Fork Seals - Best practice?

[Snowman]

Has anyone changed their fork seals without removing the fork leg from the bike? Is it easier than removing the leg and working on a bench to change the seals?

The reason I ask is that I have a 1100LT and it seems the fairing would have to come off to removed the fork legs.

[Scott_]

I've done it both ways, without pulling the fork upper out of the bike, the seals leaked on me within a year-2yrs tops.
The last time I changed them I pulled the entire fork out of the bike and put in the new seal over the upper stanchion(as spelled out in the book) and I've had no leaks since.

YMMV. 

[Snowman]

Thanks Scott, when you say entire fork, do you mean the triple trees or just the two legs?

[Scott_]

Yep, I pulled the entire fork out of the triple tree.

[Snowman]

One more question. Looking at my bike (LT) it appears I can loosen the triple tree bolts and pull the forks without removing the fairing but it is tight up there. Did you remove any fairing parts?

[Scott_]

I did already have the fairing off as I was also replacing the steering head bearings at the same time.
I suppose it depends on how much room you need for your torque wrench if you leave any plastic on..... :dunno2: