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How to change fork seals per manual
Not wanting to steer you down the wrong path but I am not certain there is any other option.
The only stupid questions are the one's that are not asked.

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#31 02-08-2008, 12:03 PM,
getting ready to do seals & dust covers.was searching the tech forum,came across this post.when tricky states you don't have to remove the forks,you mean from the triple tree & leaving the tubes in them?
YOU ARE WHAT YOU ARE & I ARE WHAT I ARE, SO LET'S RIDE !!!!!!!!
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#32 04-02-2008, 11:26 PM,
I have always removed the fork tubes from the triple tree, however there are folk who prefer to leave the tubes in the tree and remove the slider and work on the ground, myself I like to work on the bench.
Even if you remove the tubes from the tree, crack open the fork tube cap before loosening the 6 Allen bolts. WARNING: The fork tube caps are under air and spring pressure. Be sure to release front fork air pressure before disassembly. Use care when removing the caps to keep them from becoming projectiles.
The only stupid questions are the one's that are not asked.

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#33 04-03-2008, 05:42 AM,
the caps will come off with great alacrity if you are not careful and they aim right for your face
78 GL1000 (original owner), 86 1200 with motorvation sidecar (wife's), 05 Road King, and 75 frame and lots of parts
state map: "Lots"-all states if you indlude all my bikes
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#34 04-03-2008, 05:47 AM,
when i did my forks i was afraid of removing them off the bike, not a big deal, i thought i had to remove the fairing so i could unscrew the allen bolts, but it was really easy just had to remove the false tank.

one thing for the folks that doing this for first time. when you finally losen all the bolts and you are pulling the forks off. stop cuz there is a metalic ring, that fits inside the air injector and it keeps the fork leg going up more than needed leaving the air hole out of place. also will lock ur forks to slide them out of the lower steering tree
85' GL 1200 Interstate - My Picture Thread
[Image: signaturebg4.jpg]
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#35 04-04-2008, 03:07 PM,
What Happened with William_86, and his Fresh fork rebuild, but the new rebuild is leaking.

I am going to rebuild my forks tomorrow and have progressive springs, and new seals, bushings.

I am not looking forward to any leaks, But no one is, all we can do is learn from our problems.

I wanted to find out what the problem was, and, if there was a fix what was it??
:lol:

Thank You

Westwing
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#36 05-13-2008, 08:42 PM,
no my forks are not leaking anymore. it was only pushing out the excessive oil on the oil and dust seals. i soaked both seals in a glass with fork oil before installing them Big Grin
85' GL 1200 Interstate - My Picture Thread
[Image: signaturebg4.jpg]
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#37 05-16-2008, 03:08 PM,
I did the same thing on my GL1200, went by progressives instruction sheet filled to the 5.5" height with Belray 15wt fork oil, with fork collased. ride was firm, handles awesome.

I bought a GL1500, and I bought the Progressive suspension springs, rebuilt forks, Guess what, same springs and data sheet as a GL1200, are on the GL1500.

So I went by the progressive instruction sheet again for the GL1500, added up to 5.5" from the top of fork with same 15wt. as progressive doc.s state.

When I test rode the GL1500 it almost bucked me off the bike over very small bumps, it was very harsch ride like no suspension at all. little bump transfered right through the bike and to me.

IT WAS DANGEROUS.

I called Progessives customer support, They said that the 5.5" was only a cautionary statement, Only, and had nothing to do with the amount of oil that should be put into the forks except as a absolute maximum level, and not the prefered level.

The Manual for my GL1500 said that 9.4" from top, so I had about 4.0" more fluid than what should have been in there.

Progressive said that I should put in the amount of fork oil that the factory manual says to put in.

Progressive said It is a fluke that the 5.5" happens to be close enough to work for our GL1200 according to Progressives tech help/customer service

Now I am thinking its no wonder that my bike rides so firm, I may get a little cushier of a ride If I can figure out how much extra fork oil is in my forks in comparison to the stock amount.

Westwing
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#38 08-06-2008, 09:52 AM,
In reviewing the diameters and lengths of both the GL1500 & GL1200 forks.

Diameters both same used calipers to mic dia.

Length is about the same give or take about a 1/2"

GL1200 factory capacity is 11.67 us oz.
GL1500 factory capacity is 10.9 us oz.

The extra 1/2" longer is probably the extra 3/4oz. difference, The GL1200 may be able to take a little extra oil.

I had to remove 4" of fluid out of each fork on my GL1500 to get the fork oil height to the 10.9 factory reccomendation this also puts the ride where it was very comfortable and still firm and handles great without any diving.

ill bet that on my GL1200 if I drain two-three inches drained out of each fork will make the bike a little softer, which would be nice on those long rides. Ill start with two inches as it is easier to take out that it is to put it back in.

Thought I would share what I found

Westwing
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#39 08-06-2008, 12:56 PM,
Update:

I calculated that with my GL1200 using Progressive springs, when filling the forks with Belray 15wt fork oil you will get a better ride putting the oil height up to 3.5" oil height completely colasped and stroking the shock about five times to get the fluid down into the chambers. Or if you did the 5.5" "rule" then you could remove two inches worth of oil, as this takes away the slight harshness that you get with the 5.5" oil height with progressive springs.

What a difference, My Gl1200 was much smoother, much more comphy over longer rides, the typical soreness from long ride and a stock seat are pretty much gone for the most part. But still handles excellent and is firm, infact since the fork/shock was a little harsch before I drain it to 3.5 inches, the tire must have been loseing contact with the rode (actually bouncing over bumps when at 5.5") as it seems as though, I can take corners at faster speeds at 3.5",while it is much easier than before at 5.5".

I dont care much about the speed (well, a well, did I say that) The comfort is nice.

I went on a four hour ride in much more comfort with the stock seat.

I thought I would share my findings

Westwing
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#40 08-13-2008, 09:21 PM,
Im a newbee to this forum so dont laugh when I ask this question about shock oil. I have seen several post about shock oil some have weight like 15wt. I have also see where some say use ATF. Is this auto transmission fluid they are referring to.. or is there a brand ATF shock oil. :roll: I am trying to learn all I can about my 84 gl1200 I plan on restoring it threw the winter months. One of the things I have to do is replace the fork seals.
If I might add this is the best site with alot of good info I have seen yet. Looks like alot of good people here with helpful hints.
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#41 09-23-2008, 04:20 PM,
ATF is transmission fluid
I use 15 weight Belray fork oil, makes it a little firmer.
If your doing the seals while your there might as well do the bushings
The only stupid questions are the one's that are not asked.

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#42 09-23-2008, 07:03 PM,
I thought that is what they were referring to was trans fluid. I plan on doing bushing and new springs as well. New tires, water pump, brakes, plugs & wires, carbs, and all fluids flush and replace. I dont know to much of the history on this bike so Im going to do it all. I got this bike from someone that only had it 2 week. He does not know anything about the bike. So I am going to play it safe and do all maintenance up front. Also the 1st owner took all the saddle bags and trunk off bike and painted it plum purple. That color had to go. I have all ready repainted it Metallic Gray. I still have to get trunk and saddle bags. I want to restore this bike back to original factory. Where is the best place or places to pick up wing parts?

Sorry I tend to run on and get off original subject. I sure this post needs to be somewhere else. Can a admin move this to the appropriate place if needed.

Only has 34,000 miles on it. Now I have that will change real quick.
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#43 09-23-2008, 11:00 PM,
westwing Wrote:Update:

I calculated that with my GL1200 using Progressive springs, when filling the forks with Belray 15wt fork oil you will get a better ride putting the oil height up to 3.5" oil height completely colasped and stroking the shock about five times to get the fluid down into the chambers. Or if you did the 5.5" "rule" then you could remove two inches worth of oil, as this takes away the slight harshness that you get with the 5.5" oil height with progressive springs.

What a difference, My Gl1200 was much smoother, much more comphy over longer rides, the typical soreness from long ride and a stock seat are pretty much gone for the most part. But still handles excellent and is firm, infact since the fork/shock was a little harsch before I drain it to 3.5 inches, the tire must have been loseing contact with the rode (actually bouncing over bumps when at 5.5") as it seems as though, I can take corners at faster speeds at 3.5",while it is much easier than before at 5.5".

I dont care much about the speed (well, a well, did I say that) The comfort is nice.

I went on a four hour ride in much more comfort with the stock seat.

I thought I would share my findings

Westwing

Is the 3.5 inches measured as depth? or is this 3.5 from the top? I assume your filling with the springs out....

Also after all the work I went through I found I already had Progressives in the front....would you replace them with the new ones I bought or just keep the ones I have and sell the new?

Thanks
M
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#44 02-24-2009, 11:21 AM,
EXCELLENT!!! Never found this info in my manual. I was crawling round in the gravel looking for the fork fluid drain plug (like on my old '75) and getting totally frustrated. Now I see it's actually the bolt inside the axle mounting area...cool. I don't think there's any oil at all in the forks, after putting about 3k miles on since Feb, trying all the settings on the TRAC, playing with the air pressure, and experiencing some wobble at various times and under various conditions I'm down to the thought there is no oil in there. So, thanks to your info, I'll be tearing the forks apart for a complete rebuild before we leave for the west coast. I gotta say, VIC, i'm enjoying this SEi immensely. Thanks for all your input, this was a wise buy. Jess
Reply
#45 06-01-2009, 06:45 AM,


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