Oops...oil puddle...

[darthandy]

...by the front tire with oil having run down the fork. Looks like an oil seal has gone - has it really been that cold? Just kidding...they do have to be replaced eventually! I noticed a nice explanation (By Freebird) in the Tech section on how to replace the seals without removing the forks and it seems to apply to the MKII two models as well as the MKI's. Does anyone know if there's anything new to be added to the explanation? Can the anti dive be disabled at this point? If I do disable it, should I replace the springs? I only put a few hundred miles on the since I got it last October (We have this ugly thing called winter around here that has precluded more riding) so I really haven't had much of a chance to see how it will handle a larger load than just me. The previous owner thought that the bike only had 60,000 KM (about 37,500 miles), but judging from the wear and tear on various bits and pieces I suspect that the mileage may be more like 160,000 KM (100,000 miles) but I don't know what has been replaced other than tires and brake pads. (Who produces a long distance touring machine with only 5 digits on the odometer - plus the tenths, of course? What were they thinking?) On my Triumph, the practice has usually been to replace the bushings at the same time as the seals, since a bad bushing has been known to shorten the seal's life. Is this a good idea for the VR as well?

 

Well, that should be enough questions for now. Time to start sourcing parts and wishing I was rich...and handsome and 30 years younger and...oh never mind. That line of thought just gets depressing!

[Snaggletooth]

Yep, if you are going to do the seals I'd pull them and strip them down and replace all four bushings, the wave washer sets, the wiper boots and then swap out those stock springs (if they haven't been done already) with a set of Progressives. The OEM springs are pure junk from day one.

 

Easy way to find out if the springs have been swapped for Progressives already is pull the top caps on the forks and if you are seeing a short (1/2 inch or so) spacer and the top of the spring you already have them. The Progressives and much longer than the OEM's and the eliminate the long steel spacer (about 6 inches) that sits on top of them. If the bike is known to bottom out REAL easy hitting the front brake.....they are still OEM. Progressives don't bottom out. And you won't be needing to add air pressure to the front anymore either.

 

Once you upgrade to the Progressives you won't be needing the anti-dives and you can simply disconnect the power lines to them. That's the quick and easy way.

 

If you want a clean job of removing the anti-dives compelty check the classified ads under skydoc_17 listings. He makes a real nice set of block off plates to seal the mounting flanges on the fork legs. (see pics from my '84) He can help you order the other parts you need also. Send him a PM for more info on that.

 

Be sure to check the inner fork tubes for scars or damage that may have caused the leakage also. Then if you have had oil running down the forks check those brake pads to make sure they are clean and dry.

Edited February 22, 2011 by Snaggletooth

[bongobobny]

Yah! I agree with Mike! If you are going to trash tour anti dives then do a rebuild and put in a set of progressive springs, you will most likely never bottom.

 

IMHO I feel the anti dives do help with stopping as it does restrict the downward plunge when stopping but what do I know, I'm just the 800 lb gorilla in the room...

[darthandy]

Thanks for the advice and info. Do you know if all those parts are available as a kit or is it "a la carte"? I checked on the Bike Bandit site and they only show individual parts. I would really like to avoid ordering everything only to discover that I left out some items...or worse, that I ordered items I didn't need. Ahhhh...I sometimes miss the "good old days" when there were a few less parts to motorcycles. The performance may have been lower but the wrenching was a lot easier.

[Snaggletooth]

No kits, pick and chose. Better that way actually. Always something you don't need it a kit seems like.

 

Pick the supplier you like for prices, then check with skydoc_17. He offers a pretty decent discount to members. Ya never know, might save a few.

 

Better than the stealers anyway. And I will say without a doubt in my mind......Earl knows more about what these bikes need better than the parts guys at the stealers!!!

 

In fact......most these guys know more about these bikes than the stealers!!

 

Mike