Fork Seal interval??

[KYBubblehead]

I'm new to trikes; should I be thinking about doing my sliders/fork seals on a more frequent basis?

I have a rake kit with my Motor Trike conversion....

On my '03 (2 wheeler) , I did it at 60K miles.... I have 23K on the trike now.

Thanks!

 

[GoldWingrGreg]

Unfortunately, Honda gives no suggestions on periodic fork maintenance other then an external inspection. Basically if a seal begins to leak, then repair is needed. However, some will overhaul their forks every 25k, while other will only change their fork fluid at that interval. The angle of rake kits does speed up slider/bushing wear. Probably around 80-100k you will see excessive wear in the slider bore.

If you are looking for PM suggestions, here is what you might consider. Replace the tapered steering head bearings every 25k, and do a fork OH every 40k.

 

[KYBubblehead]

.

If you are looking for PM suggestions, here is what you might consider. Replace the tapered steering head bearings every 25k, and do a fork OH every 40k.

Thanks! I guess I need to think about doing it this winter....

 

[Rmitchell55]

John

What boat is that? It looks like the Seawolf.

 

[KYBubblehead]

Dunno what boat it is- I'm a plank owner on the Michigan SSBN-727, and I couldn't find a Trident pic, so I used a generic submarine photo....

 

[Rmitchell55]

Had a MM1 that worked for me back in the mid-late 80's that was on the Michigan when they blew up the clutch/Red. gears. His name was MM1 Moreau

 

[tfdeputydawg]

I would not think tapered bearings or any head bearings that need replaced every 25K would be ones to buy!!!!!!!!!!:Shrug:

 

[keepinon]

On my '07 MT conversion, I had the forks rebuilt at around 48000 miles. The reason, I could notice more sagging when we loaded, especially 2-up. I did have a small seal leak at around 30k miles, but the "film" cleaning of the seal stopped it.

The mechanic allowed me to see the bushings, which showed surprisingly little wear, he didn't even recommend replacing them. So, a good cleaning, new springs, synthetic fork oil & new seals, it was ready to go.

I could immediately tell a difference in stance & ride. Especially the first night ride. I had to lower the headlight setting by two clicks on the knob.

I'm new to trikes; should I be thinking about doing my sliders/fork seals on a more frequent basis?

I have a rake kit with my Motor Trike conversion....

On my '03 (2 wheeler) , I did it at 60K miles.... I have 23K on the trike now.

Thanks!

 

[Ozarkryder]

KYbubblehead - found a picture for you-

 

[mhgoldwing]

I have the Traxxion Ak-20 cartridges and Traxxions springs on my Roadsmith trike with 6 degree rake. Traxxion recommends servicing at 25,000 miles. We are heavy and live/ride in the Arkansas twisties so my slider bushing are usually showing wear signs and are changed every time.

 

[GoldWingrGreg]

I would not think tapered bearings or any head bearings that need replaced every 25K would be ones to buy!!!!!!!!!!:Shrug:

Correct ... however, sometimes it comes down to not having much to choose from. Until recently, their's only been one other brand out there, Pyramid. However, in the past their availability has been iffy, and recently I've read where some have found problems with them. Pyramids are also pricy. The upside is their steel is made in Japan, and the ALL-Balls are a classic example of "Made in China" with Chinese steel.

However, it now looks like there is a 3rd option. About 2 weeks about, I received a catalog that listed GL1800 steering head bearings that are made in Japan. When I sell through the ALL-Balls I have in stock, I will order in a set, try them, and report back on my experience.

 

[KYBubblehead]

KYbubblehead - found a picture for you- View attachment 48658

​Thanks for the pic!

 

[KYBubblehead]

However, it now looks like there is a 3rd option. About 2 weeks about, I received a catalog that listed GL1800 steering head bearings that are made in Japan. When I sell through the ALL-Balls I have in stock, I will order in a set, try them, and report back on my experience.

Please let us know what your experiences are....

 

[KYBubblehead]

If you are looking for PM suggestions, here is what you might consider. Replace the tapered steering head bearings every 25k, and do a fork OH every 40k.

Greg- would the 'Gold Valve Emulator Fork Kit' on WingStuff.com be a help? Is it worth the $$?

Thanks!

 

[GoldWingrGreg]

Greg- would the 'Gold Valve Emulator Fork Kit' on WingStuff.com be a help? Is it worth the $$?

Thanks!

Primarily because Traxxion makes such great suspension products for GL1800, I've never installed other suspensions parts. I guess I did have Progressive front springs in my bike for a short time, but removed them almost immediately because of a "pogo" bounce. I've installed many Traxxion front springs in forks and the owners have always been happy with those. A few have had AK-20s installed and those customs liked them too.

I should also say that I did install a rear Progressive spring on a 2-whl'd Wing for a customer, and was not impressed with that ride either. However, the customer is happy with it, but probably because he's not able to feel what I do when I ride it.

 

[FRR]

I have the Traxxion Ak-20 cartridges and Traxxions springs on my Roadsmith trike with 6 degree rake. Traxxion recommends servicing at 25,000 miles. We are heavy and live/ride in the Arkansas twisties so my slider bushing are usually showing wear signs and are changed every time.

I put Traxxion on my 2012 and have regretted it. Rides like a truck. Already had to replace rear front wheel covers. As far as seals, clean the forks every time you ride and it will save lots of seals issues