Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: Facewest on September 10, 2020, 01:11:12 AM
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I have been waxing my fork tubes for a few years.
In addition to my 2016 Concours I have a 2000 Kawasaki ZX-12r. My fork seals started leaking and the rebuilder told me to please start waxing my fork tubes as it will help the seals last a lot longer.
He also told me the plating on the fork tube will last longer too.
I use Eagle 1 Wax AS U Dry because it is a liquid and I don't have to worry about the messy wax paste from normal wax.
You can really feel the difference when you run your fingers along the tube.
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I have never heard of doing this. Sounds interesting. I have been fighting leaks for at least the last year now and have to make sure the tubes are clean all the time (every ride). This could be an interesting discussion!
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This does sound interesting.
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Interesting idea. Need more discussion.
I think the biggest thing your accomplishing with waxing, is cleaning your fork tubes.
But, the additional smoothness may be good for the fork action because of less stiction?
I assume the wax doesn't stay there very long with seal rub and the oil that gets on the tube? {after it moves thru the seal}
Ride safe, Ted
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For decades I have used silicone lube inside the top dust seal after cleaning. Don’t know if it helps but makes me feel better.
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Interesting idea. Need more discussion.
Indeed. I can't find much information about doing this (theory, pros, cons, what type of "wax", etc).
I think the biggest thing your accomplishing with waxing, is cleaning your fork tubes.
But, the additional smoothness may be good for the fork action because of less stiction?
I assume the wax doesn't stay there very long with seal rub and the oil that gets on the tube? {after it moves thru the seal}
It could help seal surface irregularities that will then help prevent dirt/dust/contaminates from sticking. This would help to keep them clean or at least easier to remove contaminates when actually cleaning. Or it might contaminate the seals. I don't know.
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I read on the Internet that giving them a rub down with wax paper also helps.
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Might be a little rough. You could try rear end lube.
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Might be a little rough. You could try rear end lube.
Easy Pinkerbell!!! :o
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I've always waxed the fork tubes. Not because of concern for the seals but because it makes getting the bug guts off so much easier.
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I always wipe WD40 on the tubes with a finger after I get finished riding.
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Hopefully your finger, correct?
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Was installing LED lights as replacement for parking lights and noticed pitting on tubes, this makes sense now, those pits could ruin a seal quick.
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After my recent fork rebuild (75k miles), there was no pitting but the chrome was worn where the tube slides through the bush, not where it slides through the seal. The seals were leaking as they were worn out, not notched or damaged, just worn.
I have since acquired a set of used ZX14(ABS) forks that are away being re-chromed and rebuilt with springs and valving set for my weight.
Once they are done I'll be fitting those as well as the used (3k miles) Ohlins KA109 shock and should have decent suspension. :-)
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Once they are done I'll be fitting those as well as the used (3k miles) Ohlins KA109 shock and should have decent suspension. :-)
But will you wax them?
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Wax sounds like a good idea but what recently started using after two leaks in two years are fork socks, so far so good after three years. They are designed mostly for off road bikes but they work on any fork.
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Wax sounds like a good idea but what recently started using after two leaks in two years are fork socks, so far so good after three years. They are designed mostly for off road bikes but they work on any fork.
Which fork socks are you running, and which size?
I thought about waxing my forks, but I looked, and they aren't hairy. :finger_fing11:
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LOL, idiot.
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LOL, idiot.
:finger_fing11:
Okay, seriously though, which ones do you have, and is there a size I have to choose? I looked quite a while back, but were unsure which ones to get.
Thanks
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I also was wondering if putting some type of collapsible environmental barrier over the exposed tubes would be prudent or helpful. One downside is that it would hide any leaking (at least for a while, until the fluid runs down to the other parts of the bike).
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I have never waxed my fork tubes on any of my bikes.
The C14 is the first I have ever owned that wore through the chrome.
Apparently it's common on modern bikes. The plating is so thin/cheap that it wears through easily.
My C10s all have/had fork gaiters or neoprene sleeves to protect them from crud.
On the C14 I didn't think it was necessary as the front fender protects the forks.
I'm not sure how you'd get a protective cover in there.
Maybe I'll start waxing my new forks, or maybe not. :D
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The ones I have on the Concours 14 are shockSox
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The ones I have on the Concours 14 are shockSox
Thanks, I have looked at those, but my question is, which ones, what size, they make a multitude of different ones.
EDIT: Okay, I found the ones they list for use on upside down forks. I assume that's what you got. I've been traveling and have been at sea most of the time, so it was difficult for me to search. I just got home.
Thanks
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Something about our water that eats mag wheels up pitting the best triple chrome wheels, my 2011 came with bare aluminum wheels so I had them black power coated because they were looking bad, I'll pledge them, that's all i use on my bike I've never waxed It.