Hello All I have a Question regarding fork dust seals. I have a 1987 Heritage and I am replacing the fork seals. The bike has cowbells over the fork tube and when I dropped out the fork legs there was no dust seals on the slider. There was a lot of crap on the top of the seal. I know the cowbells cover the top of the seals, but should there be a dust seal on the slider? The top of the slider looks like it would take a seal. I have changed the seals before and didn't think to inquire about the dust seals. Happy Fourth of July. I am from up North and we just celebrated our 150th on July 01 Happy Canada Day. Thanks

 

No, FL models have no "dust caps" on the fork sliders, just the seals. Mine is that way, too. I never thought it odd until you mentioned it. No dust cap listed on the parts manual.

 

Thanks for the info. I spoke to old Harley mechanic yesterday and he said they didn't come with the dust caps under the cowbells. He said "put it back together and ride. New seals are installed and on the road again. Thanks

 

I know it sounds odd, as I found it, but those seals last a very long time/mileage before they give up the ghost. You should be fine for a long time yet, before the next set!

 

The "cowbells" (sheet metal fork covers) do an excellent job of protecting the upper fork legs from dirt, bugs, and chipping from stones, and seem to contribute to the long life of the fork seals.

 

Do we need more 'Cowbell'?....

 

Thanks for that.....I needed that video.