DR650 fork seals

[bart]

I'm thinking about doing the fork seals on my 2008 DR650 (large puddle of oil under the bike at the moment). Is this a job for a guy with average ability? Will it require specialist tools, or will the basics do?

I have the shop manual which explains the procedure, but it looks a bit like one of those jobs you should watch someone else do before you commit and make a cock of yourself. :facepalm:

What would be a rough estimate of getting the shop to do it? Wife still hasn't forgiven me for the last account....and rego....and tyres....and the 1k excess for the little accident a few months ago.... :innocent:

[Shaun]

Not to be rude Bart, but by needing to ask the question, I think you have awnsered it yourself mate.

someone will be along with a costing for you

[Robert Taylor]

I'm thinking about doing the fork seals on my 2008 DR650 (large puddle of oil under the bike at the moment). Is this a job for a guy with average ability? Will it require specialist tools, or will the basics do?

I have the shop manual which explains the procedure, but it looks a bit like one of those jobs you should watch someone else do before you commit and make a cock of yourself. :facepalm:

What would be a rough estimate of getting the shop to do it? Wife still hasn't forgiven me for the last account....and rego....and tyres....and the 1k excess for the little accident a few months ago.... :innocent:

This is a for a GOOD dealer in your area with experienced long term workshop staff. Use only genuine seals, too many of the aftermarket seals MASSIVELY increase friction, especially the red 3 lip ones.

[Parlane]

If you don't feel confident doing it yourself, you should still be able to save money by taking just the forks in.

I recently replaced the fork seals and dust caps on my '89 CBR250R MC19, worked out very well. I have had no experience with such a thing before, but I did have access to the tools I needed plus a block and tackle to hoist the thing up :)

[bart]

Thanks guys. I've got a bike lift, and a handfull of rusty screwdrivers....what could possibly go wrong? :facepalm:


Oh, and I know a pretty handy ex-bike mechanic who may be prepared to help if (when) everything goes pear shaped. :innocent:

My big concern was getting things half to bits and realising I needed a special, left threaded, three pronged, pentagonal, whizamewotsit, to get the last crucial bit apart.

[Parlane]

Thanks guys. I've got a bike lift, and a handfull of rusty screwdrivers....what could possibly go wrong? :facepalm:


Oh, and I know a pretty handy ex-bike mechanic who may be prepared to help if (when) everything goes pear shaped. :innocent:

My big concern was getting things half to bits and realising I needed a special, left threaded, three pronged, pentagonal, whizamewotsit, to get the last crucial bit apart.


Just make sure you can get the valving unit bolt out. The valving unit holds the staunchion in. You an ignore this step and rip the old seal out using pliers or something :) But then you can't clean it all up!

For my cbr250r, I used this guide:

http://cbr250.com/forum/thread-266.html

There might be one for your bike somewhere.


Something here:
http://dr650.zenseeker.net/Suspension.htm


Ultimate guide here:
http://www.offroadexplorer.com/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=58&t=1213

Looks like hardest bit will be the damping rod.

[bart]

Just make sure you can get the valving unit bolt out. The valving unit holds the staunchion in. You an ignore this step and rip the old seal out using pliers or something :) But then you can't clean it all up!

For my cbr250r, I used this guide:

http://cbr250.com/forum/thread-266.html

There might be one for your bike somewhere.


Something here:
http://dr650.zenseeker.net/Suspension.htm


Ultimate guide here:
http://www.offroadexplorer.com/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=58&t=1213

Looks like hardest bit will be the damping rod.

Great info thanks. I've had no time to even look at the bike over the last few weeks, so may have to take it into the shop after all (which may not be a bad thing with my DIY skills). :facepalm: