Advice on Fork Tube Damage -- 85 250R (or any front suspended bike)

[350Kris]

My 85 250R had a minor gouge on one fork tube when I bought it. It is a very shallow gouge exactly 4 5/8" higher than the top of the dust seal. Please see the pic and tell me if it is anything I should worry about. I just rebuilt the forks and am wondering if I may get some "blow by" (for lack of a better term) as the gouge on the slider tube compresses past the dust seal and fork seal when I'm riding. Opinions? Thanks!

[Billy Golightly]

Is it sharp? Thats the main thing. Run over it lightly with a fine cut file if it is, don't take off to much. It doesn't look bad enough that it'll let oil seep past it as long as it doesn't rip the seals when it comes in and out.

[350Kris]

Thanks Billy. It isn't too sharp, but I think I'll lightly debur it a bit. If I did decide to repair it at some point would I weld on it, grind, and polish?

[200x Basket]

Thanks Billy. It isn't too sharp, but I think I'll lightly debur it a bit. If I did decide to repair it at some point would I weld on it, grind, and polish?


just replace it. they are cheap enough on ebay that i would not risk trashing the new seal and sliders.