Fork oil change?

[brianl]

I have a 2017 Wing with a Roadsmith conversion. 25,000 miles. Recently I noticed that when my front tire hits a hole in the road it makes a very loud plastic to plastic sound. Do you think maybe I have a bad fork seal? Is it possible that maybe the fluid just needs to be replaced? I’ll be the first to admit I don’t know much about the maintenance of bikes so if anyone knows what the problem is I’d appreciate your input.

 

[Burnerboy]

I have a 2017 Wing with a Roadsmith conversion. 25,000 miles. Recently I noticed that when my front tire hits a hole in the road it makes a very loud plastic to plastic sound. Do you think maybe I have a bad fork seal? Is it possible that maybe the fluid just needs to be replaced? I’ll be the first to admit I don’t know much about the maintenance of bikes so if anyone knows what the problem is I’d appreciate your input.

Brian,

I'm not a "know it all" BUT maybe feel around the shock area, and feel for "oil" dampness.....If it's leak'n there should be some kind of residue coating on your forks..

Ronnie

6/30/23

 

[GoldWingrGreg]

I have a 2017 Wing with a Roadsmith conversion. 25,000 miles. Recently I noticed that when my front tire hits a hole in the road it makes a very loud plastic to plastic sound. Do you think maybe I have a bad fork seal? Is it possible that maybe the fluid just needs to be replaced? I’ll be the first to admit I don’t know much about the maintenance of bikes so if anyone knows what the problem is I’d appreciate your input.

Snapping plastic from the front fender area is common, especially on the 2001-10s. For 5th gens from 2012-17, Honda made imporvements by adding rubber gromits and metal collars for the caliper covers, and fork cover.

If a customer came here with that complaint, I'd first start by inspecting the front fenders, caliper covers, and fork cover for cracks and damage. Then I'd inspect to make sure all mounting hardware is correct. Also, if there are aftermarket accessories added, they can cause issues too.

If you choose, you can remove all the plastic in the front fender area, then go for a test ride, and verify that the noise is gone.

As for your forks, here for the most part, we follow Honda fork inspection guidelines looking for damage, leaks, etc every 8,000 miles. Some riders beleive in fork OHs every 20-25k.

Check your front tire and its air pressure. Some riders put a non-radial on the front, which I find is a much harsher ride.