DANGERS OF U.S.D. Front Forks !

[Jim Lyon]

Whilst U.S.D. front forks appeal to me technically, I have read on the internet that TWO guys had front brake failures on theirs, because the fork seals failed! Whilst they didn't go into any detail, from what I've seen on many photos of bikes with a U.S.D. set up, it would seem that the area around the seal & Slider? are prone to picking up a LOT of dirt! From what I understood, the actual brake failures were due to fork oil being dumped on the brake(s) ! - The cheapest solution to that would seem to be to fit a set of appropriate length rubber gaiters. Anybody know of a suitable source to cover most applications?

[SeaR1ck]

Never have had this issue with any inverted fork. Even on my dirt bikes where seals will start leaking faster. Usually they start off minor then progressively get worse.

If your seals blow out that much oil. You where well past the initial replacement signs that where being ignored.

[Gooch]

There's a lot of chrome exposed but the front fender is almost always sculpted in such a way it will deflect debris from the stanchion.

[Jim Lyon]

Then how come TWO potentially dangerous brake failures?

[SeaR1ck]

I've blown seals before on my dirt bikes multiple times. I've never gotten oil on my caliper or rotor yet. It's happened before to others. But it's not common.

99% of the time it just leaves a oil film. On the tube sometimes down off the fork lug. The dust seal helps keep it on the tube.

Blew fork seal on my rgv last ride. Guess what I didn't die. It was more a problem after I parked it for awhile. Because it left a small pool on the floor.

You're more likely to get hit by a car or low side in a corner.

[Jim Lyon]

You're more likely to get hit by a car or low side in a corner.

JL - Possibly, but if there's an obvious easy solution (if available? ) then why not avoid one more risk?

[m in sc]

I have read on the internet that TWO guys had front brake failures on theirs, because the fork seals failed! Whilst they didn't go into any detail,

thats all i needed to hear. i mean.... come on.  is this supposed to apply to all inverted forks? did they get their seals from the same place? did the same people work on the bikes? 

[TDRNL]

You guys should listen less to fairytales

[TexTZR]

Bikes are a little like aircraft in that it's a good idea to do a quick walk around, look, touch  and feel before you just hop on and go.
I'd be willing to bet that MANY MORE mishaps have occurred due to improper tire pressure. So what would you do about that? Motorcycling is dangerous but, things can be done to make it safer.