If I don't have fork oil in my fork, can it do serious damage?

Question

I strapped down my bike a little to tight my last ride, and I think I blew my seal. There was a little puddle of fluid on the trailer. So I'm not really sure if it's all drained or not. I do know it leaked a whole bunch though.

I am wondering since I have a manditory ride tomorrow, what will happen.

I'm hoping it's not going to damage anything, but just be a harsh ride.

Let me know,

Thank you

My bike is CRF250R 2005 (Inverted forks)

Answer 1

you should be fine if thars not a whole lot of oil missing but i would keep a good watch on your fork oil seal if any more leeks id stop rining but you should probly replace.

Answer 2

If you must ride tomorrow and the seal is only seaping out oil then you will be ok to ride (as long as it isn't extreme harsh and long ride) if you, before the ride put your bike up off the floor(front end) and top up both sides to 5 or 5 1/2 inches from top with fork oil. If you dont have fork oil you can use ATF but you should drain both sides first and then refill with AutoTransFluid for your ride. When the rides done....do the right thing and change out both your seals and supply proper fork oil for your toy. Have fun on the ride!

Answer 3

if  all the oil  gone you will have no damping,

could get on brake disk if leaking bad,

if oil out of one leg  will handle like a pig

Answer 4

i kno this doesnt answer your question ...

but you look extremely cute (:

Answer 5

Dont ride your bike wothout oil in the forks it will work for a while but as the springs in them heat up your forks will lock up

Answer 6

You won't damage anything by riding it.  Your suspension will be compromised.  The front end would bounces instead of absorbing the shock.  

In all honesty, you'll end up hurting yourself.  Although, I have seen guys ride with oil coming out of the forks and still live to tell his side of the story.

Get it fix and enjoy your ride!

Answer 7

it is bad and will be a harsh ride

Answer 8

DON'T-DO IT! The oil is there for cooling too. You will gall the metal in the fork and overheat the spring. You are looking at a possible total replacement.Put more oil in and carry some with you. Keep an eye on it to make sure if you blew the seal.

Answer 9

Are you really that optimistic?  I have seen it all now. FIX THE FORKS!!!!

Answer 10

The main danger is getting fork oil on your brake rotor.

Answer 11

Get the seal replaced ASAP as you may eventually need front end replacement/readjustment