It's possible the fork ring might be cracked and leaking. First you should visually inspect the ring by popping it up and looking all around. Then get a Seal Mate tool and try to clean it out. The tool itself is only like $5.

Then I would get some fork seal covers to avoid all the dirt and debris you get from the road. I use these and they've worked well for me. Just make sure every now and then you check and see if everything is good. I actually had to get my fork rebuilt because it was cracked and leaking - ended up doing both because it would have happened to the other one too. That was I think more than $500 at the dealership I went to. Got the covers on now so I avoid all that extra gunk.

 

Ditto, try the Seal Mate first. I have the Triumph fork protectors, inexpensive, easy install & look o.e.

 

You can look at the repair manual on this forum, I think you will find that you need a new fork seal. Try to find a reputable non-dealer shop in your area to get prices. To me it's obvious that dirt is collecting at the presence of oil on the outside of the tube. If you have skill and tools this could be a D I Y job, you can suspend the bike from a shop ceiling joist with ratchet straps, a fork seal depressor could be found online or at stores like Cycle Gear.
I don't think you're in immediate danger but you would have a much better summer riding season if you cared for that now.

 

I think you are looking at a fork leak, youll probably need to get it resealed. Mine had been leaking long enough that the spring inside was cracked and it was costly to repair, try to get someone to look at it before that happens.

 

I have a different issue with my front fork. The visible seal has several cracks. Tried to take a picture. The other side is fine. This is a 2014 with about 7,200 miles. Is this a dust cover? and does it need replacement. Thanks 😊

 

I too vote for a minor seal leak. Not a huge issue right now but it will get worse, much worse over a short period of time.

 

I’ve replaced fork seals on a Gold Wing several times. It looks intimating but is a lot easier than you’d expect. A service manual and some basic tools will get the job done. The leak will usually get worse, I had one totally fail on an ST1100 and it dumped oil all over the brake pads and wheel. Probably should do both sides at the same time.

 

You are leaking a small amount of fork oil. The seal either is cracked or has dirt built up on it preventing it from sealing correctly. You can try one of those fork seal cleaners, basically a thin piece of polyethylene with a hook shape on one end, and run it around the fork under the seal. Don't confuse the seal with the dust cover. You have to get up past the seal on the surface of the fork. Lots of riders report that this works. It did not work for me. I had both fork seals replaced at a cost of about $350.