How can I know my fork springs wear out?

You can tell if you front springs are worn out by how much resistance they give you when you hit the front brake or when you hit a bump. If you notice your front end is diving in the corners and you feel the bike bottom out when you hit a bump, it is possible that your front fork springs are worn out. Another sign is if you notice your motorcycle is not sitting evenly, or your motorcycle tires are not wearing evenly. These are also signs your fork springs may be worn out.

How do I know if your steering / neck bearings are loose?

The best way to check your front steering bearings is to get the front of the motorcycle off the ground. You don’t want any weight on the front of the motorcycle. Next move your motorcycle handlebars from side to side. Everything should feel smooth and consistent. If you feel any hesitation or vibration coming through the bars, your bearings might be damaged. Also pay attention for any spots where the front end hesitates when you turn the bars side, to side; this could be a notch in the bearing race from wear. In this case you should replace your neck bearings and races. Another way you should check to see if the bearings are loose is by grabbing the forks and trying to move them side, forward and back. If you feel them wiggle and there is play at the steering head, tighten your bearings to spec and then test them again to see if they operate smoothly. If they don’t, it is probably time to change your bearings. You can also gauge the tightness of the bearings by, with the front of the motorcycle off the ground, aligning the wheel straight forward and seeing how easily it 'flops' to the side. It shouldn't slam to the side, it should be a nice even movement.

When should fork seals be replaced?

Fork seals should be replaced if you notice that they are cracked, or if you notice that they are leaking. When fork seals are leaking it could be some fluid on the fork tubes, or if they are really bad it could be actively running down the lower legs. You need fluid in your front forks for them to operate properly. The fluid is there to allow some control of the compression and rebound of the forks. It is also there to keep everything cool while the forks are in motion. If you loose too much fluid, you can seriously damage your forks, or cause handling and stability issues.

Can I ride with a leaking fork seal?

Yes, you can ride for a period of time with a leaking fork seal, but you should fix it as soon as possible. You need the fork oil to keep your forks from sustaining damage during use, and to ensure the motorcycle handles as it should. If one fork leg is losing fluid, and the other isn't, it can cause an imbalance that can lead to stability issues. Safety first!

Ready Motorcycle Fork Components

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Til Death Cycles 39mm Extended Damper Tube Kit- Harley-Davidson Front End
19 reviews $104.95

Timken Neck Post Bearing & Race Set Made in USA
15 reviews $28.14

Lowbrow Customs 39mm Tapered Fork Lowers - Aluminum
$334.04

Til Death Cycles 49mm Harley-Davidson Front End Extended Damper Tube Kit
3 reviews $119.12

Lowbrow Customs 39mm Tapered Fork Lowers - Black
$334.04

Lowbrow Customs 39mm Fork Shrouds - Raw Steel - Harley-Davidson Sportsters
18 reviews $119.01

Lowbrow Customs 39mm Narrow Glide Fork Brace - For Lowbrow Narrow Trees
$145.59

Cycle Standard Universal Fork Boot Gaiter Set for 41mm Front Forks
10 reviews $41.38

Lowbrow Customs 39mm Narrow Glide Fork Brace - Standard Width
$145.59

Cycle Standard 39mm Fork Boot Gaiter Set for Harley Sportster's Front Forks
28 reviews $41.63

British Standard Triumph Neck Bearing Conversion Kit | Fit Harley or Springer Front End to Triumph
32 reviews $68.57

Lowbrow Customs 39mm Fork Shrouds - Black - 1987-Up - Harley-Davidson Sportsters
51 reviews $119.18

British Standard Triumph Neck Roller Bearing Conversion - modern bearings for your old Triumph motorcycle
34 reviews $70.38

Til Death Cycles 39mm Harley-Davidson Cartridge Eliminator Kit
3 reviews $169.10

Til Death Cycles 49mm Harley-Davidson Cartridge Eliminator Kit
1 review $178.28

British Standard Stainless Steel Fork Seal Holders 1968-1970 Triumph
1 review $149.29

EMGO Triumph Rubber Fork Gaiters 1963-68 T120 Bonneville TR6 Tiger OEM # 97-1645
5 reviews $25.27

Cycle Standard Fork Boot Gaiter Set for 1954 - 1970 Harley-Davisdson Ironhead Sportster XL Models OEM #46001-54
4 reviews $33.69

Cycle Standard Neck Post Bearing & Race Set Made in China
$15.99

Koyo Bearings Neck Post Bearing & Race Set Made in Japan
$21.95

Bare Knuckle Performance 49mm Mid Glide "The Clinch" Fork Brace - Gloss Black
$324.00

Bare Knuckle Performance 49mm Mid Glide "The Clinch" Fork Brace - Raw
$299.00

Bare Knuckle Performance 39mm Narrow Glide "The Clinch" Fork Brace - Gloss Black
$299.00

Bare Knuckle Performance 39mm Narrow Glide "The Clinch" Fork Brace - Raw
$274.00

V-Twin Manufacturing Tapered Neck Bearing Conversion Kit for 1952 - 1977 Harley-Davidson XL
7 reviews $76.57

British Standard Stainless Steel Fork Seal Holders Triumph 1963 - 1967
8 reviews $145.66

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