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!

Motorcycle Fork Components

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TrackerDie 39mm Harley-Davidson Front End Extended Damper Tube Kit
6 reviews $79.95

Mullins Chain Drive 39mm Super Narrow Tree Set
15 reviews $500.00

Mullins Chain Drive 41mm Super Narrow Tree Set
1 review $500.00

V-Twin Manufacturing Chrome Neck Cup Hidden Fork Stop Kit 1949-1987 Harley-Davidson Big Twins
6 reviews $82.00

V-Twin Manufacturing Chrome Fork Neck Cup Kit for Harley-Davidson Big Twins
4 reviews $59.95

Lowbrow Customs Top Triple Tree Clamp for Harley-Davidson Dyna - Aluminum
20 reviews $169.99

Burly Brand Slammer Suspension Kit - 1988 - 2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL - Chrome
1 review $351.86 $390.95

Progressive Suspension Replacement Fork Springs 1988-03 Harley-Davidson XL Models
$100.76 $111.95

Cycle Standard Universal Fork Boot Gaiter Set for 39mm Front Forks - Harley Sportster XL FX etc
27 reviews $29.69

Cycle Standard Pro-One Hidden Fork Stop Kit
3 reviews $139.99

Progressive Suspension Heavy-Duty Fork Springs 1999-2005 Harley-Davidson FXD FXDC FXDL 2004-15 XL Models
1 review $114.26 $126.95

Lowbrow Customs 39mm Fork Shrouds - Black
46 reviews $119.99

Timken Neck Post Bearing and Race Set
12 reviews $21.95

British Standard Triumph Neck Roller Bearing Conversion - modern bearings for your old Triumph motorcycle
30 reviews $57.81

Mullins Chain Drive 35mm Super Narrow Tree Set
3 reviews $500.00

Lowbrow Customs 39mm Fork Shrouds - Raw Steel
13 reviews $119.99

Burly Brand Burly Lowboy Fork Lowering Kit - 39mm Sportster- See listing for Fitment
10 reviews $117.23 $120.95

V-Twin Manufacturing Chrome Fork Neck Cup Kit with Fork Stops for Harley-Davidson Big Twins
$73.95

Burly Brand Slammer Suspension Kit - 2004 - 2015 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL - Black
$351.86 $390.95

British Standard Triumph Harley Neck Bearing Conversion - Fit a HD or Springer front end to your Triumph
30 reviews $49.99

Lowbrow Customs BSA Harley Neck Bearing Conversion - Fit a HD or Springer front end to your BSA
9 reviews $74.99

TrackerDie 39mm Harley-Davidson Cartridge Eliminator Kit
$134.95

V-Twin Manufacturing Tapered Neck Bearing Conversion Kit for 1952 - 1977 Harley-Davidson XL
5 reviews $66.95

Cycle Standard Universal Fork Boot Gaiter Set for 41mm Front Forks
8 reviews $29.69

Cycle Standard Fork Boot Gaiter Set for 1954 - 1970 Harley-Davisdson Ironhead Sportster XL Models OEM #46001-54
3 reviews $24.19

Progressive Suspension Replacement Fork Springs 1992-03 Harley-Davidson XL Hugger 883C/1200C
1 review $100.76 $111.95

British Standard Stainless Steel Fork Seal Holders 1968-1970 Triumph
$131.99

TrackerDie 49mm Harley-Davidson Cartridge Eliminator Kit
$129.95

Progressive Suspension Heavy-Duty Fork Springs 2006-17 Harley-Davidson FX Models
$114.26 $126.95

Progressive Suspension Replacement Fork Springs 2016-20 Harley-Davidson XL Models
$100.76 $111.95

Progressive Suspension Replacement Fork Springs 2000-05 Harley-Davidson FXDX/T
$100.76 $111.95

Progressive Suspension Replacement Fork Springs 2004-15 Harley-Davidson XL Models
$100.76 $111.95

Cycle Standard Fork Neck Cup Dust Shield - Top - for Harley-Davidson Big Twins OEM #48361-80
9 reviews $6.05

TrackerDie 49mm Harley-Davidson Front End Extended Damper Tube Kit
1 review $94.95

V-Twin Manufacturing Chrome Neck Cup Hidden Fork Stop Kit 1957-1981 Harley-Davidson Sportsters
1 review $79.95

EMGO Triumph Rubber Fork Gaiters 1963-68 T120 Bonneville TR6 Tiger OEM # 97-1645
3 reviews $20.81

Cycle Standard Fork Neck Cup Dust Shield Set for Harley-Davidson Big Twins OEM #43865-48A
14 reviews $6.05

Cycle Standard Fork Neck Cup Set 1948 -1986 Harley-Davidson Big Twin OEM #48311-60, 48315-60
4 reviews $36.29

Colony #3265-1 Upper Bearing Dust Shield 1949 -Up Harley-Davidson Big Twin 4-speed, Softail to 2017, Dyna/FXR to 2005, Touring 1980 - 2013, Sportster 1982-2003
5 reviews $7.26

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

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

Progressive Suspension Replacement Fork Springs 2016-20 Harley-Davidson XL12000X 1200XS
$124.16 $137.95

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

Mullins Chain Drive 33.4mm Super Narrow Tree Set
$500.00

Burly Brand Slammer Suspension Kit - 2006 - 2017 Harley-Davidson Dyna FXD - Chrome
$351.86 $390.95

Colony #3415-1 Steering Head Cup Set 1930-57 Harley-Davidson and 1930-34 C Singles OEM 2752-30
1 review $36.58 $38.50

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 - 199105 Harley-Davidson FXD 198820 XL 1988-00 FXR
$728.96 $809.95

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