'03 650 GS - front fork - gasket ring

[BLUEJAY]

Hi Folks,
I have noticed some oil deposit on the top of my right front fork and I am assuming the gasket ring has "blown" .
I was thinking I may do the replacement myself, but before I do it, I'd like to "scrape" your brains and get a few thoughts, according to your experience .

So far, on my bike I have replaced front and rear brake pads, rear brake pump rubber ring and steering head bearings.
Do you think this "operation" is something within my grasp, or I'd be better off taking the bike to the dealer?
For those of you who have already done this.....could you light a beacon for me?

Btw, my bike has now 25000 km. on the clock....

Awaiting for your very much appreciated advise.

Thanks

 

[brassmonkey001]

When you say you have replaced those bits, if you mean you have done the work yourself then yes, you should be able to change the fork seals. If you have had them replaced by someone else then yes, you should be able to get them to do the seals as well.
Do a search on www.f650.co.uk for fork seals, I'm sure we talked someone through the job before. If not I'm sure you'll find it on www.f650.com

 

[richc]

Take a look at this before you take your forks apart. I've never tried it, but it's clever and might save you some work.

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t189/SeiCoSabre/partsandstuff/SpringerForksSeals.jpg

 

[veefour]

I had a leaking seal on my 2000 GS when I got it and I've changed it myself ok.

I found this useful from the chain gang: http://faq.f650.com/FAQs/ForksMaintFAQ.htm#Fork%20Seal%20Change

Basically you take the wheel out, remove the caliper (I hung mine from the bike by a length of wire - no need to remove), pop the covers off the top of the forks. Getting the blanks out of the fork tubes is interesting as it's one of those jobs where you need three hands but basically you need something (I used a long socket extension bar) to press the centre in whilst using a small screwdriver the prise out the wire circlip. Then you need to drain the fork oil (small bolt on the rear of each leg) and undo the clamps. The dust seals prise off and then with a bit of care and a touch of brute force you can prise out the old seal. If you clean up the slider tube and lube the seal it will slide down the tube to where it's supposed to be.

The tricky bit is getting the seal home and there are all sorts of ideas using plastic drainpipe etc but I used the old seal over the top and gently persuaded the new one in by tapping the old one with a hammer but make sure you get it straight.

TBH I was going to do both as they say if one goes then sods law says the other will go afterwards but it was so straightforward I just did the one and then refilled both forks with 10 weight oil (the manual says 7.5 but being a heavyweight I went for the heavier oil ).

If I can do it, anyone can.