| Author | Message | ||
     Red_1 |
Seen as how this is my first post I thought I better introduce myself, or at least the bike first. I bought a 2004 XL1200R in January 2006, before I new about the Ulysses. It was a good bike, but once I saw the Uly I lusted for it. So, after 10000+ miles on the Sporty I traded it on a new 2007 Ulysses in June of 2008. I LOVE THIS BIKE! Currently have 8300 miles on my Uly. OK now for the question. The other day I noticed that the left side fork seal appears to be leaking. I refuse to let my local dealer touch my bike. But have one that is 250 miles away that said they would replace it under warranty (extended)for me. The problem is they say I'll have to leave the bike with them for a week.  Said that were it's a warranty job they cannot order parts till they actually look at the bike. Trouble is I don't really want to leave my bike 250 miles away with all the issues that brings up of transportation back home and there again. So should I let them warranty this or just buy parts and attempt the fix myself? I have done many other repairs on different bikes but have always taken forks to a shop to be rebuilt. Your knowledge and experience are much appreciated.  | ||
| Panhead_dan |
You're looking at aprox $60 job to do it yourself. Or is it $40 for both sides plus fluid? I don't remember offhand but it's inexpensive either way. (assuming you have the shop manual) I recommend you do both sides anyway. The first time I did it, I did just the side that was leaking and of course, the other one went bad right after. Probly jealous. It's an easy job the second time, if you know what I mean and it wasn't that hard the first time. It just took longer. About 2 hours. Read the book, find out the work arounds for the "special tools" you (don't) need and start becoming one with your Buell. A big part of these bikes is in becoming intimately familiar with them. They are as reliable as you or your HD (spit) dealer makes them. Nice looking bike and welcome to the Badweb! | ||
| Itileman |
Welcome. A quick suggestion that I read either here or on Advrider is an old dirt bike trick. The idea is to take a piece of camera film (remember 35mm film?) and work it under and around the seal. It's possible that there's a little bit of debris under the seal that's causing the leak. Might be worth a try and the price is right. | ||
| Gamdh |
Welcome!!! Here are a few threads that show so various ways to work without the special tools etc... http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/142 838/487094.html?1250796419 http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/327 77/153628.html?1178891937 http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/384 2/249047.html | ||
| Blasterd |
+1 on Itileman's suggestion, one of mine was leaking and I went around it with some film and it's been fine so far. (7000 miles later) | ||
| Swampy |
I have done alot of conventional forks in the past, the inverted type were quite interesting and I thought rewarding to do it my self. I made a fork holding tool from a couple of 2X4s, screwed one side to the bench and bolted the other side of the holder with some long bolts. I used another 2X4 with some bolts drilled through the center as the spring compressor and a rachet strap as the compressing force. So yes, it is not too bad of a job, and if you mess it up you can probably find a local dirt bike shop to fix it up for you if you get in trouble. | ||
| Red_1 |
Thank you for the welcome. I'll give the 35mm film a shot. I think I still have some around here somewhere. If that doesn't work sounds like I should tackle this job myself. 60 bucks is only 10 more than what I'd have to spend at HD for work under the extended warranty. Besides I like tinkering.  Gamdh thanks for the links they'll help should I choose that route. Which its looking like. Is American Sportbike the best place to get parts or should I send some business toward HD? | ||
| Druelly |
American Sportbike is a sponsor here on BWB, and HD is a foreign word here! At least that is what I have gathered from a majority of bw'ers. Try AS first and maybe a couple of other sponsors. Druelly | ||
| Red_1 |
I understand the HD being Foreign. I wouldn't let them do a rear tire for me either. Took it down to the Kawasaki dealer I got my KLR from. On top of the fact they were only 15 bucks to mount the tire. We won't say what HD wanted. | ||
| Etennuly |
If you have to order the seals and oil, might as well give Al and Joanne a shot at American Sport Bike. They are much more than just parts pushers, if you have a technical question about what you are installing Al is very knowledgeable and more than helpful with a phone call. He will be there to the end with us Buell owners. A couple of things that you won't see from very many HD stores.  | ||
| Griffmeister |
If the film trick works you might still want to drain and refill the oil just to be sure they have equal amounts. A balanced ride is always best. | ||
| Bluzm2 |
+1 on the Al at American Sport Bike. The seals and bushings come in a set for both legs. Al will sell you the "good stuff" for the fork oil. It's the RaceTech stuff. Highly recommended. If memory serves it was less the $70 to the door for seals, bushings and oil. Well worth it. I'll post a pic later today of the seal driver I made up from PVC. Brad | ||
| Windrider |
I would say get the parts from American SportBike and then arrange a local shop to do the work on the forks. They are Showa forks and it should not be hard to find someone who is skilled at replacing seals. Get a lift (There is a template on Badweb for the Uly adapter that cradles the muffler) and then lift the bike and pull your fork tubes out and take the tubes and seals to your local shop. Your bike will only be down for a day or two this way. Get the Buell Shop Manual for the Uly. Buell shop manuals are excellent. | ||
| Windrider |
Oh, one more thing: Most Harley shops should be avoided. There are a few good shops that speak Buell but they are the minority. | ||
| Red_1 |
Thanks guys for all the replies and knowledge. Gotta get the shop manual then I'll disassemble the front end and see if I can't repair this thing. I'm just going to go ahead and do both sides while I'm doing it. Just seems to make sense to me. Bluzm2 I would be interested in seeing the pics of the seal driver you made of PVC. | ||
| Tootal |
Showa, made by Honda. I would hope a Honda dealer could help if you need it. |
