Front forks after transport

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Hi, Just purchased Norton Commando Mk3, which was deliver this week, and looks great (1976, Cherry red, roadster). (I am also new to classic bikes so any help is great.) Once back in my garage I noticed the front fork plastic sheath had moved up and there was a little oil on the fork, when sliding down there was a mush of paper under the plastic cover. It looks like when it was tied down with the forks compressed it has push the cover up (note it doesn't have the long, black gaiters). When I push the black plastic cover back down there is still a small gap. So my question is is this normal or anything to be concern about (oil, mush and gap)? Thanks Nathan

Fork seal

Should not be any oil on a fork with good seals properly fitted. The paper looks like a sly effort to hide the leak initially prior to sale. Not ideal but fixable with a new seal as long as the stanchion chrome and top bush are in good condition.

Easy to replace the seals…

Easy to replace the seals and bushes or any other item, a mornings work at most to do both sides. Do one at a time and then you don't need to tie down the back of the bike or support the front end.

Thanks Neill and Ash. Makes…

Thanks Neill and Ash. Makes sense. Chrome etc. is good so just the seals (hopefully). thanks

Nathan these earlier responses might help too. Submitted by Mark Stockslager on Mon, 29/01/2024 Instrument housing removal Graham: You suspect correctly. Under the big nut the damper rod is threaded into the bottom with a locking nut and a spacer over a compressed spring. However you attack the job know that the whole front end will drop if you remove both big nuts at the same time. Good luck. Mark Submitted by Alan Osborn on Tue, 30/01/2024 Correct.... Under the large nut, once you have removed ONE AT A TIME from the stanchion, there is a nut on the top of the spring shaft. Spanner on the nut, and the large nut can be undone. If you do it one nut/stanchion at a time-no issue. If you want to do both together then the front wheel and forks drop dramatically to the floor! Suggest a brick under the front end to stop this. Also the rest of the bike now wants to sit up on the back wheel-be very careful, have your mates round for the laugh-to hold it all in place!

Thanks Mark much appreciated