Is there any way to change the oil in my forks with out taking the front tire off,
Thanks Jeff

 

Not that I know of on later Dynas. But it's pretty easy, jack up bike,strap it down,remove
caliper,( I hung that w/ tape) tire, fender. Loosen pinch bolts(2 per side) slide em out, put in soft vise(I used a wood vise) loosen cap, I wrapped a towel around it to catch as it's under load, pump out old fork oil into bucket (8-10 pumps should do it) fully compress, measure from top, 4.33" or 110MM (about 26 oz.) pump several times (again 8-10 times) remeasure. Refer to manual these are measurements for my bike w/ 49MM tubes, you did not say what you have. Slide tubes back in, carefully reinstall cap,threads
are fine, don't crossthread them. I pushed down with socket and bar to put caps back on while on bike. In case I forgot anything, refer to manual. 1 hr job, 20.00 for fork oil, you'll need 2 qts.

 

1+ what he said

 

I used the syringe type fork oil level tool and sucked it out, after I did it I put about 6oz's in each one then pumped them and sucked them out again. If you use a larger fork spring the level changes. http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...evel-Tool.aspx

 

If you are already tearing into the fork, removing the wheel wont be that much more work and it will probably save you more hassle then it causes.

If you are thinking about doing this with out a jack, I wouldn't.

 

The early dynas with "Showa" lowers(39MM) have a small drain bolt at the bottom at rear of fork

 

Good write up,

I do find it easier to loosen the top pinch bolt and loosen the cap then remove the fork tube and if you're going to lower the fork with lowering springs (not the drop in type) then you should break loose the damper tube bolt on the bottom of the fork too.

I also find it easier to install the cap with the fork off the bike by pushing straight down on the cap and turning the fork tube then install it in the triple tighten the cap then tighten the upper pinch bolt.

It also really helps to get the special socket for the fork tube cap, it is low profile, fits the hex better so you don't nick the cap and you can put a wrench on it to fit under the bars to break it loose if you can't get a ratchet and extension in there.

One other thing is you will never get out all the old fluid by sucking it out, not too much of a problem if you're staying with the same weight fluid, but, you will never get the fluid contamination from wear in the bottom of the fork out. If you're changing the fluid weight you really should get all the old fluid and contamination out!
Just my thoughts.
CB

 

The shop I take mine to occasionally has a vacuum pump thing that sucks oil out so I guess if you had something like that it could be done.I don't know how practical it would be to set something up like that for your home garage but it sure comes in handy in a shop.

 

Expediant, but I'm not sure that would get all the old fork oil out. The last time I had to turn it upside down and pump it a bunch to get all the gunky stuff out of the bottom. Also not sure how they can measure the right amount without fully compressing the fork. How do they manage that with it still on the bike? It's so easy just to take it off and do it.

 

Yes. I just put chrome sliders on mine while I had my wheels off for new tires. I drained mine thru removing the damper rod bolts, because I had my wheel/axle out anyway. My 49mm WideGlide forks hold a shy 1/2 gallon of fork oil. BUT, I saw that it would be easy to drain them out the top. I didn't fully disassemble my forks when I installed the chrome sliders. With the axle and wheel back on, I loosened the trip-tree clamp bolts (2 per side), and slid the assembled forks/fender/wheel out (my front caliper was already removed). I wasn't draining oil at this point; just adding my new chrome dustcaps. With the whole front-end removed, you can remove the fork tube caps (break 'em loose before loosening trip-trees!) and invert the front-end over/into a drain pan. Check your manual for your fork capacity. I went with the HD SE "Heavy" fork oil. PM me if any of this needs clarifying in your head.