All Balls dust seals

[Kep]

After getting an extra 15,000 miles from my fork seal thanks to Seal Doctor...finally had to rebuild forks. Bought the All Balls set that many have recommended on here and all was good ...except...the AB dust seal is near impossible to get seated...ended up buying the OEM set and they fit great.Had purchased a new set of progressive fork springs but happened to talk with Bob (Attic Rat) and he advised me against them because he said he had put a set in that made the front end way too stiff....I value his opinion very Highly , so , no spring change. I also had a question for him as to how short of a rear shock I could run with the OEM tire , because I lowered the rear from a 13" to an 11-1/2" Progressive (which I traded him for a few years back) I have been running Dark-side since then , but due to an issue with a rear wheel bearing damaging the race , I am replacing the rear wheel and decided to go back to an MC tire (get spoiled with the handling when I ride my Wing) I am an Avon Cobra lover and so is Bob . He told me he had just bought a 200/60/16 Chrome from Walmart.com for $125.00!!!I did the same , had it 2 days later, free shipping. Looks Fat and low , same profile look as the 205/55/16 Firestone Firehawk that I was running.Again , thanks to this forum/tech board , the great people on here , and especially Bob , who is a plethora of knowledge. I've been accused of having diahrea of the mouth sometimes so I try not to bother Bob because he is a busy guy. However , he is always accomodating and friendly(and could probably out-talk me,haha) so we wouldn't be a very good combo on the phone.Again , thanks to all.
P.S. Happy Birthday Rainman (Steve Eads....another great Brother)

[Foozle]

I have used All Balls fork bushings on rebuilds (which seem to fit OK), but have stayed with OEM fork and dust seals for the reasons you mentioned.  As always, YMMV.  Terry

[da prez]

I have had two not so good experiences with all balls. OEM is best and easiest to install. I have only done about 10 sets.

       da prez

[9Ball]

I’ve had Progressive fork springs since my ‘99 was about 1 year old and it has to be one of the best improvements performance wise for the cost.  The front end floats over bumps instead of jolting and the handling along with 440 progressive rear shocks is phenomenal.

Many put too much oil or heavier than recommended and this leads to a stiff suspension.  I found out that somewhere between 1 and 2 ounces less fork oil per side suits me.  I use oem SS-8 10w fork oil.

There is a lot of info available in the forums and I would guess a few satisfied riders using progressive springs.  You’ll find other product recommendations (Works), but I believe the progressives are the least expensive option.

I just rebuilt my forks last summer as I had a severe leak on one fork and I replaced the sliders and seals using oem.  I had bought a set of the all balls and decided not to use them based on some online criticism.  My bike is coming up on 22 years old and I know I won’t have to ever do this job again in my lifetime.

I just got replacement 444 rear shocks under the 440 lifetime warranty (with original sales receipt) as the right side was leaking oil badly.

Just wanted to share an opposing opinion based on my longtime experiences.

[ridingron]

Just curious, did you make sure they were greased? My 'Wing buddy bought some of their bearings and there was next to no grease inside the seals.

A lot of the Honda ST guys switch to taper roller bearings when replacing the steering stem ball bearings. I also got wheel bearings and seals from these guys. Name brand and cheaper than Honda. I also got some Moto Guzzi bearings. The guy didn't seem to blink an eye with the request.

CBR Bearing, Inc. Fallbrook, CA 92028 1-800-769-5388. Ask for sales. They speak motorcycle.

[h13man]

I wouldn't use ANY All Balls  seals or bearings. Replaced the Vulcan rear wheel bearing with AB's, very lose/sloppy feel compared to a nice Japanese made bearings. Most folk that use the fork seals have failure long before a set of OEM. Seals. brake pads, and bearing are my OEM preference though good/equivalent bearings are readily available at your local power motion dealers.

[old2soon]

         When da prez and I rebuilt my forks I had purchased A Bs seals. Turned out too be twice they got purchased-first and more importantly LAST Time for A Bs. Went with Honda O E M and Never been sorry bout that decision. Lotsa us here found out the hard way Mama Honda do it better-even on MOST replacement parts. RIDE SAFE.

[da prez]

I installed a set of ab bearings in an old Honda Goldwing triple tree. Good fit and caged bearings.

         da prez