Dumb question #45983. Fork seals.
 

I am currently on a rental Honda CB500X. I noticed today one of the front fork seals has a leak. I've only a max of 500km before I return the bike. Should I get it fixed ASAP; or will it be OK for 500km?

It'll be fine. You could probably ride for months without any noticeable effect.

This assuming that the leak is minor. I'm guessing you see a little oil on the fork. It's not covering the brakes or getting on the tire, right?

Yeah, I messaged the rental guy, and he concurred. Just keep an eye on it. Just minor leak for now.

And demand some money back from the rental co for giving you a defective bike which caused worry and stress. :rofl: (only half laughing)

To emphasize what’s written above (and belabor the obvious), a leaking fork seal can get oil on your brakes, which will then stop working. This is unsafe, not to mention terrifying, and would be a good reason NOT to continue riding without a repair. You might try clearing grit from the seals using whatever improvised tool you can find—a slice of old credit card has worked well for me.

Hope that’s helpful.

Mark

Fortunately, the leak is on the fork seal on the opposite side to the brake disc and no oil getting on to the tyre. I did the coke bottle scraper thing this morning before riding; it certainly improved it. Only about 100 miles left, so not really an issue anymore. Thanks to all.