How Do I Change Fork Seals on a Motorcycle?

Fork seals keep the fork oil inside a motorcycle's fork.

The fork seals on a motorcycle are located in the middle of each fork where the upper fork meets the lower fork. The seals keep the fork oil inside the fork, allowing the forks the compress while you are riding your motorcycle. If the seals leak or are damaged the forks will not operate properly, putting you in serious danger while riding.

Things You'll Need

• Motorcycle jack
• Wrench
• Hammer
• Allen wrench
• Drain pan
• Flat head screwdriver
• New fork seals

Instructions

1. Place the motorcycle jack under the engine block and raise the motorcycle off the ground.

2. Remove the front tire's axle securing nut using the wrench. Hammer out the axle and pull the front tire off the frame.

3. Loosen the fork securing clamps on the top of the handle bars using the large Allen wrench. Once the clamps are loose, pull the fork off the frame. Lay the fork on a padded surface.

4. Place the fork into a drain pan and remove the drain nut from the bottom of the fork. Drain the fork oil into the drain pan. Use the flat head screwdriver to pry the fork seal off the fork. Pull the fork seal up the fork to the top and remove it.

5. Slide the new fork seal onto the fork and down to the fork seal fitting. Press down on the fork seal until the new fork seal locks into place. Replace the fork to the handle bars. Tighten the securing clamps. Replace the front tire to the frame. Replace the axle to the tire. Replace and tighten the securing nut on the axle.

References

• "Royal Enfield Factory Workshop Manual: 736cc Interceptor and Enfield Indian Chief"; Royal Enfield UK Ltd.; 2008
• "Bike Repair & Maintenance For Dummies"; Dennis Bailey and Keith Gates; 2009
• "Motorcycle Basics Techbook (Haynes Manuals) 2nd Edition"; Matthew Coombs; 2002