The Vstrom forks are a very common size and many fork seals from other bikes will work. I believe (been a while since I owned a Vstrom) they are 42mm or 43mm? Find out for sure, go to any Japanese bike dealer and buy fork seals that are correct size ... they will work fine.
If you've never done seals, probably better to have a mechanic do the job.
You can save on labor by pulling out the fork tubes yourself (EASY) then have the mechanic swap in new seals.
Often times you can avoid changing seals by simply cleaning in and around the seals. Use a piece of 35mm film or plastic equivalent. Remove dust seal (sits on top of seal) clean oil and grit off ... get it CLEAN!
Now, insert plastic strip down between seal and fork tube. Work it around and try to pull out any grit in there. This can often StoP the oil leak.
Be sure to TOP UP fork oil, making sure fork oil level is even on both fork legs. Use 5 wt. oil.
It can also help to POLISH your fork tubes. DO NOT sand them ... Just polish them using metal polishing compound. Try to polish out any nicks, small gouges or other imperfections. Any burrs or nicks in tubes can CUT your fork seal lip ... rendering them ruined.
Hope this helps!
|