Forks bad or not?

I know that forks are supposed to leak some. Father in law told me that but here is my question. Got a bike that has been sitting for a few years. Previous owner didn't ride it for 2 or 3 and I've been puttin it back together for about 1 1/2. The picture is of my front left fork. Seems to be leaking more than the other. Is this normal after sitting that long?

 

the rubbers probably perishes,so u might need some new fork seals, in the uk,they cant leak for the mot, so im on the look out for some,on my missis xj 700,as when i took them apart,they are badley,damaged,so they leak alot,

 

They're not supposed to leak even a little bit.

Time for new seals.

 

Yeah, the metal should look clean and shiny, but when you touch it, your fingers should come out absolutely dry.

It's not really that hard a thing to do to change the seals and the oil, but it can be messy.

 

thats if u have a good broom handle,or a diy nut an bolt,as some times,the bottom nuts wont undo,so u have to go inside and try and unscrew the big nut,or if u are lucky,and u can take them out without,even doing all that, u only have to take the forks of the bike,

but as pygmy_ said it can be very messy, o and make sure it hasnt contaminated the discs on the wheel,

 

Thanks for the advice all. Looks like I have a project for next weekend

 

New seals Here: https://www.partsnmore.com/index-yamaha.htm
$10 a pair.

 

My forks were leaking pretty bad when I bought my bike. Bad enough that I had a sad excuse for a front brake. Oil had seriously contaminated the front brake rotor and pads. Make sure you clean that rotor, and I'd recommend new pads.

 

Thanks for the link Danilo, thats a good price even cheaper than ebay.

MaverickCS I have redone my brakes with new fluid, pads etc and cleaned it all up. Probably have to do it again after doin the seals.

 

And here:


SUSPENSION PARTS:


w) Lower Fork Damper Rod Retaining Tool.....long aluminum tool with proper sized nuts on each to retain the top of the fork damper down in the bottom of the tube when removing or installing the dampers. One end has a 19mm hex and the other end has a 22mm hex, so it will fit all styles of XJ forks that require the use of this damper retaining tool.

HCP4402 Fork Rod Damper Retaining Tool:
$ 18.95


FORK OIL SEALS:

HCP1814 OEM fork tube Oil Seal, brand new, made by original factory
supplier. Fits all XJ550 Maxim, XJ650 Maxim and Midnight Maxim, 1982 XJ650 Turbo and XJ650RJ Seca models, all XJ750 Maxim and Midnight Maxim models. One seal does one tube. Each:
$ 10.00

HCP1814SET2 OEM fork tube Oil Seal, brand new, made by original factory supplier. Fits all XJ550 Maxim, XJ650 Maxim and Midnight Maxim, 1982 XJ650 Turbo and XJ650RJ Seca models, all XJ750 Maxim and Midnight Maxim models. Pair of seals does both tubes. Set of 2:
$ 19.00


HCP1716 Aftermarket fork tube Oil Seals, brand new. Fits all XJ550
Maxim, XJ650 Maxim and Midnight Maxim, 1982 XJ650 Turbo and XJ650RJ Seca models, all XJ750 Maxim and Midnight Maxim models. Pair of seals does both tubes. Set:
$ 17.00


HCP1908 Aftermarket premium quality fork tube Oil Seals, brand new.
Triple-lip design provides better sealing than factory seals. Fits all
XJ550 Maxim, XJ650 Maxim and Midnight Maxim, 1982 XJ650 Turbo and XJ650RJ Seca models, all XJ750 Maxim and Midnight Maxim models. Pair of seals does both tubes. Set:
$ 19.00


FORK OIL SEAL CLIPS:


HCP1827 OEM fork oil seal metal Retaining Clip, expanded spring steel
external "c" type clip retains the fork tube oil seal within the lower tube.
Although this part never "wears out", it does become pitted and weakened
over time, especially if it has never been replaced previously. Not a bad
idea to replace them while you have your forks apart. Fits all XJ550
Maxim, XJ650 Maxim and Midnight Maxim, 1982 XJ650 Turbo and XJ650RJ Seca models, all XJ750 Maxim and Midnight Maxim models. One clip does one tube. Each:
$ 6.50

HCP1827SET2 OEM fork oil seal metal Retaining Clip, expanded spring steel external "c" type clip retains the fork tube oil seal within the lower tube. One pair does both tubes. Set of 2:
$ 12.00


FORK DUST BOOTS:

HCP1820 OEM fork tube Dust Boot, brand new, made by original factory
supplier. Fits all XJ550 Maxim and 1982 XJ650 Seca models. Pair of seals does both tubes. Each:
$ 11.00

HCP1820SET2 OEM fork tube Dust Boots, brand new, made by original factory supplier. Fits all XJ550 Maxim and 1982 XJ650 Seca models. Pair of seals does both tubes. Set of 2:
$ 21.00


DISC BRAKE PADS:

HCP1706 Aftermarket EBC brand organic front disc brake Pad Set,
enough to do one front caliper. Fits all XJ650 Maxim and 650 Midnight
Maxim models with front disc brakes. Each set:
$ 32.00