Fork Seals / Can I run them without oil?

[Mase]

Hey Valkers!  My Valk has been sitting for months because of work.  I noticed that the forks have leaked a little  ??? but not sure why.  Could the snap in cold weather have caused this?

Either way.  Anyone run them sans the oil?

Mase

[Anthony]

not sure what you are asking :
- is it physically possible to ride without oil in forks : yes, but it will be veerryy soft.
- can you do major damage like this : probably not, but don't take me up on that.
- can you ride while still leaking : that oil is going to get on your brake disk and or the front rubber, so adjust your riding style and don't count on the front break and good grip.
- can you get home like that on a long trip : yes, but get ready to change all gliders, bushings & seals in the forks

i know of 1 valker that rode home for a 1.000 km trip with a leaking fork, empty upon arrival.
not to be recommended, but an option if needed.

Anthony

[Patrick]

It might just fine after you ride it a bit.. It probably hasn't leaked that much and an once or two won't hurt a thing.. A couple ounces will leave a pretty good sized puddle..

[Ricky-D]

After replacing the seals a number of times I finally said piss on it, and suffered for a year with a messy oily spew in the front and on part of the motor.

Now finally, the mess is stopped. I still see a little oil where it runs down onto the caliper but that is the end of it and it's very little effort to take a rag and wipe it clean.

I surmise that the oil in the shock has reached a level where it will not slosh over the internal tube and stays put. How much oil is in there? I don't know!  However I feel no difference in the action of the front end on the road and it is not more bouncy.

Happiness is not having to mess with the shocks anymore.

***

[9Ball]

nice to see you back Mase....

try this link...

http://www.rattlebars.com/vtx/forktools.html

good luck.

John

[Slvrvalk1]

Mase -

You can use automatic transmission fluid instead of expensive fork oil.  I am running that in my forks now and have not noticed any problems. 

Dave

[9Ball]

Mase -

You can use automatic transmission fluid instead of expensive fork oil.  I am running that in my forks now and have not noticed any problems. 

Dave

expensive fork oil?

http://www.directlineparts.com/product.asp?pid=5609&str=2