RGS 1000 marzocchi fork seals size?

[parrishsteve]

Hi,
I need to replace my front fork seals on my RGS 1000 w/38mm Marzocchi forks. The parts book says they are size 38x50x7 and use 2 per fork. I ordered fork seals from my North American Laverda parts supplier and I got 2 seals sized 38x50x10.5. I assume then I need to either make spacers for each fork or I simply insert them just below the stopper clip and they should stay put? Any advice?

Thanks and have a great day!
-Steve

 

[andre g]

I would use a spacer maybe made of PA 6 and give it some bigger tolerances to the fork rods.

 

[Andy]

I’m interested in this. I understand that some use only one seal with success. I used two per fork when I upgraded mine but there’s quite a lot of stiction, which makes setting up sag etc a bit awkward.
Has anyone had trouble with leaking seals if they only use one?
Does using an emulator of some type reduce the pressure on the seals?

 

[parrishsteve]

Note I also found this forum post somewhat related to this topic...
using 1 seal

Also found this post about a rider using 1 seal without spacer...
using 1 seal

 

[Legs]

Topical subject. Discussed this over a pie with Ian de lane in Kanmantoo yesterday.
I have run a single seal in each leg on my RGS for quite a while now, to overcome stiction.
I also replaced the valves in the fork caps to reduce the air pressure in the forks under compression, thus giving the seals an easier time.
I also found the the nylon rings on the dampers had swollen over years thus adding to the stiction, fixed by cutting a small amount off the gaps, freeing up movement.
Very happy with the results, nice compliant front suspension.
I will now sit back and wait for others to give their opinion.

 

[Ventodue]

I’m interested in this. I understand that some use only one seal with success. I used two per fork when I upgraded mine but there’s quite a lot of stiction, which makes setting up sag etc a bit awkward.
Has anyone had trouble with leaking seals if they only use one?

I'm with Legs on this. I find one seal is enuf. No leaks. I don't like 'seal stiction' in the forks - as you say, just makes them more difficult to set up and then to get a consistent reaction on the road, ime.

I have also swapped out the original springs and their tubes for a pair of RaceTech springs. There's more than a bit of friction between the original springs and their tubes.

I'm not a sensitive rider, but the difference this made to the bike under trail braking was remarkable.

 

[henrywillms]

One seal works best. I dont recall if I used a spacer. I may have originally used an old seal cutting back the rubber but I think you dont really need this.