GSX1400 Owners .org

Technically Speaking => Suspension => Topic started by: seth on Monday, 13 May 2024, 07:48 AM

Title: Alternatively forkseals
Post by: seth on Monday, 13 May 2024, 07:48 AM
I looked and couldn't find the part number so asking for help
I know the best forkseals are oem suzuki ones (I used cheaper alternatives and after a year 1 is weeping again)
So my question is the Kawasaki equivalent is half the price and the same can anyone tell me what kawasaki model uses the same size forkseal and even better if anyone has the part number 🤔
Cheers in advance 👍
Title: Re: Alternatively forkseals
Post by: Hooli on Monday, 13 May 2024, 07:52 AM
From a quick google 1998 ZX9R have 46mm forks, as do ZX10RR (unknown year and upside down so maybe different sealing tech?).

I think it was an Aussie who knew the part number before?
Title: Re: Alternatively forkseals
Post by: grog on Monday, 13 May 2024, 09:47 AM
Just looked, seems seals are all close to same price now for Suzi &Kawa. Around £40 with dust seals.NOK brand i mean Kawa part No. 92049-1495
Title: Re: Alternatively forkseals
Post by: Tonythetiger on Monday, 13 May 2024, 06:06 PM
Quote from: seth on Monday, 13 May  2024, 07:48 AMI looked and couldn't find the part number so asking for help
I know the best forkseals are oem suzuki ones (I used cheaper alternatives and after a year 1 is weeping again)
So my question is the Kawasaki equivalent is half the price and the same can anyone tell me what kawasaki model uses the same size forkseal and even better if anyone has the part number 🤔
Cheers in advance 👍
How much fork oil did you use Seth? I used 650ml and just some seals off ebay and mine have been fine so far. I watched a youtube video about this topic and the guy put a full bottle (1ltr) in each tube on his GSX1400 which I thought was way to much, he was using ALL BALLS seals if I remember correctly, you know the guy who gets loads of stick from another channel and is constantly shredding his work, it's called "DELBOY'S GARAGE"
I find it's a decent watch but never mind.  Tony
Title: Re: Alternatively forkseals
Post by: seth on Monday, 13 May 2024, 06:40 PM
Tonythebtiger
Is mot really about the amount of oil you put in that's important.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Its very much more important to get the air-gap correct at 106/108mm from the top without the spring in 🌟🌟🌟🌟

The seal that's weeping is an aftermarket one I'll not use them again only genuine as that's all I used in the past without any problems over 22 years .
Be very wary of that del boys garage he's a bit of a cowboy .
Gsxbarmy has done an excellent guide to changing forkseals on here (the org) and ive added pictures of the 2 different special tools needed for the different forks (early upto end of k4 and later k5 onwards)
650ml sounds a little low but I've never gone hy oil amounts I always go by the air-gap
Title: Re: Alternatively forkseals
Post by: KiwiCol on Monday, 13 May 2024, 06:45 PM
1L is WAAAAAY to much oil for a 14. Attached from the manual says 644ml, or 108mm from top.

Fork Oil.JPG
Title: Re: Alternatively forkseals
Post by: seth on Monday, 13 May 2024, 06:50 PM
Quote from: KiwiCol on Monday, 13 May  2024, 06:45 PM1L is WAAAAAY to much oil for a 14. Attached from the manual says 644ml, or 108mm from top.

Fork Oil.JPG

Think I used almost 1.4 litres over both forks last time
As I said if never go just on the amount of oil I always go by the air-gap .
I have a syringe and tube set to the correct hight of the air-gap so Over fill then remove the excess to get the correct air-gap.
Title: Re: Alternatively forkseals
Post by: grog on Monday, 13 May 2024, 06:59 PM
Mines 125mm but have Wilbers springs. Works fine, all i know
Title: Re: Alternatively forkseals
Post by: Tonythetiger on Monday, 13 May 2024, 10:28 PM
I have the standard K3 springs in my bike and fluid wise i'm pretty much bang on but I've not measured the air gap without the springs in as the oil will pour out of the bottom as they need to be bolted in, No bolt means big hole on the bottom or have I got it wrong?.
Title: Re: Alternatively forkseals
Post by: Hooli on Monday, 13 May 2024, 10:44 PM
Quote from: Tonythetiger on Monday, 13 May  2024, 10:28 PMI have the standard K3 springs in my bike and fluid wise i'm pretty much bang on but I've not measured the air gap without the springs in as the oil will pour out of the bottom as they need to be bolted in, No bolt means big hole on the bottom or have I got it wrong?.

Yes you've got it wrong. The bit that bolts in is the damper, that has to be in & pumped several times get all the air out before measuring the air gap.

The quantity is pretty accurate in my experience too, but I use the air gap as well to get it precise. It's so easy to do it seems rude not too.
Title: Re: Alternatively forkseals
Post by: gsxbarmy on Tuesday, 14 May 2024, 08:10 AM
Oil/Air Gap can vary depending on which springs you have fitted

Fork oil:
-   5W Fork oil recommended with standard springs
-   10W Fork oil typically used with aftermarket progressive / linear springs

Oil/Air Gap:
-   Standard springs: 108mm
-   Hagon progressive: K2-K4: 150mm,  K5-K8: 160mm
-   Ohlins progessive: K5-K8: 140mm
-   Wilbers progressive: K2-K4: 150mm,  K5-K8: 160mm