1984 CB650sc Nighthawk fork seals/bushings

[JTO]

Hello all,

My right fork has started leaking oil, so I need to replace the seals. I thought I ought to replace the bushings while I'm at it, but I can't find a kit with everything in it except for a really expensive kit on ebay that ships from the UK (I'm in Utah, USA). I'm really surprised that there aren't kits readily available--I have found bushings on partzilla, but they are relatively expensive, and all of them together with the seals and dust cover would be about as much as the UK option.

So, has anyone worked on the forks for this and can point me in the right direction? Do the bushings just never need to be replaced? Thanks and cheers.

[mollusc]

I've disassembled my forks a couple of times, but usually only to change the fluid.  I did one full disassembly to change the seals.  I think the bushings are normally fine, which is maybe why there's no kit.

[Bob H]

Do the bushings just never need to be replaced? Thanks and cheers.

I did mine at around 30,000 miles and my bushings were in excellent condition. They will get some marks on them from "slide hammering" the lower tubes away from the upper tube, but just minor nicks that don't affect anything.

I was able to delay replacing my seals for about 5,000 miles by using a "seal doctor" (or motion pro "seal mate") to pull dirt and crud out from the seal. You have to pull the dust cover to access that seal to clean it. Very common with dirt bikes. Eventually it stopped helping and my brake pads got jacked, so I did the seals.

[JTO]

Thanks, Bob. I'll go ahead and order the seals. I'll post back with the condition of the bearings later.
cheers

[Larry Fine]

If the gold coating shows wear through in places, it's replacement time.

When I rebuilt my '96's fork, I bought bushings, and they needed changing.

https://www.vetterowners.com/threads/nighthawk-without-front-legs.573/

[JTO]

Thanks for the info, Larry. My big question is, where can I get bushings besides from this eBay seller in the UK (see link below)?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/126156180668?_skw=cb650sc+fork+seals&itmmeta=01JARR7E5W16X30W6WHCRV6T7N&hash=item1d5f7e8cbc:g:SLgAAOSwBmZlOub0&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA8HoV3kP08IDx%2BKZ9MfhVJKlv5lqUplOwyF7cnYVVUPGcTI9Cl1VNiYCMUTLxd8E8w62i4%2BsidBXhYxk1lyMvL3Pmmau%2BMYsV2duG%2BZAm%2FoKr99rV%2BrCoHnTmMj3Hf9cK4lFefGvp0%2BCbBHNbYhSIEaTJS8QEVkGmk3B5r9bE0omIqQfUtgjocyeAXSB%2FNjVn%2BCOBB5EDAdlF2uYrOj5nzRDwqrWM8vWxUZLwAuAWyse7NNSDNLZ7OEUZBGHy1w2Xtz%2FWmVWxeFjRnu5ExWSKPZg8TV8hznXnca27mFScdKJbfVUECHR2SgoELKjUh79NfQ%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABFBMkOOdmNZk

[Larry Fine]

My big question is, where can I get bushings . . . ?

Parts 13 and 14 here:
 https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/honda/motorcycle/1984/cb650sc-a-nighthawk-650/front-fork

[JTO]

Thanks again, Larry. In your opinion are the inexpensive seals on eBay good enough?

[mollusc]

The seal sets are $33 on that Partzilla link from Larry.  You probably can't get much cheaper than that, so why risk it?

[Bob H]

The seal sets are $33 on that Partzilla link from Larry.  You probably can't get much cheaper than that, so why risk it?

Agreed. If I ever have to change my seals again, I am getting OEM Honda seals.
I used "All Balls" seals, and although they are working fine there is a LOT of stiction.

When I sit on my bike and pull up, or push down, the forks tend to stick where they land.
Never notice it during normal riding, and they don't leak. Nonetheless, there is a very long and boring video by the founder of Traxxion Dynamics where he discusses stiction as it relates to racing suspension - and that it is the #1 enemy of performance suspension.  They want stuff to slide like Sh*t out of a goose.