Kawasaki ZX6-R 'Kermit'. I hate fork seals!

It took the best part of a day but that's another thing off of the list!
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[@carlhobson1578]

You got there in the end mate!! 👍👍👍

[@NatsNackersYard]

Long day!

[@chrisktm2010]

I all ways remove forks completely the night before and hang upside down with the large top cap removed over night over a bucket. Then do complete strip to change the seals, also I tape up the top of the stanchion or cap the tops with the thumbs from old marigold gloves to help protect the seals going over the sharp top edge. For a seal driver get your self some upvc waste drain pipe like under the kitchen sink in various sizes cut to about 4 inches long and cut it open vertically to be able to stretch or shrink around fork stanchion. I also put the new seal on then the old seal and use old seal as a cushion between upvc pipe and new seal, then remove old seal which is easy to do.. Hope this makes your next fork job more pleasurable.

[@NatsNackersYard]

Never pleasurable!

[@projectclark123]

Good job mate

[@motorcyclerescuer]

I HATE FORK SEALS. Great job on that one Nat.

[@NatsNackersYard]

Thanks mate. Brakes tomorrow I hope!

[@mikeopenshaw9128]

It was after the "pros" gave me back my GSXR 1000 twice with a leaky fork seal not remedied that I decide to have a bash at it myself - coincidentally following Del Boy's KZbin guidance - a landmark for me in that despite the mess and struggle - I did it - and I vowed at that point that I would never pay someone else to touch my bikes again - other than for MOT test and tyres (and tyres only because my biker buddy owns a tyre shop) - and yes - as you know Nat - the thought of working on carbs fills me with dread - so maybe a little bit of a "cop out" in that all my recent bikes have been fuel injected - but hey ho - we all have our nemesis eh? Great work mate - thanks as always for sharing!

[@NatsNackersYard]

Thanks mate. Brake pistons next. Another one of my least favourite jobs!

[@mikeopenshaw9128]

@@NatsNackersYard Good luck mate - I'm sure you will triumph in the end - I think it must have been you that invented the "no such thing as a problem - just a challenge that's yet to be overcome" mantra! 👍

[@colinculverwell325]

I tend to mostly used OE fork seals these days. Yes they are more expensive but some of the pattern ones are absolute rubbish. I had one set that leaked from fitting. If you use a main dealer you should get genuine parts, non franchised dealers who knows? You pay you money and take your choice. One aside to that, if you can find Tourmax seals they are good. I believe they are the same as OE parts without the expensive packaging.

[@NatsNackersYard]

As I am building up confidence I may move across to OEM parts. I have been a bit afraid of cocking up expensive parts in the past.

[@NatsNackersYard]

Thanks dude. I try!

[@colinculverwell325]

That Kawasaki seems to be in better nick than some of your previous projects so a better starting point. You didn't show the refilling with oil but guess you worked your way through that but as a heads up to anyone using this as a how to I thought I'd add a couple of comments. Most modernish forks now spec an air gap measurement for oil quantity rather than give you number of cc's. You can't measure this with the cartridge assembled. You did take the cap nut off but for those that don't know on reassembly remove the preload adjuster as well so you can slide off the spacer and spring. Leave the lock nut on and wrap a length of wire under the nut so it doesn't disappear into the fork tube. Add the oil and pump the damper rod (the bit with the nut on) to bleed any air out then check and adjust fluid to get the air gap correct then reassemble. Its worth checking the specifics for your bike as there will be variations . Hope that helps someone. Looking forward to seeing the next video Nat.

[@NatsNackersYard]

Yes mate. I skipped showing the new oil as I had way too much footage as I was there for most of the day (much to the good lady's annoyance).

[@DB71170]

Perseverance pays 👏 & yes Del Boys old stuff is excellent ( you can message him via his fb page). Should have kept the front wheel off & compound cut/polished it indoors lol. Nicely worked out...you should have been on Scrapheap challenge 🤣🤣. Ride steady and stay safe bud 🤘

[@NatsNackersYard]

What is your fascination with wheels? You need to see someone about that! :) I would love a giant scrapheap challenge. It would be great!

[@DB71170]

@@NatsNackersYard For me compounding/polishing the wheels completes the new look of the bike. After all if it's got new paint everywhere else, why not brighten the paint on the wheels( if gloss finish). Unfortunately it's the detailer/OCD in me lol plus I think I'm related to magpies ,as I like shiny things 😉.

[@NatsNackersYard]

@@DB71170 lol. You are probably right.

[@colinculverwell325]

I've not see delboys fork seal video but there are much better places to get information from. Check out Superbike surgery channel. Professional working mechanic showing you how it's done.

[@ryanstocksmusic]

Qhere did you jack the bike up? On what point ? Its a nightmare getting jt off the ground without a winch and overhead beam 😢

[@NatsNackersYard]

overhead beam, ratchet straps and brute force!

[@cruzinwithdjchaz7003]

It would be nice if you could get your work in the camera shot....

[@NatsNackersYard]

What can I say, I am just a tit in a shed. I film my hobby and I am not a professional!

[@QUANTUMxK1LLS]

How much oil did you put in?

[@NatsNackersYard]

Can't remember mate. It was a while ago!

[@QUANTUMxK1LLS]

@@NatsNackersYard found it it's 456ml or 10cm from the top on the fork incase anyone else is after it. Cheers anyway.

[@azimuth2142]

I enjoy fork seals

[@NatsNackersYard]

Weirdo! Lol

[@azimuth2142]

@@NatsNackersYard Thanks for the compliment. :D I have a head to swap over on XJ600, wish me luck.

[@NatsNackersYard]

Patience and a level head. You'll be fine. Beer helps too!

[@azimuth2142]

@@NatsNackersYard I have patience but I'm all outta beer

[@NatsNackersYard]

@@azimuth2142 lol. It's easier to get more beer than it is to get more patience!

[@johntray1462]

you make it look so easy LOL, so many porn related comments OMG I like it ooo er mrs

[@NatsNackersYard]

Filthy mind!