How can I know my fork springs wear out?

You can tell if you front springs are worn out by how much resistance they give you when you hit the front brake or when you hit a bump. If you notice your front end is diving in the corners and you feel the bike bottom out when you hit a bump, it is possible that your front fork springs are worn out. Another sign is if you notice your motorcycle is not sitting evenly, or your motorcycle tires are not wearing evenly. These are also signs your fork springs may be worn out.

How do I know if your steering / neck bearings are loose?

The best way to check your front steering bearings is to get the front of the motorcycle off the ground. You don’t want any weight on the front of the motorcycle. Next move your motorcycle handlebars from side to side. Everything should feel smooth and consistent. If you feel any hesitation or vibration coming through the bars, your bearings might be damaged. Also pay attention for any spots where the front end hesitates when you turn the bars side, to side; this could be a notch in the bearing race from wear. In this case you should replace your neck bearings and races. Another way you should check to see if the bearings are loose is by grabbing the forks and trying to move them side, forward and back. If you feel them wiggle and there is play at the steering head, tighten your bearings to spec and then test them again to see if they operate smoothly. If they don’t, it is probably time to change your bearings. You can also gauge the tightness of the bearings by, with the front of the motorcycle off the ground, aligning the wheel straight forward and seeing how easily it 'flops' to the side. It shouldn't slam to the side, it should be a nice even movement.

When should fork seals be replaced?

Fork seals should be replaced if you notice that they are cracked, or if you notice that they are leaking. When fork seals are leaking it could be some fluid on the fork tubes, or if they are really bad it could be actively running down the lower legs. You need fluid in your front forks for them to operate properly. The fluid is there to allow some control of the compression and rebound of the forks. It is also there to keep everything cool while the forks are in motion. If you loose too much fluid, you can seriously damage your forks, or cause handling and stability issues.

Can I ride with a leaking fork seal?

Yes, you can ride for a period of time with a leaking fork seal, but you should fix it as soon as possible. You need the fork oil to keep your forks from sustaining damage during use, and to ensure the motorcycle handles as it should. If one fork leg is losing fluid, and the other isn't, it can cause an imbalance that can lead to stability issues. Safety first!

Harley-Davidson Sportster Motorcycle Fork Components

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Til Death Cycles 39mm Extended Damper Tube Kit- Harley-Davidson Front End
19 reviews $104.95

Timken Neck Post Bearing & Race Set Made in USA
15 reviews $28.14

Lowbrow Customs 39mm Tapered Fork Lowers - Aluminum
$334.04

Lowbrow Customs 39mm Tapered Fork Lowers - Black
$334.04

Lowbrow Customs 39mm Fork Shrouds - Raw Steel - Harley-Davidson Sportsters
18 reviews $119.01

Lowbrow Customs 39mm Narrow Glide Fork Brace - For Lowbrow Narrow Trees
$145.59

Lowbrow Customs 39mm Narrow Glide Fork Brace - Standard Width
$145.59

Cycle Standard 39mm Fork Boot Gaiter Set for Harley Sportster's Front Forks
28 reviews $41.63

Lowbrow Customs 39mm Fork Shrouds - Black - 1987-Up - Harley-Davidson Sportsters
51 reviews $119.18

Drag Specialties Neck Post Bearing and Race Set 1980-13 Harley-Davidson FLT/FLHT 99-13 FLTR/FLHR 60-86 FL/FX/FXWG 84-17 FXST/FLST 99-17 Dyna 82-21 XL
$30.11

Burly Brand Burly Lowboy Fork Lowering Kit - 39mm Sportster- See listing for Fitment
10 reviews $120.56 $133.95

Til Death Cycles 39mm Harley-Davidson Cartridge Eliminator Kit
3 reviews $169.10

Til Death Cycles 49mm Harley-Davidson Cartridge Eliminator Kit
1 review $178.28

The Speed Merchant 39 mm Fork Preload Adjuster - Gold Finish
$152.96 $169.95

Drag Specialties Upper Fork Slider Bushings - 39mm - 0.588" - Harley-Davidson OEM# 45461-87
1 review $15.55

Drag Specialties Lower Fork Slider Bushings - 39mm - 0.778" - Harley-Davidson OEM# W4546587
$15.55

Cycle Standard Fork Boot Gaiter Set for 1954 - 1970 Harley-Davisdson Ironhead Sportster XL Models OEM #46001-54
4 reviews $33.69

Cycle Standard Neck Post Bearing & Race Set Made in China
$15.99

Drag Specialties 35mm Lower Fork Slider Bushing 1984-1987 Harley-Davidson FX/FXE/FXR 84-87 XL OEM# 45416-84
$14.51

Drag Specialties 35mm Upper Fork Slider Bushing 1984-1987 Harley-Davidson FX/FXE/FXR 84-87 XL OEM# 45413-84
$14.51

Drag Specialties 49mm Lower Fork Slider Bushing 2006-2017 Harley-Davidson Dyna 16-22 XL1200X/XS 14-17 FXSB 14-16 Dresser OEM# 4608001
$15.55

Drag Specialties 49mm Upper Fork Slider Bushing 2006-2017 Harley-Davidson Dyna 16-22 XL1200X/XS 14-17 FXSB 14-16 Dresser OEM# 4651601
$17.63

Koyo Bearings Neck Post Bearing & Race Set Made in Japan
$21.95

Bare Knuckle Performance 39mm Narrow Glide "The Clinch" Fork Brace - Gloss Black
$299.00

Bare Knuckle Performance 39mm Narrow Glide "The Clinch" Fork Brace - Raw
$274.00

The Speed Merchant 39 mm Fork Preload Adjuster - Raw Machined Finish
$143.96 $159.95

The Speed Merchant 39 mm Fork Preload Adjuster - Black Anodized Finish
$152.96 $169.95

Gigacycle Garage LeRoy Hooligan Tracker Complete Front End Kit 1982 & Up Harley-Davidson Sportster
1 review $1,714.29

V-Twin Manufacturing Tapered Neck Bearing Conversion Kit for 1952 - 1977 Harley-Davidson XL
7 reviews $76.57

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