front fork seals...

[verngroves]

I've a 2000 Valkyrie Standard with 55,000 miles on her and the right front fork is leaking fluid. Last year I had a leak and did the camera film trick and it worked to stop the leak. This year, that trick won't work, so I'm thinking I'll have to replace the seals. I'm also thinking about putting in new springs. Are progressive springs the way to go. If so, what number. Is there a fork seals kit that I can buy? Where would be the best place to purchase them.  Also, where would be the best place to buy the springs? Can I buy the whole set, springs and seals, in a kit form? What else should I be thinking about here since I'm tearing it apart. Also, are there any videos that can guide me in the process of tearing it apart and putting it back together....to be better?


Thanks in advance for any help you might have. The weather is warmed here in Central NY and I want to get this done as soon as I can. Time is always the thing (oh yeh, money too).

Vern

[hubcapsc]

If you root around over on valkyrienorway.com, you can find the manual
and Dag's write-up on how he changed his fork seals and springs. Dag
didn't follow the instructions in the manual...

http://www.valkyrienorway.com/forksprings.html

There's "wear parts" listed in the manual, bushings and stuff that might
be worth replacing when you have the forks apart.

Here's a place on Amazon with decent spring prices:
http://www.amazon.com/Progressive-Suspension-11-1513-SPRING-VALKYRIE/dp/B000VZMKQ6

There's a lot of good honda-part places... servicehonda.com is one...

-Mike

[TWiesen]

i just did mine, the manual guided me right through it.  its a lot of detail that you may not need to follow every little step.  you can do it in an afternoon as long as you got everything you need right there.

[Steve K (IA)]

Here is the list of parts.  I got mine from HDL (www.hondadirectline.com)
The part numbers listed are Honda so get them from whoever has the best price.

SEAL SET, FR. FORK
51490-MW0-003
002
$20.43

This "set" has 1 oil and 1 dust seal...order 2 sets.

...........................................................
BUSH, GUIDE
51414-MT7-003
002
$13.41

These are sold (each) order 2
---------------------------------------------------------------

BUSH, SLIDER
51415-MCH-003
002
$6.30

Same here...order 2
---------------------------------------------------------------
Also get the O-Rings   91356-KZ3-003  $2.50  get 2

The job isn't all that difficult, but I didn't replace the springs.  Shortly after buying the bike new (2000 I/S), I had Progressive springs put in.  Wished I hadn't.     But that's just my opinion.

[bentwrench]

I don't have a link to it.but there is an excellent vid of a guy doing an  O/H on a set of vtx forks.The job is the same as a valk.Watching that first will take a lot of the mystery out of it.

[PharmBoy]

Not really a bad job as long as you have all the tools at hand when you start.  I have done 6 or 7 sets and put progressive springs in each bike.  Everyone seems to like them.  I know that I sure do.  There is only one thing that I would add to the parts list and that is the Motion Pro 08-0121 Fork Oil Level Tool which can be obtained from Amazon or several other suppliers.  The Valk manual gives specific directions as to how to use it since each fork uses a different amount of oil.  Just go slow and lay out all the pieces in the order that you removed them from the fork.  Put them back in the reverse order and you are ready to ride...Jim

[sandy]

I've done a dozen or so. I even did my 1800 wing. Instead of the oil level tool, I use a standard 12" wooden ruler. Just lower it in to the proper level. When you pull it out, it'll show the level if you're too high or come up dry if you need to add any. BTW: I've used OEM seals and K&L seals. Can't tell the difference. K&L is now making fork parts kits with all the parts in one package. Check with a local service shop to see if they'll sell one to you.

[verngroves]

Wow, lots of good info here. Thanks for such great feedback. Now I'll do my homework. I'm going to my local dealer tomorrow morning. He's a great source for getting good prices and also an excellent Valkyrie mechanic. I'll give him what I've found for prices on-line and see if he will match it. He quite often can and will. We shall see..

Again, this site is terrific. I feel like you all are teachers and this is sort of like going to school for Valkyrie mechanics. 

[Kunkies]

Has anyone installed the Goldwing 13.3" front fork springs?  If so, what was the result?

[98valk]

might just be a build up of air pressure which inverted forks are known for.
mine were leaking at one time, did the film trick, stopped leaking. yr later started to leak again, did recommended movement with forks, leaked stopped.

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,67822.0.html

[Maxx]

All,
Just did seals on my 98 tourer. Added oil per specs and level. First ride out noticed a spongy and lower ride. Did not change springs. Assuming I need to add more oil to each fork. Can someone confirm?  Thanks Maxx.

[DK]

might just be a build up of air pressure which inverted forks are known for.
mine were leaking at one time, did the film trick, stopped leaking. yr later started to leak again, did recommended movement with forks, leaked stopped.

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,67822.0.html

What is the "felt behind outer seal trick"?

I can't find it in search.

Dan

[98valk]

might just be a build up of air pressure which inverted forks are known for.
mine were leaking at one time, did the film trick, stopped leaking. yr later started to leak again, did recommended movement with forks, leaked stopped.

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,67822.0.html

What is the "felt behind outer seal trick"?

I can't find it in search.

Dan

I found that on a Dirt bike site. They stated it reduced the amount of dirt getting into the seal area, letting the seals last longer of course in the extreme harsh conditions of off road dirt riding.
sounded like a good idea. its just window weather stripping felt lightly oiled w/fork oil.

[N8171S]

I have  added "Shock Sox" to both my valks.  Got them on ebay for $24