If there is any damage, replace the inner tube. Since damage to the inner tube damages the oil seal, replace the oil seal whenever the inner tube is replaced.
NOTICE
If the inner tube is badly bent or creased, replace it. Excessive bending, followed by subsequent straightening, can weaken the inner tube.

If you feel binding or catching, the inner and outer tubes must be replaced.

| WARNING A straightened inner or outer fork tube may fall in use, possibly causing an accident resulting in serious injury or death. Replace a badly bent or damaged inner or outer tube and inspect the other tube carefully before reusing it. |
Front Fork Assembly
Dust Seal InspectionStick Coil Removal
Remove the air cleaner housing (see Air Cleaner Housing
Removal in the Fuel System (DFI) chapter).
Disconnect the stick coil connectors [A].
Pull out the stick coils [B] upward.
First, turn the stick coil by 90 degrees, and then pull it out
by twisting the coil head to the left and righ ...
Front Forks/Rear Shock Absorber Operation Inspection
Pump the forks down and up [A] 4 or 5 times, and inspect
the smooth stroke.
If the forks do not smoothly or noise is found, inspect the
fork oil level or fork clamps (see Front Fork Oil Change in
the Suspension chapter).
Pump the rear seat down and up [A] 4 or 5 times, and
inspec ...
Stem, Stem Bearing Removal
Remove:
Upper Fairing Assembly (see Upper Fairing Assembly
Removal in the Frame chapter)
Front Fender (see Front Fender Removal in the Frame
chapter)
Front Wheel (see Front Wheel Removal in the
Wheels/Tires chapter)
Steering Stem Head with Handlebars (see Handlebar
Removal)
Fron ...