a car, service intervals are MUCH shorter forcing you to spend money way more often - oil, tires, chains, chain lube, etc. You can "not feel like spending" all you like, at some point you will have to accept that Sometimes you just have to ante up - it's the price we pay for owning bikes.
This isn't to say not to try to get a better deal. Just that, it's really a misnomer that owing a motorbike is Cheap. Fuel economy might be better and initial purchase price too, but everything else is more expensive.
Michael
I completely understand this and bought the motorcycle fully knowing this. I think you misunderstood me though. I meant, either $100 for everything at the dealership, or $30 for it all online. And I'm getting that "$30" because I've found GS500E seals on ebay for $15, and dust seals for $15 as well. I hope you understand me lol
:thumb:
Michael
the seals are the same for all models there is not a unique 2005 fork thety are all 37mm diameter
I have bought these off pryamid parts and found them reasonably priced and efficient
while you are at it you may want to look a heavier fork oil
40mm plastic plumbing drain pipe works well as an insertion tool as well
its not a biggie and an easy job to do
Cheers
Quote from: birdhandler on September 14, 2011, 09:46:07 PM
the seals are the same for all models there is not a unique 2005 fork thety are all 37mm diameter
I have bought these off pryamid parts and found them reasonably priced and efficient
while you are at it you may want to look a heavier fork oil
40mm plastic plumbing drain pipe works well as an insertion tool as well
its not a biggie and an easy job to do
Cheers
I've also found you can use the old seals to help pound the new ones into place. Saved me from spending the money on a special fork seal installation tool.
Quote from: birdhandler on September 14, 2011, 09:46:07 PM
the seals are the same for all models there is not a unique 2005 fork thety are all 37mm diameter................
I think the 01-02 seals remain different from all the others, I had to get seals for my 02 from Suzuki. The part numbers for the 89-00 and the 04 and later GSs are now the same on the part fiches but the 01-02 remain different.
So it's safe to say that I can buy these for my 2005 GS500F?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Fork-Oil-Seal-Set-Suzuki-GS1000-GS1100-GS500-GS550-GS-/160646002469?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item25673f7725
Yep
K I just bought those. Now, do I need to replace the dust seals as well? Or will I be fine only replacing the oil seals?
You'll probably fuggle up the dust seals removing them and they're old. Replace everything. Do it right. Your bike will be happier.
I reused mine as they looket absolutely perfect. In your case, I'd have a quick look at them and then decide on what to do.
What should I be looking for?
any small damages or ruptures that would allow dirt to get into the forks
Alright thanks!
I bought new OEM oil and dust seals from the Suzuki dealership for $25 this spring. I can't imagine anyone selling them for $100.
Quote from: jacob_ns on September 18, 2011, 05:12:16 PM
I bought new OEM oil and dust seals from the Suzuki dealership for $25 this spring. I can't imagine anyone selling them for $100.
My Suzuki dealer wanted $25 for each dust seal, and $25 for each oil seal. Totally ridiculous