Is there a means to check the fork oil level while the bike is on the ground and not having to drop the forks?

 

First iv'e ever heard of it, CHECKING FORK OIL. Only WAY TO NO FOR SURE IS TO DRAIN AND REFILL!!! ONLY then will you know EXACT AMOUNT IN THERE. Do my FORKS every SECOND year along with TRANNY!

 

do you have to extend the forks to drain and fill the oil?

 

The older bikes required the removal of the forks themselves,turning them upside down, draining, pumping the forks to get everything out and then refilling...all through the top cap.

The newer models have drain plugs which makes it a easier job. Remove drain plugs, pump forks to expel all the old fluid , replace drain plug and refill at the top cap....about 9 or ten oz. depends on the model.

Doing this every couple years saves your fork seals and makes everything work like it should.

I wouldn't bother trying to check the levels...but I guess you could remove both top caps and measure the distance down to the fork oil....trouble is not sure what the normal distance should be.

 

Unless your seals are leaking, you have no reason to check the fork oil level. But if it's still a concern, do like pogden says. You'll want plenty of shop towels cuz it can get kinda messy.

 

Fork Oil? Whats this fork oil, is that like a left handed screwdriver, or a bucket of elbow grease ?





Get a springer and you'll never have to check your fork oil again

 

I check or change my fork oil if or when I ever have to replace the seals. Dont really see the point of changing it. Just a way for the dealer to get money.

 

Since you need to remove the springs, bottom the fork, and stand it vertically, I find it easier to just remove them. But yes, I have done it on the bike...once. Refering to adjusting the level, not changing the oil.

 

I'm with those that suggest not checking, but instead replacing. I did mine yesterday. Was surprised at how contaminated the oil appeared. Fork oil takes quite a beating, and is likely subject to air entrainment and/or emulsification. Just for fun, might send a sample in of UOA just to see what's happening. Either way, it's easy to replace, and seems worth the effort, but maybe that's just me.

 

I agree, fork oil becomes very contaminated with metallic particals due to wear of the internal surfaces.


I have know idea why the OP wants to check the level. Forks don't consume oil like a motor so it's not a maintenance issue. But, I do know that it is a tuning method, standard procedure, and H-D makes a tool for it; part# HD-590000-B.

Say I just changed the oil and now I want to change the rate and progression of the air spring by adding 10mm of oil level. Changing the oil again is not necassary... just measure the level and add (or subtract) oil.