Why always the left fork seal?

[Gore]

Front fork seal on left went out around 17k miles, replaced both at dealer
Front fork seal on left went out around 55k miles, replaced just the left at dealer (on road trip)
Front fork seal on left went out around 70k miles.

What gives? Anyone with thoughts or comments appreciated.
Why on the front left when seated? Could it be resting on the kickstand side?

Aahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, dam.

[sandy]

It's possible there's a flaw in the slider tube. Next time it's out, take it to a machine shop and have it checked for trueness (is that a word?).

[Daniel Meyer]

Heh...always the right one with me.

See, the universe does balance out.

Couple tricks...one, replace both bushings in each fork when changing the seals.

Two: slide a plastic bag on the slider when installing the seal...the plastic bag needs to cover the groove for the bushing, and you slide the seal over the bag to get it past the groove, then remove the bag...this protects the seal from damage from the slider/groove and they last longer.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Only one I've ever had to leak ( Knocking On Wood ) was the right one..... It didn't really leak more like it poured.

[bogator]

  My left seal is out now, got the parts to fix but don't have the time rat now, will get a round to it out of the drawer soon and fix, ya'll have a great day . ---GOD BLESS--- 

[Gryphon Rider]

Jack up the front end until the wheel is off the ground, clean up the fork tube and inspect it closely, looking for damage.  Of course if you see damage that can compromise the seal, that'll need to be dealt with.  If no damage and the leak is minor, try the "film trick" (35mm camera film forced between the seal and the tube, then worked up/down back/forth to allow the square holes to dislodge any foreign object that might be preventing a proper seal), then see if the leak is fixed.  If the film trick doesn't work and the left seal needs replacing, with 53,000 miles on the right seal, you might as well replace that one as well.

As far as the slider bushings are concerned, the shop manual shows what to look for to determine if they need replacing.  Many replace them when replacing seals regardless of their condition.  When I did my seals several years ago, I decided the slider bushings looked good and didn't replace them.  My seals have been fine since.

[Zswanie]

Hi
I am 1250 km from home and the right fork seal started to leak.  Please look at these photos.  Will I make it home or do I need to repair asap?  I contacted the local dealer, they cannot help for 4 days.  I cannot stay put that long. The front of the engine has a slight oil mist on it at there are a couple of drops pooled on the rim. http://www.flickr.com/photos/marinusswanepoel/8956324740/#in/photostream/http://www.flickr.com/photos/marinusswanepoel/8956324890/#in/photostream/http://www.flickr.com/photos/marinusswanepoel/8955129869/#in/photostream/

[indiandave]

check this post has a link on how to fix with tool but could make tool out of plasitc bottel maybe if yor in a jam. check sealmates video out on how to do

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,55684.msg534999.html#msg534999

I seen in Cyclegear store today

[Daniel Meyer]

Hi
I am 1250 km from home and the right fork seal started to leak.  Please look at these photos.  Will I make it home or do I need to repair asap?  I contacted the local dealer, they cannot help for 4 days.  I cannot stay put that long. The front of the engine has a slight oil mist on it at there are a couple of drops pooled on the rim.

Wrap a bandanna around it to keep oil off your boots and ride it. There's right at a quart of oil in that fork. It's not gonna run out anytime soon and it won't suffer any damage.

[Jess from VA]

I have seen an XL Kotex pad taped on to keep the fluid from running to the brakes.

Probably not a permanent fix, but a good conversation piece.

She's only temperamental every 28 days or so.

[Gryphon Rider]

I have seen an XL Kotex pad taped on to keep the fluid from running to the brakes.

Probably not a permanent fix, but a good conversation piece.

Can you get them in chrome?

[Zswanie]

Hi
I am 1250 km from home and the right fork seal started to leak.  Please look at these photos.  Will I make it home or do I need to repair asap?  I contacted the local dealer, they cannot help for 4 days.  I cannot stay put that long. The front of the engine has a slight oil mist on it at there are a couple of drops pooled on the rim.

Wrap a bandanna around it to keep oil off your boots and ride it. There's right at a quart of oil in that fork. It's not gonna run out anytime soon and it won't suffer any damage.

That is what I thought too, I just needed a second opinion.... thanks