Front fork

[Tomas]

Looks like I just busted the seal on the front left side fork any one know if its a easy fix? If I take it in is it a expensive fix

[Hook#3287]

If you take it off the bike and take it to a Stealer, it shouldn't cost much more than 1 hour of labor+ parts, about $25.00 for the seal set. 

I've rebuilt three sets and it's pretty easy, but you do need a special tool for the left side.

If your up to the task, maybe someone near you has the tool and would lend it out.

[DFragn]

It's not too costly, but while in there you should do both seals on that fork & check the bushings. I would guess dealer service should charge about 1 -1.5 hrs. per fork.

Depending on your mileage to the forks either from new or last fork service you might want to do or have both forks done, including inspection and replacement of the bushing if needed.
Parts are relatively inexpensive.

If you decide to do it yourself check "ShopTalk" for info & download the service manual [FREE], if you don't have it, from Dag @ http://www.valkyrienorway.com/download.html

If you do both forks it's a good time to consider Progressive Fork Springs as replacements.
http://www.progressivesuspension.com/forksprings/index.html
I think they're about $40.00

If you do the Progressive fork springs many short the fork fluid by 1 - 2 ounces. Because some find them a tad harsh. Air compresses, fluid does not...

[Tx Bohemian]

Looks like I just busted the seal on the front left side fork any one know if its a easy fix? If I take it in is it a expensive fix

There is a video on this post:
(I'd link it here but I'm not that computer literate)

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,27351.0.html

On the 5th post, by Bill Anderson, there's a good video (and links to others) that shows how to go thru forks including the tools you will need (factory and homemade).
I have the downloaded version of the manual but it doesn't print very well.

[fast black]

I guess it depends on where you take the forks to get repaired.  Heartland Honda in Springdale Ar. quoted me $150.00 per fork for labor.  Parts were extra.  Ozark Cycle in Bentonville AR. charged me $45.00 a piece for labor.  I had mine rebuilt at Ozark Cycle. They put new seals and bushings and sliders.

[Baloo]

I did mine last summer and it is not all that bad if you can turn a wrench. You don't need the special tool if you're not replacing the springs. You can do it yourself with the help of people around here and a service manual.

If you dig into it, I agree that you should replace the bushings and seals in both forks. Then you can forget about them for a good while.

Some folks have had success stoping the leak by sliding a piece of 35 mm camera film between the seal and the tube and moving it in a see-saw motion. Sometimes, dirt get caught in between and causes the seal to leak. This procedure removed the dirt allowing contact again between the seal and the tube. Doesn't work everytime, though...

[N8171S]

If you have a lift you can change the seals without removing the forks.  Remove the wiper and snap ring and give the lower half a quick snap downward.  Have a pan under it to catch the oil.  Just remember which way the seal came out.  A 1 1/2 plastic pipe coupling split makes a good driver to reinstall the seal.  Loosen the top pinch bolt and top caps to add the new oil.

[Tomas]

Well Everyone I did call the honda shop and 1 fork labor runs about 125$ and 34$ for the kit they will do both for 175 $ so I am looking at around 250$. Now the question is Do I take it in or try it myself. I am leaning to trying it myself. Thanks for all the help and advice it really helped ease my mind.

[GOOSE]

THOMAS,,,,,,iregardless of whether you do the work on the bike, or take the forks off of the bike to do it....do it yourself-YOU CAN DO IT!!! look at the video/read some posts...YOU CAN DO IT!!!  if you put you location up on the screen, maybe there is someone around close that would help you get through this.  good luck.

[PhredValk]

Thomas; I sent you the instructions, with parts list (cost me $150 or so for both forks) that I got from SteveK on doing the fork seals without any special tools. I'll be trying this this week myself, as my right fork spewed oil over the winter and I assume my right seal is toast. Let me know how it went, and I'll show you mine.
Is this forum great or what?
Fred.

[Tx Bohemian]

Thomas; I sent you the instructions, with parts list (cost me $150 or so for both forks) that I got from SteveK on doing the fork seals without any special tools.

Don't you need a seal driver to install the seals?  Or do the instructions describe a way to do this without the special tool?
If so could you send me these instructions too?

[hubcapsc]

I cut a (1.5 inch?) PVC coupler in two, placed it around the forks,
hose clamped it together and seated the seals that way...

-Mike

[PhredValk]

TX; sent to your e-mail.
Fred.

[Tx Bohemian]

TX; sent to your e-mail.
Fred.

Got it, thanks a million.

[Baloo]

I cut a (1.5 inch?) PVC coupler in two, placed it around the forks,
hose clamped it together and seated the seals that way...

Same here... pretty cheap "special tool" and worked great. It's the only thing a bit out of the ordinary that I needed. I had ordered the tool at first, but after reading here that the job could be done without it if you don't replace the springs (which I did not do) I cancelled the order and have been able to do the complete job without any special tooling.