Front Fork Link

[rsjb41]

I purchased a 05 last Friday (32,000 miles). Today I rode it for the first time around town without a helmet on and noticed a air (swishing) sound when riding over any bumps in the road. I looked at the forks and the right one looks a little wet. Would this just be a seal or am I going to have to the forks rebuilt or ??? I'm not much of a mechanic and don't know much about this.

Thanks,

Rod

 

[FJR-RemingtonRider]

Well haven't had any leaks on the FJR, however when my connie was purchased it too had that sound and some wetness around the fork. Had to have the seals replaced.

Try cleaning the fork up real good, dry it off, and go for a ride....if you come back and there is a oily film then it's probably the fork seal...more than likely due with the mileage.

There is currently a group buy for fork spring rebuild located on the forum; a 2 weeks back.

I did not do the rebuild, but ordered Traxxion springs to install with fresh fork oil, and it's made a very solid difference. From what I've read the rebuilt is like a suspension dream come true.

 

[JamesK]

Sounds like a seal, and you should do both if you're doing it, they're probably the original seals.

Man no helmet :wacko: wow!, what was your previous ride an HD

Not to lecture, but I'd hate to see an FJR brother end up like this, or anyone for that matter.

 

[RadioHowie]

Sounds like a seal, and you should do both if you're doing it, they're probably the original seals.Man no helmet :wacko: wow!, what was your previous ride an HD

Not to lecture, but I'd hate to see an FJR brother end up like this, or anyone for that matter.

[SIZE=36pt]DUDE!!![/SIZE]

That's worse than posting NWS stuff. Howzabout a link instead of a pic next time??? <_< :angry: :glare:

 

[rsjb41]

Sounds like a seal, and you should do both if you're doing it, they're probably the original seals.Man no helmet :wacko: wow!, what was your previous ride an HD

Not to lecture, but I'd hate to see an FJR brother end up like this, or anyone for that matter.

OMG...That is nasty!

No, never have and never will ride a HD. I always wear a helmet...but just ran to the store a few blocks away when I heard the sound from the forks. I think I will never get on again without one after seeing that!

 

[rsjb41]

Sounds like a seal, and you should do both if you're doing it, they're probably the original seals.Man no helmet :wacko: wow!, what was your previous ride an HD

Not to lecture, but I'd hate to see an FJR brother end up like this, or anyone for that matter.

Is that picture real??? What happen to that dude?

 

[xcsp]

I purchased a 05 last Friday (32,000 miles). Today I rode it for the first time around town without a helmet on and noticed a air (swishing) sound when riding over any bumps in the road. Thanks,

Rod

My '03 forks have made that sound since new, figured it was normal. Never any signs of leaks at the seals.

 

[user 213]

Is that picture real??? What happen to that dude?

Isn't that the guy that bit down on a blasting cap and it went off? IIRC, not a moto related injury.

 

[JamesK]

Is that picture real??? What happen to that dude?

Isn't that the guy that bit down on a blasting cap and it went off? IIRC, not a moto related injury.

Don't know for sure, but can see it happening on an MC. I knew of a guy who went pavement surfing wearing an open-face helmet and ended up grinding his jaw off.

 

[Harald]

I'm reading this thread during lunch at work and for some reason the ham and cheese sandwich that my wife lovingly prepared for me doesn't taste very good today. Anyone have any idea why that might be? <_<

 

[RadioHowie]

I'm reading this thread during lunch at work and for some reason the ham and cheese sandwich that my wife lovingly prepared for me doesn't taste very good today. Anyone have any idea why that might be? <_<

.....'cause it exploded in yer face????

 

[rsjb41]

On a good note...I stopped by the dealer today and they said since they missed the fork link in thier used bike inspection they are going to take care of it. I am paying for the other side and having fluid and seals replaced.

 

[FJR-RemingtonRider]

Man, there's gotta be a caution put on something like that........then link...agree with above post there.

 

[xcsp]

On a good note...I stopped by the dealer today and they said since they missed the fork link in thier used bike inspection they are going to take care of it. I am paying for the other side and having fluid and seals replaced.

Good to hear the dealer is taking care of it. Let us know if the "Swishing" noise goes away after the service.

 

[JamesK]

Man, there's gotta be a caution put on something like that........then link...agree with above post there.

Sorry, if this upset you, but as they say a picture tells a thousand words. I only post warnings for not work friendly images, this one is just not lunch friendly

 

[FJRAL]

When I see the fork leak issue come up I like to mention my '04 FJRABS. Right fork leaked, was fixed, leaked again, fixed, leaked again. Two different wrenches, two sides of the country. Both well respected.

I asked the second wrench to fix again, and to check out all very carefully since there was something wrong, but appartently hard for even an experienced "well respected" wrench to find. Right hand tube was flawed, little flaws in the surface hardly noticeable, and a part of the flaws were where the seal rested on the tube when the bike was on the centerstand, and some were elsewhere in traveled and nontraveled areas.

 

[Jack G]

Same problem. '04 with 30K right fork seal leaking. Any ballpark on repair costs? Should I have both done? Problem is it leaks onto the right caliper/pads/rotor so new pads also.

 

[Yambone]

Same problem. '04 with 30K right fork seal leaking. Any ballpark on repair costs? Should I have both done? Problem is it leaks onto the right caliper/pads/rotor so new pads also.

Had seals done last year. (One leaking, but replaced both.) Ballpark was $150, providing my own fork oil. I took forks off myself saving some coin. I'm guessing a shop would charge (at least) another hour labor if they pull the wheel and forks themselves.

Changed out front brakes myself last week. Local stealer charged $37 x 2 for front brake pad kits. And $5 for one little cotter pin that holds the brake retainer clip in place! (Don't know how that little bugger went missing.) You can do better than this on the internet...$27 per pad kit at Stadiumyamaha.com, for example.

 

[bigjimbiker]

I purchased a 05 last Friday (32,000 miles). Today I rode it for the first time around town without a helmet on and noticed a air (swishing) sound when riding over any bumps in the road. I looked at the forks and the right one looks a little wet. Would this just be a seal or am I going to have to the forks rebuilt or ??? I'm not much of a mechanic and don't know much about this.
Thanks,

Rod

I purchased a new 08AE in 09 at a healthy discount and am very happy with the bike. Put new tires on at 8,000 miles and the tech noticed some leakage on the right fork. Yamaha footed the bill for replacement parts and after a two week wait for one backorded seal I was back on the road and grinnin' again. Alas after another 1,000 miles I noticed more leakage on the same side and she's back in the shop for another go round. I think if it happens again I'll be asking for a total new fork assembly. One of my friends theorized that since it was a leftover model, the seals may have become brittle and maybe a grain of sand could have scored the main tube...I don't know but regardless, it's not a problem I remember from the past and I hope it gets fixed soon...bigjimbiker :glare: