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!

Black Motorcycle Fork Components

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The Speed Merchant 49 mm Elite Triple Trees - Black - 2006-17 Harley-Davidson FXD/FXDB/FXDC
$836.96 $929.95

The Speed Merchant 39 mm Fork Preload Adjuster - Black Anodized Finish
$152.96 $169.95

The Speed Merchant 49 mm Fork Preload Adjuster - Black Anodized Finish
$161.96 $179.95

Progressive Suspension Monotube Fork Cartridge Kit - Lowering - 1997-13 Harley-Davidson FLT/FLHT/FLHR/FLTR
$455.36 $505.95

The Speed Merchant 49 mm Elite Triple Trees - Black - 2018-21 Harley-Davidson FXBB/FXLR/FXST
$836.96 $929.95

Progressive Suspension Monotube Fork Cartridge Kit - Lowering - 2000-10 Harley-Davidson FXST
$279.31 $287.95

Progressive Suspension Monotube Fork Cartridge Kit - Standard - 2015-16 Harley-Davidson FLHTCUL/FLHTKL
$517.46 $574.95

Progressive Suspension Monotube Fork Cartridge Kit - Standard - 2018-21 Harley-Davidson Softail (except FLSB, FXFB, FXDRS, FXLRS)
$517.46 $574.95

Progressive Suspension Monotube Fork Cartridge Kit - Lowering - 2007-10 Harley-Davidson XL883L 10-15 XL883N 07-12 XL1200N 10-15 XL1200X
$279.31 $287.95

Progressive Suspension Monotube Fork Cartridge Kit - Standard - 2016-20 Harley-Davidson XL883L XL1200C
$282.56 $313.95

Progressive Suspension Monotube Fork Cartridge Kit - Standard - 2016-21 Harley-Davidson XL883N
$259.16 $287.95

Progressive Suspension Monotube Fork Cartridge Kit - Standard - 2017-20 Harley-Davidson FLHT/FLHX/FLHR/FLTRX/U/K
$279.31 $287.95

The Speed Merchant 39 mm Speed Triple Trees - Black - 1991-05 Harley-Davidson FXD 1988-20 XL 1988-00 FXR
$728.96 $809.95

Progressive Suspension Monotube Fork Cartridge Kit - Lowering - 2014-16 Harley-Davidson FLHT/FLHX/FLHR/FLTRX/C
$517.46 $574.95

Progressive Suspension Monotube Fork Cartridge Kit - Lowering - 2000-17 Harley-Davidson FLST
$279.31 $287.95

Progressive Suspension Monotube Fork Cartridge Kit - Standard - 2014-18 Harley-Davidson FLHTCUTG
$517.46 $574.95

Progressive Suspension Monotube Fork Cartridge Kit - Lowering - 2007 Harley-Davidson XL50 04-10 XL883C 8831200C 04-10 XL1200R 06-07 XL883R
$279.31 $287.95

Progressive Suspension Monotube Fork Cartridge Kit - Standard - 2099-13 Harley-Davidson FLT/FLHT/FLHR/FLHX/FLTR
$413.96 $459.95

Progressive Suspension Monotube Fork Cartridge Kit - Standard - 2007 Harley-Davidson XL50 04-10 XL883C 04-09 XL1200R 06-07 XL883R
$279.31 $287.95

Progressive Suspension Monotube Fork Cartridge Kit - Standard - 2007-10 Harley-Davidson XL883L 10-15 XL883N 07-12 XL1200N 10-15 XL1200X
$279.31 $287.95

Progressive Suspension Monotube Fork Cartridge Kit - Lowering - 2016-17 Harley-Davidson XL1200V
$259.16 $287.95

Progressive Suspension Monotube Fork Cartridge Kit - Lowering - 2017-20 Harley-Davidson FLHT/FLHX/FLHR/FLTRX/U/K
$517.46 $574.95

Progressive Suspension Monotube Fork Cartridge Kit - Lowering - 2018-20 Harley-Davidson Softail (except FLSB FXFB FXDRS FXLRS)
$517.46 $574.95

Progressive Suspension Monotube Fork Cartridge Kit - Lowering - 2006-17 Harley-Davidson FXD (except FXDWG and FXDF)
$359.96 $399.95

Progressive Suspension Monotube Fork Cartridge Kit - Standard - 2014-16 Harley-Davidson FLHT/FLHXFLTR/FLHR/C
$517.46 $574.95

Progressive Suspension Monotube Fork Cartridge Kit - Standard - 2000-10 Harley-Davidson FXST
$279.31 $287.95

Progressive Suspension Monotube Fork Cartridge Kit - Lowering - 2016-20 Harley-Davidson XL883N
$259.16 $287.95

Progressive Suspension Monotube Fork Cartridge Kit - Standard - 2011-15 Harley-Davidson XL883L 05-06 XL883L 12-15 XL1200C 12-15 XL1200C
$298.71 $307.95

Progressive Suspension Monotube Fork Cartridge Kit - Standard - 2016-17 Harley-Davidson XL1200V
$259.16 $287.95

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