The best tip I can offer is that you need to be sure it needs changing. Have you tried using a 'Seal Saver' or something similar? I've had great success in the past, and found that more often than you'd think, the seal has picked up a bit of dirt causing a leak. You can either buy the ready made product, or cut a similar shape from a plastic drink bottle. If you are sure it needs changing, I have no wisdom to offer.
Porl thanks for that, I have changed plenty of fork seals over the years but not on a VFR, I was just wondering if there was anything in particular that I needed to know about them
Nothing special. There is a top and bottom of the seal so put it in right, tap into place and boom done. If you are popping seals you may want to inspect or replace bushings. Clean out the lowers (brake cleaner or contact cleaner both dry clean no residue). Pump out the dampening rods of old dirty fluid. Have fun.
Based upon reports, aftermarket cheap seals aren't as good as OEM. Measure springs and compare to new length. Loosen fork caps just 1/2 turn while they're still on bike. If you've got much"filfh" from years of neglect, you may need a more than a quick spray with carb cleaner. I discovered a bottom layer of blackish crud in many forks that needs repeated washings with a solvent of your choice until they appear clean and no longer drain dirt. May take a few washings in bad cases. Blow out with compressed air. Use scotchbrite on seal recess to be sure new seal goes in clean (with oil). Replace copper washer on bottom fork bolt. Improvized plastic pipe seal driver just longer than fork tube is EZ, also using old seal on top protecting new seal. Spacer needs adjustment for correct sag with rider aboard, and needs checking whenever forks have been apart. After installing forks (and with spring out) push up fork lower to top or almost while stressing lower against upper tubes to check for worn or sloppy bushings upper or lower, Too much loose movement between tubes may over-stress seal, cause leak.
