fork seals

hi all

hss anyone ever found a definitive fork seal which will seal for years or many miles the 1979 a1 model

I am going to replace my first set soon since purchasing the bike but only want to do it once !!!!!

from what I read I am not going to be lucky am I ?

I installed a set of All Balls seals a few years ago - and still sealing.
Got to do your part and keep the fork slidders clean

I've had the best luck over the years with factory seals (92049-1043) This number is for all A-1 thru A-4 models.

It really is a "Luck of the Draw" in expecting any fork seal to last. No way of knowing due to road conditions and like tacklehappy says, keep your fork sliders clean.

I have heard others mention the lifetime seals are "Snake Oil".

During assembly, use a cotton ball on the slider, to make sure there is noting to catch or damage the lip of the seal.

Best of luck.

Todd.

The only I have found to make a fork seal last is to use gaiters. They're as ugly as but keep the road grime and grit of and the insect gizzards which will collect between the outer and inner wipers over time. To clean that out use a very thin feeler gauge strip and put down between the seal and leg and draw it slowly around the leg withdrawing it at the same time and you will be amazed at just how much gunk comes out and at how well the seal can work again.

hi guys
strange though that this bike suffers fork seal failure yet other go on for years on the same set.

from an engineering point of view someone must have an answer as its a fork leg and station just like any other bike so must be a reason.

the seal on a hydraulic ram on a digger for instance take huge pressures and is in essence the same design.

have Kawasaki never come up with a reason why they fail?

Hi Tad,

I don't believe they fail at any unusual rate. As RickG says, gaiters are the way to go. I actually prefer the look, makes the forks look more substantial.

I've got 'em on my 13 and my 900.




Bill