Front forks

[lt61173]

All,

I want some opinions on what you think are the best setup to replace the front forks on our bikes. I have read the wiki on installing the R6 forks and it seems like a good setup but I have also read the 95-96 YZF forks are good. I just ride the bike light, no track. I have replaced the fork seals 2 times now and I keep getting a leak so I have to assume that I have a bad fork. If I am going to change them I may as well upgrade. Please chime in.

[delvryboy]

The most straight forward option is RaceTech springs and gold valve emulators.

[lt61173]

I would agree if not for my leak issue.

[_Will_]

Have you narrowed down what the problem with your current forks is? Issues with the finish? Too little air/too much oil? I ask because if you go the yzf route which bolt right up but the problem with yours is somewhere in the triple like them not lining up you're just going to repeat the issues. The R6 or any other forks besides that where your using some fabricated parts replace the whole tree so it's a moot point but a lot more work.

[lt61173]

I believe it is the finish as I have put the amount of oil the manual calls for. Everything seem to slide together just fine. I have tried 2 different manufactures for the seals and the left fork seems to still leak. It is not as bad as original but a small leak all the same.

[Camala_Pillion]

Hi,
I know Y-Geo ONLY uses Yamaha OEM seals as from his engineering past he knows seals come in different fits even tho the seal diam is the same as OEM.
IF you used OEM then you need to look VERY closely at the stantion that leaks finish as it may be worn or pitted. It may be slightly bent too which will not help the seal do its job. there are spare stantions around and re-made stantions too which should be cheaper than a whole new front end set up

[lt61173]

I did not use OEM seals and may be worth a shot.

[Freestyle72]

I did not use OEM seals and may be worth a shot.

Always use OEM fork seals. They aren't a very expensive item, and you should only be doing them every 20,000KM+ so it's worth it to spend the extra $10-15 on the OEM seals. And the non-OEM guys are often constructed differently, for example having the steel band on a single side of the seal instead of all the way around like OEMs.