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Replace the Fork oil seals. It will require you to support the bike from the headstock and remove the forks. You will also need to know the correct amount of fork oil to put in each leg. Buy the manual for your bike (whatever it is) it will cost about 20GBP. a new set of forks will cost considerably more.
For the bottoming out, change the fork oil to a higher viscosity grade. Also, if your shocks have been leaking oil as seen by dirty, greasy fork tubes, you should change the fork seals. If leaking, and if bottoming is only recent, you can refill with the fork oil viscosity recommended originally (you may just be empty). Only increase oil by 5 wt at a time. I don't remember what the factory recommends but should be in your manual.
That depends on where it's leaking. If it's leaking down at the axle, You can lift the bike off the ground, remove the front wheel. There's a bolt in the very bottom of the tube. Take the bolt out and slide the "slider" off the upper tube. While you have it off, replace the seal at the top of the "slider". This will fix any leak at the top of the slider. Clean the lower slider with clean mineral spirits and allow it to dry. Then, put a little bit of oil on the seal and a dab of clear RTV in the area where the copper washer goes and slide the slider back up on the tube. Put the bolt in and tighten it up. Replace the front wheel. Now, add the appropiate amount of fork oil for a "dry" refill. If you call the dealer, they should tell you how much oil goes in there. My manuals are not up to date for your model. Mine only shows for 1994 and Harley may have changed the fork tubes since then. Remember the higher viscosity of the oil, the stiffer the front suspension. The dealer will also tell you what oil came in the front forks from the factory.
Mine was like that when the tyres were worn out, what about tyre pressure, I find running the front tyre about 5psi over the recomended pressure on the tyre plate helps.
Stock fork seals will work but if I were you, I woudl take it to someone who has the correct tools take your fork seals out without gouging the fork leg. If your seals are leaking then chances are you're also low in fluid. Your fluid level is what decides how hard or soft your front end is (In addition to fork spring rate).
it sounds like your fork seal has failed,it wont affect your brakes but will make your front suspension feel a wee bit "soggy"and will affect your handling,i would suggest getting the seal replaced as evetually the oil from the faulty seal will contaminate your brake pads that will affect your braking performance,replacing the seal,sooner rather than later ,would be a wise move..hope this helps...cheers
It can be as simple as a slight burr or piece of debris caught in your seal. You can try a 3x5 notecard wrapped around your fork leg and GENTLY work it down past the seal. Also inspect the fork tube closely and if you can see a visible burr remove it with very fine sandpaper or emery cloth.
If you have to remove the fork because it is leaking elsewhere (and you have checked your drainplug) that is rather involved and requires you to suspend the front of the bike to remove the front suspension. How far apart you take it depends on what you have to fix though.
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