Question For Those Who Have Disassembled Front Forks...

[Cholla]

I’ve got 73K on my ’03 Std and my front forks are getting a little “squishy”    They dive easier and don’t rebound like they used to.  No leaking oil, they just seem softer than they were 7 yrs ago when she was new.  I haven't done a single thing to the front forks in those 7 years.  Sometime when the snow’s flying, I’m going to replace the OEM front fork springs with some Progressive and see how they do.   Since I plan on disassembling, I’ll also replace the seals, oil, etc.  A friend who owns a machine shop made me a tool for the LH inner fork bolt, so I’m set as far as tools go.

Here’s my question:
The manual talks about inspecting the backup ring, guide bushing & slider bushing and replacing if signs of wear (scoring, scratching, worn teflon, distortion, ...).  Did any of you notice signs of wear and have to replace?  Wondering if I should count on replacing these also and have on hand or assume they will be nice & perty for me.



Thanks in advance for any input and insight!

[stlthmsta]

The bushings and seals don't cost a lot compaired to other parts. If you are taking it apart at that mileage I would replace them all and be done with it. Inspect your tubes carefully and look for small lines or scores on the sliding area.
I work on GW's a bit and replace the tubes fairly often. Valks have a guard on the upside down forks so they may be less vulnerable to road crud. You say they are not leaking?, so the tubes should be good. You don't want to pay for those if you don't have to, ouch!!  Good luck, Tom M

[honda*mann]

Hi,

Did my forks over the July 4th weekend, and didn't want to wait for Monday for the bushings. The forks were leaking and all the dealership had on hand was the seals and dust covers not the bushings.  Mine turned out fine. If I would have ordered before hand I would have ordered it all for peace on mind. I believe the bushings were another $20 bucks(don't quote me on that). The seals, dust covers, and Honda fork oil was about $90 bucks.

P.s. Great video on you tube for cartridge style forks. Also a install tool helps alot. I made one for myself.

Thanks
Honda*mann

26,600 miles on a 1999 interstate

[Cholla]

Thanks for the replies guys...  I priced out the parts on HDL and it would only be another $35 or so more.  I believe I'll replace everything like you mention and have peace of mind for another 70K+ miles! 

Safe Riding!

[MP]

Roger:
The right one on my 01 IS started leaking.  I got all the parts from HDL, and had my local Honda shop do the work. I had him change everything.  Bike has a little over 70,000 miles on it.  He said the other parts looked like new.  I am still glad I changed them all.  I believe it worked out to a little over $100 for parts.

MP