sorry, I'm new to motorcycles (just got my license sunday!) and i'm thinking about getting an inexpensive (ie ~ $1000) bike to get started on. My friend keeps telling me abotu this 95/96 Zx6r that has 15k miles and the guy wants $1000 for it. The 2 things he mentioned to me about the bike were that it needed new signals and that it needed fork seals. My Concern is, how much are fork seals to get repaired (generally) and can you ride around for alittle while with them in bad shape, or is it imperative to have them fixed?

 

ive rode with them leaking before for a little while. i tied red shop rags around them and taped them up with electrical tape. that way they don't drip on to the brakes. looks like chit tho...lol

 

i thought fork seals were relatively easy to replace? and not expensive part to buy?

 

Fork seals are pretty easy to replace. I think I paid about $20 for both seals, and around $8 for a bottle of fork oil. Buying a service manual will help you out in this job.

 

I wouldn't ride with them leaking all over the place though. After the oil is gone, you'll start scoring the tubes with dust that makes it's way in.

 

Define bad. If they are simply leaving a residue on the tubes, several months. If they are leaking and fork oil is running down the lower tubes, I'd fix them. You can tackle the project yourself. It might be worthwhile to upgrade the innards while you've got them disassembled; do the job thoroughly when you do it. Don't pay someone else for a missed opportunity to learn. We're here to help.

 

Personally I wouldn't take the chance on fluid dripping on the brake pads on the street.. If it was on dirt no biggie. Usually a suspension place can replace the seals and check the inners for wear, replace the fluid for about $ 150 for both.

 

i ment tempoary. like untill you get paid. not forever.

 

and new signals ??? chances are this bikes been abused and dropped. seriously consider this purchase. if you can get some pics of it and post them we might be of better assistance.

 

hahaha, was thinking the same lines. The tubes puking causing the broken signals on a fall.
Common sense goes a long ways if you see a mechanical situation. Jeff already mentioned that. Fork seals are really not that bad to replace. Just get the manual and the proper tools out and whala!