Ohlins Fork Seal

[Dimitris]

Hi!!

 

There is some oil leakage from the right Ohlins Fork (V11 Rosso Corsa). Does anyone know the dimensions of the Ohlins fork seal? I am thinking of trying to change the damaged fork seal by myself, with the help of a friend, so I have to do a market search.

 

Thank you

 

Dimitris

[belfastguzzi]

Hi!!

 

There is some oil leakage from the right Ohlins Fork (V11 Rosso Corsa). Does anyone know the dimensions of the Ohlins fork seal? I am thinking of trying to change the damaged fork seal by myself, with the help of a friend, so I have to do a market search.

 

Thank you

 

Dimitris

Dimitris, Ohlins modified that seal to have a double lip, which is meant to last longer. A couple of us found that it didn't last any longer, but others have had no bother. Anyway, I'd think that it is worth trying to source a double-lip seal.

 

Can you not get the Ohlins part?

Are you using Ohlins oil?

 

There should be a thread or two here on dismantling the Ohlins R&T fork tube and changing the seal.

[Dimitris]

How can I get the Ohlins part codes? I read the parts manual, but there are no indications for the Ohlins fork seals, rings codes etc... ( )

[belfastguzzi]

How can I get the Ohlins part codes? I read the parts manual, but there are no indications for the Ohlins fork seals, rings codes etc... ( )

I'll get back on that (or others might have the numbers to hand – Paul? Ratchet?)

 

Meanwhile, I found this info. People have used Suzuki seals. Of course there are other generic seals.

The dilemma with Ohlins is the way that they are looser/lower friction (more for racing bias I suppose) – so they leak easier.

 

My last set only lasted 2,500 miles. (And once one side goes, I find the other side goes as well within a short time.)

We have surmised here before that it seems to be after the bike has been stored for a while, so the seals have dried? The bikes that don't fail are probably being used regularly so the seals are always working and kept wet.

 

Fork Oil:

The oem fluid is an Ohlins 7.5wt but it's nearer everyone elses 5wt in terms of visocity. i run Ohlins 5 wt in mine and it suits me. Stick with Ohlins if you can oil wise as thicknesses between brands varies big time. I had a chart somewhere showing actual oil viscosity and a Bel ray 10wt was as thick as Ohlins 20 wt which must confuse the hell out of people.

 

We do give people the option in our workshops but i would also recommend that use ohlins road and track sus fluid, a lot of people invest a lot of time into suspension rightly so, these forks come with this oil in it for a reason i reckon!

 

Fork Seals:

They rarely fail, it's normally an inverted lip from a dry fork leg after a layup or dirt on the lip that makes them leak.

Did I read somewhere that Suzuki seals fit as well but last a lot longer? GSXR1000 ones are ringing a bell?

 

Yes suzuki 43mm seals fit and last ages because they are double lipped. They do add stiction to the fork though which is why Ohlins only use single lip seals.

 

The newer design Ohlins seals are less prone to problems with the key being to keep the legs clean and don't leave the forks unmoved for long periods because the movement lubricates the seal lip and prevents it inverting.

When you fit new seals you are meant to smear a small amount of seal grease on the lip to help prevent it happening.

 

i've fitted the suzuki k3 fork seals on mine. They are mint now and don't leak. I can't notice any difference in the sticktion tbh.

[Dimitris]

Belfastguzzi, Thank you so much!

 

The Suzuki fork seals is an option.

 

But for the shake, which are the oem part codes?

Where can I buy Ohlins oil?

[belfastguzzi]

Found some more:

 

The Ohlins specialist in N Ireland reckons the Suzuki seals story is a pile of balls . Now on reading here its obviously not but he's a very well respected bloke who looks after 90% of racers here. He says they will fit but are dearer and Ohlins have now uprated their seals which has done away with the weakness.

 

-------------------------

 

The Tech may be a decent tech but he is wrong about the seals.

They are 100's of Rsv's out there with suzuki seals and the dimensions of the seal are identical except for the extra lip. Yes the Ohlins seals were updated about 3 years ago but they are still single lip. depends on you point of view, single lip low stiction, shorter life or double lipped bit more stiction, longer life. Don't even consider the Suzuki seals won't fit because they 100% will if they get the right 43mm versions.

If you want to trawl the Aprilia forum for peace of mind you will find lots of satisfied customers.

 

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He had them fitted by a suspension tech in NZ and they went straight in, same dimensions, no mods they just worked. Clarkie ran them on his Factory in the AMA in the US etc etc. Lots of people using them.cYou can analise it any which way chap but they just go in and work. What more can i say really.

 

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Had mine done nearly 1000miles ago with R1 SP seals and no problems. I think the seals were less than twenty quid,just thought I'd throw that in.

Any bike manufacturer that uses 43mm Ohlins road and track forks will have seals.

Ducati, Benelli, R1 SP etc. I used Ducati seals and they were about £8 each i think off Ebay.

 

The Suzuki seals are more robust and ideal if you do high mileage or your forks get hammered by winter crap on a regular basis. Most Ohlins seals leak due to dirt on the lip as much as wear. Aprilia insist on supplying the dust seal as well hence why they are so expensive

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the gsxr seals do fit as all dimensions are the same

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Fyi i did some checking and the Aprilia Ohlins seals were/are 11mm and the R1 SP, Suzuki, uses 9.5mm seals but they go in with no issues or spacing mods needed.

 

The R1 SP is the same fork Internally as the Aprilia uses and uses a 9.5mm seal no problem. It may be the 9.5mm seal is the revision Ohlins seal and the 11mm the old style but i couldn't confirm that.

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As has been said the suzuki seals fit as do the R1 Sp or any other 43mm ohlins seal regardless of the small variations in width which Ohlins appear to alter also at times.

 

And it looks like it's not just a couple of us here who have experienced the Ohlins as prone to leaking:

 

On the Ohlins forks it's a known issue that the seals fail, best to replace before you end up with oil on your front tyre.

 

--------------

 

The deciding factor might be your usage. If it's high and through winter the suzuki option might be best. Read how many Showa equipped bikes have leaks on here (Double Lipped seal) and how many Ohlins have leaked. Speaks for itself.

Even the new design Ohlins seal is not immune to leaking (mine lasted about 5K) but if your usage is low, mostly clean dry miles it won't get the abuse that often makes them leak.

My 04 Factory went through 2 sets of seals in the 12650 miles it did with me.

Thats a fairly high maintenance rate if you do a lot of miles but for me it was 4 years riding so wasn't a big deal and i could change them myself.

[doug m]

Suzuki DR 650 SE part #51153-14330 seals will work in a bind, although they are single wire with dimensions 43x55x10. Ohlins call for a 43x55x11.5 You can get them through aprillia, part #AP8123975 Desc;front fork revision.

[guzzi323]

I used to have my seals go quite regularly at 5-8K mile intervals. I always used Ohlins seals, oil and seal grease.

After my sixth or seventh set in far too few miles, I asked a mechanic friend who works at an Aprillia shop about it an he recommended I use Motorex Fork oil.

I don't recall offhand what weight but it was a 'light' viscosity.

Yes, it did change my damping (but that's why these things are adjustable, right?)but it was the last time I've had to change the seals.

I believe I'm approaching ~20K miles on this set.

 

I'll live with theoretically lees supple suspension that my compromise may have introduced. It still rides fine for me.

 

johnk

p.s. I did use Ohlins seals.

[Paul Minnaert]

from ohlins website:

 

GREECE

MOTODYNAMICS S.A.

Thessi Kyrillos

19300 Aspropyrgos

GREECE

Tel. +30 210 62 93 547/8

Fax. +30 210 62 01 745

E-mail: T.Papadopoulos@yamaha-motor.gr

 

 

From aprilia you can get spare seals, they have them numberd in the rsv parts lists. I'm shure the non radial ohlins in aprilia is the same, maybe the radials too.

[Dimitris]

Thank you guys!

 

My mechanic used the R1 fork seals. Everything fine now. We also changed the fork oil with Elf 5w.

Now let's see how many kilometers the seals will stay alive!

[belfastguzzi]

Thank you guys!

 

My mechanic used the R1 fork seals. Everything fine now. We also changed the fork oil with Elf 5w.

Now let's see how many kilometers the seals will stay alive!

Make sure that you report back, in five years or whenever.

Maybe I should instal Yamaha seals too, or Suzuki.

[Dimitris]

Make sure that you report back, in five years or whenever.

Maybe I should instal Yamaha seals too, or Suzuki.

Please Belfastguzzi, do not speak loudly. My V11 RC is not aware of "wearing" Japan made Fork seals. She might get angry..

 

I will report back!

[corvair66]

Thread has been inactive for a while.  My '03 Rosso Corsa's fork seals are leaking and both Guzzi and Ohlins are saying the seals are not currently available.  Aside from the Suzuki's mentioned, I've found reference to the seals from an '06 R1 LE being a match.  Just checking on whether anyone's had any recent success with alternatives to the OEM parts.  Other question is whether there are any recommendations for other sources of OEM suspension components for the Rosso Corsa.  Any suggestions for the Newb would be much appreciated.

[Scud]

I recently had mine rebuilt at a local Ducati dealer with parts I sourced from Dan Kyle Racing. Chuck just did it himself. Details in this thread:

 

http://www.v11lemans.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=19782

 

Welcome to the forum.

[Chuck]

Wat Scud sez. The local Ducati had the seals.. Ducati of Indianapolis.

https://www.indyducati.com/about/hours-and-directions