Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > General Motorcycles only > Ohlins Forks / Service - rebuild

[gary-g]

I have been told exactly the same about my SP, although mine don't leak !

[Bungi]

i asked the same question on a site in the US

with one interesting response....

Chuckracer
...some dude... Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Chandler, Arizona, USA
Posts: 1,803

Every Ohlins fork I've worked with leaves a little oil ring on the leg. It's normal

I have worked as a chassis and suspension set-up man for several race teams through nineties, from local club racing 600 class teams to the AMA with a Pro Thunder team, and very unofficially on a top AMA Ducati team with two very well known riders. I was club racing in this same time period and doing occasional nationals (750SS).

The first time I saw this, I was concerned and questioned a couple people far more skilled than I, and was told by both that it's normal. Apparently, Ohlins fork seals carry more oil in the seal than normal Showa or Kayaba forks. This helps combat stiction. Other streetbike based forks don't do this simply because it wouldn't do to have that thin film of oil left on the stancion tube. People aren't used to seeing that and think the seals are bad if they see any oil at all.

Your shop is shotting ya straight.

[Bungi]

some answers from ohlins by email a few moments ago

Hello Sean,



There about as many ways as there are mechanics in the world,



To soak the seal is ok for us, but maybe not necessary, after service the oil that is left inside the seal will leave a thin film of oil for a while when using the front fork.





Best Regards
Lars Isaksson

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