Kinked outer fork tube S1000RR

[self_moto]

Hey guys, i finally decided to swap fork oil in s1000rr(ddc), and it appeared that left fork leg (one with ddc cartridge) has a kink in outer tube. https://imgur.com/a/gjBrv0H

Taking in consideration that I put 12k on that forks already, makes me say “it’s probably fine”, but on other end it does bother me... question: how bad is it, and would you replace it?

ps: ddc cartridge doesn’t seems to have inner bushing like other upsidedown forks are.. so, in theory, i don’t think there is extra wear, and tire wear seems to be alright

 

[motomania2007]

Does not sound like it is bent enough for it to make a difference to you, and that is all that really matters

 

[stangmx13]

its likely that the rest of the tube is bent. v-blocks and a dial indicator will tell u. check all the other tubes and the axle as well.

check to make sure the fork fully compresses. usually the inner tube is so close to the outer that a small indent like that will scrape the inner.

IMO, replace it. outer tubes arent that expensive.

 

[ST Guy]

Definitely replace.

 

[kuksul08]

I rode with a bent fork for several months, no perceptible issues. You will probably get some excessive bushing wear. For me the biggest annoyance was the misalignment during tire changes and it also affected my caliper/rotor alignment. You will end up replacing it anyway so might as well start looking.

 

[self_moto]

thanks for suggestions! i ordered replacement - used one of course

 

[Butch]

Is that s1000rr(ddc) a BMW?
Like, an expensive motorcycle?
I am confused.

 

[EarlyApex]

Is that s1000rr(ddc) a BMW?
Like, an expensive motorcycle?
I am confused.

What is the confusion regarding?

 

[stangmx13]

thanks for suggestions! i ordered replacement - used one of course

check that one for straightness too. ive been burned before.

 

[rob linders]

thanks for suggestions! i ordered replacement - used one of course

For what it's worth, I'm pretty frugal. I've bought my wife new cars, but I haven't had a new one since 87. All my son's racebikes were used.

When replacing his forktubes on his R6, I bought new. We were at Laguna Seca and I noticed clunking while cleaning the bike, coincidentally at the same time he was having a major chatter issue at an AMA national. At first we noticed the bearings were loose, since it came back from the frame straightener and evidently the races moved a bit after insertion by the straightener.

After that was straightened out, we still had chatter and then noticed the clunking in the front end. Everything was straight but the uppers were worn enough it created issues while racing. After getting new uppers, there was no more clunking.