Fork Suspension & Parts
About Fork Suspension & Parts
Front forks absorb bumps and hold the front wheel in line, and the seals, oil, springs and tubes inside them wear with every mile. Riders come here for a leaking fork, a front end that drops too far under braking or feels soft, bent or pitted tubes, or an upgrade in strength or style.
Pick the part by the symptom. Oil on the tube or fork leg points to Fork Seals & Gaskets, or a full Fork Rebuild Kits if the bushings need work too. A soft or harsh front end may call for new Fork Springs. Bent or pitted tubes go to Fork Legs & Tubes, and Triple Trees hold the forks to the frame. Complete Forks replace the whole unit. Tube diameter, given in millimeters, such as 39, 41, 43 and 49 mm in the listings, is the key size for almost everything here.
Brands listed here include JIMS, FACTORY CONNECTION, Drag Specialties, RACE TECH and Arlen Ness. Pick your bike in the Ride Finder at the top of the page. The rest of the front and rear suspension is in Suspension & Handling, including Shocks & Coil Overs.
FAQs on motorcycle fork parts
What causes a motorcycle fork to leak oil?
The usual cause is a worn or damaged seal, often after grit or a nick on the tube surface has torn the lip. A pitted or scratched tube will ruin a new seal, so inspect the tube surface and replace it if it is rough.
How do I find my fork tube diameter?
Check the manual or the spec sheet for your model, which lists the tube diameter in millimeters. You can also measure a bare tube with calipers. Seals and tubes are listed by this size, so match it exactly.
Should I change the fork oil when I replace the seals?
Yes, in almost every case. Draining the fork is part of the job, and old oil carries wear particles. Refill with the oil type and amount in the service manual, and set the level the way the manual says.
Do I need special tools to service motorcycle forks?
Often yes. Many forks need a seal driver, a spring compressor or a holding tool, and some need a spacer or cap tool. If you do not have them, or are unsure about handling springs under tension, a shop can do the work.
Should I service both fork legs at the same time?
Yes. Replace parts in both legs together, so seals, springs and oil are the same on both sides. Uneven fork legs can make the front end feel off and wear one side faster.
