Tyres, Brakes and Suspension » Fork leak

Has anyone in this fine group had any fork leak issues? I've had four totally hassle-free years with my 2016 Iconic 1200RS, but yesterday when filling up (a long way from home), there was a significant oil leak from the very bottom of the left hand fork (not the fork seal). The drips were coming from the rear of the inside of the two front wheel spindle pinch bolts. At that point there was a drip every couple of seconds. Definitely not related to the brakes, so can only be fork oil escaping. Difficult to tell how long it had been leaking (this was about 120 miles into the day), and although I'd not noticed anything in the handling, there was a significant misting of oil over the front engine area and (more worryingly) over the left side of the front tyre. Wasn't really able to do anything other than go easy on the left handers (felt no twitches or slips in my entire 400 mile trip), and the drips slowed then stopped completely. I'm guessing either all the oil had come out (doubtful 'cause I think there's about 450ml?), or there was a sufficient enough drop in pressure to stop any more being forced out. Bike actually seemed to handle fine and the right hand side was fine. Definitely not the fork seal, but it was suggested that there is a washer at the bottom of the fork that may have failed. The bike is getting serviced in two weeks, so will get it fixed, but would be great to know if this is something that has happened to others - and know precisely what has gone wrong. Thanks.

Appears that you have a leak from the bolt on the bottom that keeps the forks from separating at full extension. Gasket ring p/n 31428557617 under the bolt head. I haven't heard of this failure too much at all but that doesn't mean it can't happen. It will involve a fork disassembly and re-service. Not much to worry about now except for the mess it creates.

Frank

Thank you - that sounds pretty specific. Brilliant Frank!