I have 44000 on my 09 road glide. The manual says I should change the fork oil at 50,000. This question is for the diy guys out there. Did you just change the oil or did you replace the seals when you change the fork oil?? there is no leakage at this time. I am thinking of changing the oil and seals myself because the dealer wants $229.00 to do the job.They said the the techs say to change it sooner if you ride the all types of weather. Dont shoot me I am just saying what I was told. This would be a project when I have to put the bike to sleep. Any input is appreciated.

Thanks
Jrbean

 

I changed mine when I hit 60,000. I started to get a little oil on the lip of the seal. After I changed it no more weeping and now im at 97,000. Just change the oil. I went with SE heavy due to front end dive when I would hit the brakes but I ha e a softail also. Good luck.

 

It is so easy to change the oil compared to a PITA to put in new seals. I would just change the oil and wait for the seals to leak. At $5.95 a bottle, you haven't lost a thing if the seals start leaking the day after you change the oil.

 

Wait for the leak ( if it ever happens.) My 12 year old bike has almost 100,000 on the clock and still runs the original seals.

No leaks.

 

I had a fork seal go just before 45,000 miles.

 

Check the top of your forks ( under the cowbells) if you see streaking of fork oil, then the seals could use servicing.

what kills seals is dirt landing on the forks and working up and down abrading the seal lips, and it only gets worse.

bikes with rubber gaiters, the fork seals last a long time, our bikes use cowbells and the do work quite well to keep the dirt off

my 88 and 95 both have factory seals, 80000+ on both of them, and the 88 is an fxr, no gaiters or cowbells

mike

 

I just changed the fork oil and seals this past weekend on my 06 Electra. It's not bad to do if you have plenty of time. When I had the tubes apart I noticed that the dampener holes were partially clogged with gunk. I'm sure this hinders rebound. Just sayin.

 

If I was you I would look at Progressive Monotubes.

Mine cost less than $300, I installed them myself and they remove the need to change the oil. The best bit is that the front end control is greatly improved and brake dive is reduced.

Of you are happy with the stock ride then I would just change the oil and not worry about the seals.

 

thanks for the responds. From what I read I think I will just change the fork oil and wait for the seals to leak.

 

+1 on the monotubes those things are great and from phatbaggers you can get em for like 240 but like the saying goes if it aint broke...