Looking at an `18 Sport Glide
What is involved in fork oil change ?

( yes IF I buy the bike I`ll buy the FSM )

TNX

 

you need an inverted fork spring compressor so you can remove the top cap off one of the sides. then you dump the old fluid out, fill/bleed each leg and you set the height of fluid with a fork oil level tool. replace cap o-rings and put the caps back on.

 

Thank you.
Sounds like a PITA

 

it’s actually not bad at all. The pain in the *** is acquiring all the tools.

 

Check this out. It's a seal replacement but has the oil part also.

 

Yes, I watched that ^ before posting.
Was hoping the oil change was less involved

 

It's not that bad. Of course you don't "NEED" a spring compresser, but it helps. Another pair of hands helps more. I've done it with and without... Help that is. And yes, you do "need" a oil level tool. Sure you can get by... But $20 on amazon... Come on.

I wouldn't bother with Allen bolt on bottom. Yes, you can drain, but no need pulling everything out. And it's another leak point. If all you are doing is changing fluid, then just undo cap, dump out fluid, pump out from dampener, and fill to level. That's with dampener in, but spring out. If you want to clean it all, then sure, disassemble.

 

I have a 2019 Sport Glide. I changed the springs and oil without any special tools. The FSM has the fork oil ounces measurement. So no oil measuring tool needed. I fashioned my own spring compressor tool.

 

I wouldn't trust volume. Too much room for error. It's a small space. A level tool is much easier to just dump in and suck out to exact level. And you should adjust that level based on your weight and riding. The air gap is an air spring. It's the bump stop. Too much oil takes travel, too little gives too much sag and brake dive. After installing Ohlins, I'm 10mm over (140mm) stock (150mm) which leaves about a 1/4" from bottoming on worst hits, but I will bottom on any bump under hard braking.... Just not as bad and harsh as stock.