What would cause my front forks not to work properly and by that I mean it's like they stick in the position the bike travels. Example hit the front brakes and it kinda sticks compressed, hit the gas it extends back out and holds. I replaced the fork oil last month. I'm used to forks returning to a normal position. This bike is a 99FXDL with 15k miles i just picked it up a couple months ago.

 

What you are describing is called "sticktion" it is a combination of friction and sticky.
It is likely aftermarket seals that are causing this. What viscosity fork oil did you use?
Correct amount?
Is there oil in both legs? (Don't laugh, I've seen it happen.)
"Leak Proof" fork seals are notorious for stiction. Especially when new. The OEM seals are best. Hope this helps.

 

its the harley davidson fork oil and its new like i said, and I measured accordingly per factory manual. I think it was the screaming eagle fluid.

 

Bent fork leg or no oil.

 

Are the fork legs exactly the same length coming out of the bottom triple clamp? Does the axle "feed" directly into the other leg without compressing?
Front wheel correctly shimmed?

 

yes, I have checked everyone of those problem areas, I just haven't broke it down yet to rebuild it. was holding off for more input.

 

Lift the front wheel off the ground and loosen the pinch bolt and one side of the fender.. See if the fork lower moves on way or the other. You might have the forks bowed in or out a little.. They can bind if you do.. You can put weight back on the wheel and try jacking the front end to see if the forks are now smooth.. You might need to remove right side caliper also... (DL has 2?)

 

Do you have a fork brace installed?

 

Yes there is a fork brace, and I thought about that binding the forks but I check to make sure they were equal.


good idea and yes the DL has two.

 

When you measured the fork oil, did you measure it by volume or by level?