Kawasaki ZXR250 1990 needs new front forks

[adamperi]

So I've recently purchased my first road bike as mentioned in the title and I had a big service done on it to bring it back up to good working order. One problem that the mechanic encountered was that both front forks had a bit of rust or damage to them, so no amount of work would be able to stop them from leaking and causing problems, so he did his best to smooth them out, but unfortunately I've found out that they're leaking again, which I'm assuming means they're f*cked, so I'm hoping someone out there can help me. I've had a good look through this website and most of the other nz motorbike websites plus trademe and had no luck. So if you have any information/suggestions/advice please let me know. Thanks!!

[NinjaNanna]

Seriously, unless they are leaking so badly that your getting oil building at the bottom of the fork, I wouldn't worry about it. Just wipe the things clean before taking it for a WOF.

If however they are leaking as opposed to just weaping, you'd better do something about it. perhaps get them rechromed, when I was looking to do the same I got this recommendation from Pussy;

A bloke called Russell Emery at EC did my forks for me, the last set in the year 2000 for an RF900. He made a superb job, the legs come back lots better than they were new. I would trust EC to do the job again ( they do aviation parts), particularly if Russell is still there

[quickbuck]

Seriously, unless they are leaking so badly that your getting oil building at the bottom of the fork, I wouldn't worry about it. Just wipe the things clean before taking it for a WOF.

If however they are leaking as opposed to just weaping, you'd better do something about it. perhaps get them rechromed, when I was looking to do the same I got this recommendation from Pussy;

Ummm., I pretty sure the Forks on a 1990 ZXR250 are Upside Down (Male Slider forks, if you are American). So a leak is Very Serious! not only does your front end turn into a pogo stick, you also loose braking efficiency when the oil goes onto the stainless steel things wizzing around near the leak (Known as Disc brakes).

OP, yes, you will have many issues finding some new ones, as many bike crashes means the front end is the first to hit something stationary.....
Have a look in Japan for them would be my suggestion. But you need to know somebody over there....

All that said, Rechroming would be the best option really.
Yes, expensive, but at least you will appreciate the importance of keeping your fork sliders in good nick. They will last forever if looked after.

[dogsnbikes]

So I've recently purchased my first road bike as mentioned in the title and I had a big service done on it to bring it back up to good working order. One problem that the mechanic encountered was that both front forks had a bit of rust or damage to them, so no amount of work would be able to stop them from leaking and causing problems, so he did his best to smooth them out, but unfortunately I've found out that they're leaking again, which I'm assuming means they're f*cked, so I'm hoping someone out there can help me. I've had a good look through this website and most of the other nz motorbike websites plus trademe and had no luck. So if you have any information/suggestions/advice please let me know. Thanks!!

As mentioned look into rechroming here are some links and comments
( I will be getting 2 sets done over the next few months)


Engine Components in Hamilton: http://www.enginecomponents.co.nz/Ha...mePlating.aspx

Do very good work and not too badly priced.

Also Otahuhu Chromeplaters: http://www.chromeplaters.co.nz/products.shtml

Both these companies do good work and have been used and recommended by many on KB and in the m/cycle trade.

There is also this place in Rotovegas: http://www.chromeplating.co.nz/gallery_3.html

Though I'm not aware of anyone who has used them

[adamperi]

Thanks for the advice you'll! Greatly appreciated. I'll definitely look further into the rechroming option.

@dogsnbikes
"(I will be getting 2 sets done over the next few months)"

Does this mean you're getting 2 sets of forks rechromed soon?

@quickbuck

That's exactly what my mechanic told me, in terms of the leaking on the brakes and it being very serious.

Cool well if anyone gets more leads as to where I might be able to purchase some 2nd hand forks please let me know, otherwise rechroming it is

[dogsnbikes]

yes 2 set's of CBR forks

[adamperi]

yes 2 set's of CBR forks

Cool, can you please let me know how it goes? I'm going to look in to the Otahuhu chrome platers seen they're the closest to where I live.

[dogsnbikes]

Cool, can you please let me know how it goes? I'm going to look in to the Otahuhu chrome platers seen they're the closest to where I live.

No problems,got a email back from them last night referring to time frame which is 5 days,price wont be known until they get the fork legs so I will be sending up the worst of the two first....proberly in a month or so

[geoffm]

There is also this place in Rotovegas: http://www.chromeplating.co.nz/gallery_3.html

Though I'm not aware of anyone who has used them

THey did my RG forks a few years ago (via my mechanic) - around $300-350 as I recall. Good job, no problems.

[adamperi]

No problems,got a email back from them last night referring to time frame which is 5 days,price wont be known until they get the fork legs so I will be sending up the worst of the two first....proberly in a month or so

Awesome, thanks heaps!

@geoffm, thanks for the info as well