2017 KTM Fork Issues (scoring)

RichPorras
Edited Date/Time 5/12/2017 11:53am


I have a 2017 KTM 250 SX-F with 12.2 hours on it. I went to change the seals on the front forks per the maintenance schedule dictated by the owners manual. I soon found that my fork chrome plating is scored up to the point that if I run my thumb nail over it I can feel it. Has any one else ran in to the same type of wear?????? I called KTM North American Head Quarters and they seemed surprised by the wear on my forks. Stay tuned to see if they will be willing to fix the coating issue.
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Dtat720
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Dtat720 4/28/2017 6:25am
4/28/2017 6:25am
The way the groove is cut in to the tube, it thins out the further down it goes. The lower tube is flexing under load. Same reason you see the lines going horizontal on the lower tube. Its bending under load.
CarlinoJoeVideo
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CarlinoJoeVideo 4/28/2017 7:44am
4/28/2017 7:44am
Looks like a small piece of dirt or rock got under the seal and rubbed the groove.
Cygnus
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Cygnus 4/28/2017 7:45am
4/28/2017 7:45am
CarlinoJoeVideo wrote:
Looks like a small piece of dirt or rock got under the seal and rubbed the groove.
That's what I'm thinking. Did you you pull the dust seal down and have a look yet?
RichPorras 4/28/2017 9:37am
4/28/2017 9:37am
CarlinoJoeVideo wrote:
Looks like a small piece of dirt or rock got under the seal and rubbed the groove.
I thought that myself but both sides have multiple scoring. The first picture is the rebound side

THIS PICTURE IS THE AIR SIDE



The Shop

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RichPorras 4/28/2017 9:39am
4/28/2017 9:39am


these score marks are really wide to be a piece of sand or rock?
RichPorras 4/28/2017 9:41am
4/28/2017 9:41am
CarlinoJoeVideo wrote:
Looks like a small piece of dirt or rock got under the seal and rubbed the groove.
Cygnus wrote:
That's what I'm thinking. Did you you pull the dust seal down and have a look yet?
I actually disassembled the forks and found no smoking gun yet.
c0ncEpT
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c0ncEpT 4/28/2017 9:45am
4/28/2017 9:45am
You can feel that? Almost looks like light polishing. Like a soft metal is rubbing on it.
RichPorras 4/28/2017 9:48am
4/28/2017 9:48am
c0ncEpT wrote:
You can feel that? Almost looks like light polishing. Like a soft metal is rubbing on it.
The only "scratch" I can feel is on the first picture up top. All other score marks are visual only.
Berni
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Berni 4/28/2017 12:34pm
4/28/2017 12:34pm
I had a fork that was doing that..... Polished the tubes, changed bushings and seals and problem solved
mx317
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mx317 4/28/2017 1:35pm
4/28/2017 1:35pm
Maybe forks in a bind? Make sure you "float" the axle in at the bottom right side. I bought one of the Motion Pro fork alignment tools and it works well, but probably would not buy another if this one gets gone. When I did it like I always have, they were in line when I checked it with the tool.
Acidreamer
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Acidreamer 4/28/2017 1:50pm
4/28/2017 1:50pm
Looks like the problem lies with the orange plastics. Probably dirt or something simple honestly. I have been seeing tons of people posting about ktm fork problems though. Hopefully thats not too expensive to fix
Tuna
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Tuna 4/28/2017 1:59pm
4/28/2017 1:59pm
That's just KTM quality man. Ready to Race!
Mr. Info
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Mr. Info 4/28/2017 2:19pm
4/28/2017 2:19pm
Could be over tightened lower clamps. Just an opinion thrown out there.
Deal Brothers Trailers 4/28/2017 3:33pm
4/28/2017 3:33pm
RichPorras wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2017/04/28/191123/s1200_20170426_200436.jpg[/img] I have a 2017 KTM 250 SX-F with 12.2 hours on it. I went to change the seals on the front forks per the maintenance...


I have a 2017 KTM 250 SX-F with 12.2 hours on it. I went to change the seals on the front forks per the maintenance schedule dictated by the owners manual. I soon found that my fork chrome plating is scored up to the point that if I run my thumb nail over it I can feel it. Has any one else ran in to the same type of wear?????? I called KTM North American Head Quarters and they seemed surprised by the wear on my forks. Stay tuned to see if they will be willing to fix the coating issue.
I think it goes without saying that a piece of trash/rock got caught in the seal.
Kudos to your for your strict adherence to the maintenance schedule and obvious mechanical ability, I'm sorta surprised you didn't catch the issue sooner and recognize the obvious cause.
Great first post by the way.
Take the bike back to the dealership, if there is an issue with the coating, I'm sure KTM will take care of you.
PFitzG38
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PFitzG38 4/28/2017 3:41pm
4/28/2017 3:41pm
Acidreamer wrote:
Looks like the problem lies with the orange plastics. Probably dirt or something simple honestly. I have been seeing tons of people posting about ktm fork...
Looks like the problem lies with the orange plastics. Probably dirt or something simple honestly. I have been seeing tons of people posting about ktm fork problems though. Hopefully thats not too expensive to fix
Yup, get white plastic - problem solved
Lurk Ing
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Lurk Ing 4/28/2017 3:50pm
4/28/2017 3:50pm
Most likely a foreign body in the outer slider fork bush. The forks need to be fully disassembled, inspected and cleaned thoroghly checking for any visible damage or loose particles and material. I'd say it was manufacuring introduced swarf. Repolishing the chrome tubes, new inner and outer bushes, oil and dust seals and oil should see it working as it should, but wont repair the grooves already made. Depending on depth, they shouldn't affect performance and sealing. Good luck and hope you have a good relationship with your dealer.
RichPorras 4/28/2017 5:57pm
4/28/2017 5:57pm
Lurk Ing wrote:
Most likely a foreign body in the outer slider fork bush. The forks need to be fully disassembled, inspected and cleaned thoroghly checking for any visible...
Most likely a foreign body in the outer slider fork bush. The forks need to be fully disassembled, inspected and cleaned thoroghly checking for any visible damage or loose particles and material. I'd say it was manufacuring introduced swarf. Repolishing the chrome tubes, new inner and outer bushes, oil and dust seals and oil should see it working as it should, but wont repair the grooves already made. Depending on depth, they shouldn't affect performance and sealing. Good luck and hope you have a good relationship with your dealer.
Wp is working with me. They shipped me a box and a service form. I should have an answer next week, stay tuned.
brimx153
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brimx153 4/29/2017 7:03am
4/29/2017 7:03am
mx317 wrote:
Maybe forks in a bind? Make sure you "float" the axle in at the bottom right side. I bought one of the Motion Pro fork alignment...
Maybe forks in a bind? Make sure you "float" the axle in at the bottom right side. I bought one of the Motion Pro fork alignment tools and it works well, but probably would not buy another if this one gets gone. When I did it like I always have, they were in line when I checked it with the tool.
this

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speed_racer
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speed_racer 4/29/2017 8:07am
4/29/2017 8:07am
Seen this before on 2008 KTM 250 two stroke.
I replaced the tubes because they were like that and leaked after new seals and bushings.
I did not find out what caused the scoring, but the fork tubes looked like they were honed with a cross hatch and the cross hatch was pulling out oil.
If they tell you what caused it please chime back in.
RichPorras 5/12/2017 11:12am
5/12/2017 11:12am
RichPorras wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2017/04/28/191123/s1200_20170426_200436.jpg[/img] I have a 2017 KTM 250 SX-F with 12.2 hours on it. I went to change the seals on the front forks per the maintenance...


I have a 2017 KTM 250 SX-F with 12.2 hours on it. I went to change the seals on the front forks per the maintenance schedule dictated by the owners manual. I soon found that my fork chrome plating is scored up to the point that if I run my thumb nail over it I can feel it. Has any one else ran in to the same type of wear?????? I called KTM North American Head Quarters and they seemed surprised by the wear on my forks. Stay tuned to see if they will be willing to fix the coating issue.
WP fix

So I have been talking with WP and the rep told me that the "scoring" is actually a polishing affect that has been happening with the Air Forks are doing for whatever reason, and that life is good not to worry. The other thing he did say is that they are performing updates to the 2017 forks to a new seal and getting rid of the quad ring for the air chamber. The Cost is a little over $300. I am waiting on the final price but the imp[ortant thing is that my forks "SHOULD" ship out today. Which means I can ride next weekend. Anyone racing at Indian Hills?
usafwx
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usafwx 5/12/2017 11:32am
5/12/2017 11:32am
Tuna wrote:
That's just KTM quality man. Ready to Race!
Was gonna say the same thing. Surprised you haven't been flamed yet by the orange brigade boys.
seth505
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seth505 5/12/2017 11:46am
5/12/2017 11:46am
Tuna wrote:
That's just KTM quality man. Ready to Race!
usafwx wrote:
Was gonna say the same thing. Surprised you haven't been flamed yet by the orange brigade boys.
It's not always worth responding to garbage comments, unless you're really bored or something.
usafwx
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usafwx 5/12/2017 11:49am
5/12/2017 11:49am
seth505 wrote:
It's not always worth responding to garbage comments, unless you're really bored or something.
Oh the irony.
seth505
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seth505 5/12/2017 11:53am
5/12/2017 11:53am
seth505 wrote:
It's not always worth responding to garbage comments, unless you're really bored or something.
usafwx wrote:
Oh the irony.
Hey, everyone gets bored. Post up your issues with WP forks or suggestions for the OP, that way it can be fact instead of garbage.

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