Fork Rebuild Kits
About Fork Rebuild Kits
A fork rebuild kit gathers the parts needed to refresh a tired fork in one purchase, so you do not have to hunt for each seal and bushing. Riders shop here when forks leak, feel sticky or sloppy, or are overdue for service, and some also want a cartridge upgrade.
The kits come in several types. A seal and bushing kit, sometimes with dust wipers, covers a standard rebuild. A service kit is listed by tube diameter, with sizes such as 43 and 49 mm, and often by fork make, such as Showa. A cartridge kit replaces or upgrades the damping inside the fork and is made for a specific model, like the Ohlins kits for particular Ducati and Suzuki models. Smaller parts such as bleed bolts and bladders are also listed. Check whether the listing includes the oil; if not, buy the type and amount the manual gives. Compare the tube size and fork make with your bike, since a wrong-size bushing will not hold the tube properly.
Brands listed here include JIMS, SDI, Drag Specialties, KYB and OHLINS. Pick your bike in the Ride Finder at the top of the page. For single parts, see Fork Seals & Gaskets, Fork Springs and Fork Legs & Tubes. The whole group is Fork Suspension & Parts.
FAQs on motorcycle fork rebuild kits
What is in a fork rebuild kit?
It varies by kit. Most include fork seals, and many add dust wipers or bushings, while others add clips or small hardware. Read the contents list in the listing, and note whether oil is included.
How often should fork oil and seals be serviced?
The service manual for your model gives the interval, which can be shorter for hard off-road use, heavy loads or dusty conditions. Do it sooner if you see oil on the tubes, or the forks feel sticky or have lost their damping.
What is a fork cartridge kit?
A cartridge kit replaces or upgrades the damping unit inside the fork, so it controls compression and rebound differently. It is a larger upgrade than a seal job and is made for specific models and fork sizes.
Do I need to know my fork brand and tube size?
Yes. Kits are listed by tube diameter in millimeters, and some by fork maker, such as Showa. A kit of the wrong size will not seal or hold the tube. Check the manual, or pick your bike in the Ride Finder.
Can I rebuild my motorcycle forks myself?
Many riders do, with a service manual, the right seal driver and clean working conditions. Springs are under tension, and oil on brake parts is dangerous, so if you are unsure about any step, have a shop do the work.
