OK, the ole SM says I need to change the front fork oil on my '06 LR at 20k. The process they show is the entire dis-assembly of the front forks. In reading this forum there seems to be some people saying that you can simply drain and refill rather than taking everything apart. Yet most of those comment are in the Touring forum where they are talking about different forks.
So here's the question, at 20k, is there a simple drain and replace procedure such that you don't have to take everything apart. I would certainly plan on the full dis-assembly at 40k as I would suspect by then bushings and seals would have to be replaced.
For those of you who recommend the full dis assembly or have done it previously any tips or tricks are greatly appreciated. Specifically a little concerned about the preload on the springs. You know the SM guarantees mass injury and dismemberment, I just want a little heads up on how much force to expect when taking it apart, thanks.

 

There is a good amount of force behind that fork cap. Once you see the black o-ring turn the nut slowly as it will let loose soon after.

Shouldn't need to fully disassemble the forks but there are some bushing on the end of the fork tube that you may want to inspect. Disassembly only takes about 15-20min per tube.

Remove your axle...remove the 12mm socket head hidden behind the axle. Make sure you have a drain pan there as the fluid will come out. Once it drains, replace the 12mm socket head. There is enough pressure with the spring/spacer on the dampening rod that you should not have an issue replacing/torquing to spec. Then remove the fork cap and refill.

I found the SM to be a waste of time for this procedure.

 

This would make a great video Vic...... hint hint..........

 

lol You wanna come down and be the cameraman?

 

****, if I was closer I'd swing by for an afternoon........ but... not possible.

You need a helmet cam!

 

Well, I vowed I wasn't going to touch my front end for quite some time after this last disassembly unless I just happen to find a set of progressive or works fork springs on my front steps.

 

You heard'em fellas....... takin' up donations. PM me.

 

Lmao!

 

Is it really this easy?

 

Bry, I don't believe the 06+ bikes have drain screws. There are two ways to drain on 06+ bikes. Remove sliders from tree and remove fork cap...then tip the fork upside down...or....remove axle, remove 12mm socket head from bottom of sliders and let drain that way.