Front forks or something else..

[gunrmonkey]

Hey everybody,
I own a 1995 VT1100 shadow. I have recently had issues with a vibration at the handle bars and every once and a while I hear a scraping noise near my brake rotor. I started hearing the scraping about a month ago and thought I might need new brake pads and replaced them. I know that the forks need new seals and new oil because they are soo spongey, but now the problem has seemed to have progressively gotten worse. It seems like one of the forks might be worse of than the other because of the uneven shock absorption in the front as I am going over small cracks and dips in the road.
Right now it is the scraping that bothers me the most and I am almost afraid to ride it now. My question is what could be the possible issues and what Is the typical cost to replace the seals and possibly rebuild the forks. I would love to try it myself for the first time; I do have alot of tools, but I do not have a garage or a motorcycle jack/lift.
I will take pictures of the forks when I get a working camera if necessary.

[dernp]

Most definitely replace the fork seals. Shop charges about $200. Do a search on this site and there will be a thread to walk you through it.


Sent from my Motorcycle iPad app

[Floyd Dolin]

Good idea to pick up an OEM service manual for your bike. If you have the proper tools, the manual guides you through replacing the fork oil seal. Also, check the fork springs to see if they are within service limits. For a 1991 or later Shadow VT1100, if the spring is shorter than 17.71 inches - replace it (them). Let us know how your project is going.

[gunrmonkey]

Thanks. I actually have that same color spirit (American Red). That is one of the reasons why I have not sold mine and keep working on it.. such a great color. I am also a member of the patriot guard but don't go to the events very often. I have bought the Clymer repair manual a while back but got after going through it I realized it was the wrong one 1985-1995. I don't know why they put the 1995 in both clymer manuals.

[gunrmonkey]

Well I took it to a mechanic a few days ago to make sure it was the fork seals and my fear of that grinding and vibration was steering me in the right direction. I know the fork seals need replacing anyway but I finally noticed that the wheel hub was not seating correctly on the front of the bike. Probably not the safest to drive! I have to get a bearing replaced on the front wheel hub before I can drive it again. I will probably let the mechanic do the work since I have not purchased a bike jack/lift yet.