Leaky fork seal?

[GREENI3]

Recently noticed a film of oil and a few rings of dirt on the left fork.

Obviously it's not dripping oil or anything like that, but I'm having fork gaiters fitted next week, so would rather have the seals in good nick before putting them on.

The right hand stanchion is ok, but when I run my finger over the left one, I can feel the grease-like surface.

Is it worth worrying about?

Here's a few pictures:

https://s12.postimage.org/58seomg71/IMG_0151.jpg

https://s7.postimage.org/hwxt0qa17/IMG_0141.jpg

[moonzoomer]

Best replacing both sides at the same time since seals come in pairs, that oil leak is not minor and best dealt with before fitting gaiters and also check the levels of oil is the same in both forks. Now is the time to replace the seals as it will save you hassle and money later.

[Rogerborg]

^^^^^^
Theorist.

Source a piece of stiff plastic or a thin feeler gauge. Wiggle it down between the fork leg and the seal, and work it all the way round. Wipe fork leg clean. Re-evaluate issue.
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Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[moonzoomer]

[temeluchus]

The seals can be gummed up with crud, the suggestion is perfectly fine. Feeler guage will not damage the seal or hard chrome....
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Some shite cruiser. Now with guns and FREEDOM!

[Rogerborg]

[Vincent]

As above, I wouldn't worry too much about it. As Rogerborg says, if you get a bit of dirt between the seal and the stantion, it will start leaking a tiny amount of oil but once you clean behind the seal, it should be fine. Just make sure you don't push the dirt further down.
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Space Is Deep

[pendulum]

My CB500 forks leak a lot more than that and have done for a while (to my shame etc). I'd put it on the list of jobs to get done soon but I wouldn't worry about it as such.
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1998 CG125 (Sold) CB500 [+ Clio 172]
Usually_Wrong: I tend to fail more than pass. [Speaking about Theory Practice]
Usually_Wrong: im on unemployment at the moment

[kestrel]

I'm with moonzoomer, replace the seals, particularly as the OP is having gaiters fitted which would prevent him from seeing if the leaks got any worse.
Front suspension isn't only there to give you a smooth ride, it also has the job of keeping the front wheel in contact with the road. Any deterioration in suspension efficiency also affects grip, braking and handling.
Fork seals and fork oil are cheap!
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Isle of Man.........Road Racing Capital Of The World

[GREENI3]

I had a think about it and decided to have new seals fitted.

Considering that gaiters are going to be put on, I may as well renew the seals at the same time, so I'll know they should last a while.

Thanks for all your input though.

[Fizzer Thou]

I have had a single fork seal weep on both my XR400 and my Exup1000.I used a 20' feeler gauge to 'wipe' between the fork seal and the leg after thorough cleaning of the area under the dust seal and this cured the problem on both bikes.This was 7,000 miles ago on the Exup and 2200 miles ago on the XR400.There was no noticeable deterioration in the handling from small amounts of oil that had been lost.
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Just talk bikes.What else is there?

Always have a 'Plan B'

[Vincent]