Fork leaking after high-side

K

Krime

Well-known member
Site Supporter
In september of last year I high-sided my bike at around 40km/hr. I rode for a short distance before winterizing it, and it ran relatively well although the bike did feel a bit off when leaning to the right while cornering - felt like there was a lack of traction, like the bike wanted to slide out from me. Initially I thought it may have been from the cold asphalt and tires that time of year.

Looking at the bike now in the spring (as I'm replacing bodywork), I noticed the left fork has leaked over the winter. I'm thinking that this may have something to do with the way the bike felt while cornering in the fall.

The bike is a '04 GSXR1000 with 70,000kms and still with original seals and oil. Imagining replacing the seals and oil would be a good start... just hope there isn't a more serious issue like a bent fork. Figure it's best to take it into a shop, any recommendations now that Z1 Cycletech has moved from my area (Richmond Hill)? Also, any way I can self assess damage before taking it in?

Thanks.
 
Last edited:
While Sharrard is great at suspension you may want to have the whole bike looked over. Pro 6 cycle perhaps?

I know they have shims to temp patch up a fork leak. SealMate I think is the name.
 
At 70k the forks should have been serviced long time ago. Take them to your favorite shop and have them change oil and seals.

I does not necessarily have to do with the accident, at 40k my zx6r started leaking oil from the seal.

..and how do you High-side at 40km/hr?
 
meme said:
While Sharrard is great at suspension you may want to have the whole bike looked over. Pro 6 cycle perhaps?

I know they have shims to temp patch up a fork leak. SealMate I think is the name.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the tip. In terms of Seal Mate, I just found out about that online and thought about giving it a try for $5... until I added it to my cart and saw the $40 shipping charge for a thin piece of plastic. ;)

I'll look into Pro 6.
 
ZX600 said:
At 70k the forks should have been serviced long time ago. Take them to your favorite shop and have them change oil and seals.

I does not necessarily have to do with the accident, at 40k my zx6r started leaking oil from the seal.

..and how do you High-side at 40km/hr?
Click to expand...

Yeah figured it would be good to get the forks sealed by now anyways. I'm pretty confident the leak is from the high-side... I'm amazed at how the forks don't visibly seem damaged form the outside (no bending or misaligned triple tree)... wouldn't be surprised if the seal got damaged from the impact.
 
Last edited:
Wondering if the fork is potentially twisted and causing the leak? Is it worthwhile to try realigning the forks? What's the correct way to do this, from what I understand, you loosen the bolts on the lower triple and steering stem, then compress the forks a few times and retighten? Worth a shot I suppose.
 
That won't do anything, if you want to play around go get a roll of camera film, cut a hook shape out of it and insert it between the seal and fork tube and pull it around. I've never tried it but I've heard it sometimes works if theres debris in there and the seal isn't physically damaged. Be sure to pry the dust seal up first.
 
Krimesf4i said:
Ended up taking it all the way there. Was very pleased to meet John, he seems like a great guy who knows his stuff. Getting my bike back in a couple weeks.
Click to expand...
Great choice man. You won't be disappointed in how well she handles when you get her back. Make sure you spank her good to keep her inline! Any just FYI, John lives real close to Hwy 507, Elephant Lake Rd, Peterson Rd, etc. etc. etc.
 
johnscruiser said:
Great choice man. You won't be disappointed in how well she handles when you get her back. Make sure you spank her good to keep her inline! Any just FYI, John lives real close to Hwy 507, Elephant Lake Rd, Peterson Rd, etc. etc. etc.
Click to expand...

Good stuff, thanks for the tip.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom