QuestionIn reviewing your main site, I didn't notice anyone who does repairs on Yamaha, so thought I might try yours. Sorry to bother if you don't. They don't very often require repairs so understandable.
I was changing the engine and gear oil with some minor adjustments when I noticed that the fork on the front left (standing in front of bike)is leaking. I did hit a rough railway crossing very hard a couple of years ago and don't doubt this is the cause. Damn thing was unsigned. I am pretty handy at repairs, don't mind getting dirty, so want to know is this something I can take apart. Does it require lots of strength, is it under pressure. Special tools. If not, could I get you to explain process as I would like to try to do myself. Thanks for your time.
AnswerElaine..... Go to http://www.bikebandit.com/houseofmotorcycles/yamaha-motorcycle-virago-1100-xv110... FRONT FORK to see the illustrations.
Once you wrestle the front wheel off, the front fender, brace etc. then you can drain the fork at the bottom drain screw before you remove the assembly, if it has one. Looks like you will need a big allen wrench type tool to remove the top fork bolt, which is under spring pressure. Probably easier to deal with when the fork is off the bike.
http://viragotechforum.com/phpBB/download.php?id=1710 shows the tools needed to remove the damper rod bolt.
You will need a big screwdriver or similar item to pry out the old seals, after you remove the snap ring. Driving in the new seals requires some care so you don't squash them or distort them. They must be driven down completely so the snap ring goes back in.
I'm surprised that I wasn't able to find a nice site with full photos and instructions, but no luck after 15 minute search.
Basically, you need to remove the damper rod, to release the fork tube and bushings from the lower fork housing. Once the bolt is removed, all the parts come out the top. Clean everything up, R&R the seal with a new one, use the made up tool to hold the damper rod still when you are reinstalling the bottom allen bolt. Air tools make this job much easier.
When you put the fork spring back down, you will need some strength to push and turn the fork bolt at the same time.
You could do the work of getting the forks off and then take them to a shop where they can swap out the seals, add the correct oil and then reassemble them for you to reinstall.
If the bike doesn't have a centerstand, it will be a challenge to balance the bike sufficiently to remove the front end parts.
Bill S.
