One or Two

I noticed late in last years riding season that my left front shock was leaking. The right side is fine. I will repair before the riding season begins. Should I replace the seals in both shocks or just the guilty one? There's around 22000klm on my 05 now. The good side shock could go forever without issues, who knows. Do I follow the adage       "if it ain't broke don't fix it".

There is a small fork seal cleaner ( plastic tool) That motocross rider use to clean dirt from the fork  cylinder.Seams to work well on U tube video.  Cost about $5.00.

I've heard six of one a half a dozen the other. If I was going to do it I'd probably do both and first I think I'd try the tool that tinman mentioned. Also if I replaced the seals in both shocks I would either replace the spacers with thicker ones and /or go five heavier than OEM recommends with the fluid. I've read about people doing one or both and been happy with the results.
Keep us informed what you decide and what difference is when you're done, good luck.

Here is a  link to the tool.  Sealmate Fork Seal Cleaner

Video

Roger I probably won't tackle this project till it warms up, maybe mid March. What do you recommend I use for a thicker spacer? How much thicker should a spacer be? What is the Recommended amount of oil per shock and what is the oem viscosity so I can get thicker? Any answers are appreciated and I will make notes for when I get around to the task (getting my homework done now). I don't want to spend the money on the hyperpro spring kit as some guys say there isn't any obvious difference in the ride, at least not enough to justify the cost! Anyone reading please don't start bantering on the hyperpros. Thanks for any other input.

Paul thank you for that great video.
hotwings I'll do a little searching and post the links if you give me a day or two.

Where does one buy fork shield (s) for the 05 600? I noted they were right out there for collecting debris and bugs and would like to give them some protection. Al

Try Ebay or Amazon,there should be some there .there was one set  ( universal ) that can be rapt and held with velcro to fit to almost any MC or scooters. Most 300 to 600 crotch rocket fork protectors will fit the swing.

model28a wrote:

hotwings I'll do a little searching and post the links if you give me a day or two.

Roger that Roger.

hotwings here are a few links to get you started gathering the info you'll need to know.
When I have a little more time I'll try finding some more information for you.  

https://www.silverwing600.com/t2991-shimming-fork-springs?highlight=fork+seal

https://www.silverwing600.com/t6471-fork-oil-and-then-enough-charicters-to-reach-between-10-and-255?highlight=fork+seal

https://www.silverwing600.com/search?search_keywords=+fork+seal&typerecherche=interne&show_results=topics

Thanks Roger. It's as clear as mud now . All I need now is someone out there to volunteer to do this for me. I will provide all required tools, coffee, food, shelter etc! Hmmmm....Thats got me thinking.....I will be in Florida in 3 weeks....I can drop the forks off at your house Roger....you can repair for me while my wife and I are in the Caribbean...... . I would bring you back a sea shell .

I've changed several sets of seals on Goldwings when I had my shop and four more sets here in Medford, two of mine and two of friends'. It's not a difficult job. I wouldn't change both unless they're both leaking. There's no way of knowing how long a seal will last, if you change just the leaking one the old one on the other side might out last the new seal. I would recommend using a piece of plastic as shown in several videos and written articles. I use a piece cut from a plastic milk bottle. Sometimes that's all that's needed. It doesn't work all the time but it's worth trying since it costs nothing but a few minutes time.