Forks Leaking Oil Without Being Ridden

[J.M.]

Hi all,

The bike hasn't been ridden for a week or two. When it was parked up last, there was no oil on the floor/forks.

Now a large puddle has developed under the bike. It appears to be coming from the forks - and around the fork seals at that.

What would cause this to happen - and importantly - what steps should I take to fix it?

My current plan is basically just to replace the seals.

I haven't seen the bike yet. My dad was kind enough to send some photos across. I'm hoping to buy the parts I need before heading over there, so that I can attempt to fix it.

https://i.imgur.com/3zugVgKl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/xkftp9Al.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/2AZXbfWl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/ENBGSHvl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/DR5PPRJl.jpg
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2004 R1 & 2018 XSR900

[temeluchus]

cut up a margerine tub to make a fork seal cleaner.

you can then give the seals a damn good scrape, with luck they'll be fine.
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Some shite cruiser. Now with guns and FREEDOM!

[Taught2BCauti...]

These Things work quite well, but as temeluchus says, make one yourself from a margarine tub or a plastic milk container.

If you have lost a lot of oil though, you will probably have to strip the forks anyway.
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Honda Varadero XL125(V8)
www.TheFutureIsHere.eu

[Teflon-Mike]

Are they 'air assisted / air adjustable' on that bike? Ie. do they have a car tyre valve somewhere on the top of the fork? And if so, how much air-pressure has any-one put in'em? And with what?
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My Webby'Tef's-tQ, loads of stuff about my bikes, my Land-Rovers, and the stuff I do with them!
Current Bikes:'Honda VF1000F' ;'CB750F2N' ;'CB125TD ( 6 3 of em!)'; 'Montesa Cota 248'. Learner FAQ's:= 'U want to Ride a Motorbike! Where Do U start?'

[J.M.]

Cheers guys.

I'll likely replace the seals rather than trying to clean. With the bike being 120 miles away, it'll cost more to do it twice than replace them precautiously.

Mike, I'm not sure. I don't think that they are. They have a screw on the top for adjustment rather than a valve.
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2004 R1 & 2018 XSR900

[Vincent]

[Fizzer Thou]

[kramdra]

Did not think RWU forks could leak like that without being ridden?!?!?

[moonzoomer]

Also check your fork caps as well as the seals, the fluid could have been leaking from the tops of the forks but unseen due to headlight , fairings etc, not as common a fault as fork seals but well worth checking and could save you a bit of cost and hassle.

[Teflon-Mike]