Replacing Commando fork seals

Previously michael_stephenson1 wrote:

This is a job I can no longer avoid.

I have been quoted £70 by a local motorcycle dealership.

Please could I ask exactly what needs replacing so I can furnish them with the correct parts. I already have the fork seals and will be able to tell them what grade of oil to use but are there any other itens such as washers that should be replaced?

Here is the link address for Mick Hemmings fork stripdown.

Andover Norton have good parts diagrams on their website.

There are paper washers by the seals and seal washers for the bottom of the forks. Then it depends on the state of the forks, if the chrome on the Stanchion's is damaged then the seals will get damaged, if the Stanchions require replacement then its worth changing the bushes.

It depends on the condition found on strip down, Good luck

I found 3/4" Whit fits. I did mine earlier this year. Undoing the seal and bush retaining rings needed some heat and Plus Gas otherwise thethe job was fairly straighforward. (the first time for me too) You should consider replacing the bushes too while you have them apart. I haven't read the Mick Hemmings procedure but I believe the Commando forks are the same as Roadholders.

Previously Michael Stephenson wrote:

I notice Mick Hemmings is stripping and re-building Roadholder forks - is the procedure for Commando forks exactly the same?

Yes it is the only difference as far as stripping is thread sizes. I found a 33mm impact socket from Halfords fits the top bolts if you can not get a 3/4 Whit.

PS Micks artical tells you all you need to know.

Just done this myself. I had read you could do it in 60mins. What a plonker that guy was.First time, took me about 4-5 hours. Changed top fork seal and bottom washer so spent a bit of time cleaning out bottom of fork alloys where someone had gunked in previous washer.

Im sure it would take less time if I were to do it again as with most things.Have a crack at it. Good Weekend job to do!