Beacuse I was bored
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,399
Likes: 92
From: ny
Beacuse I was bored
It was a rainy day yesterday and was bored outta my mind so I decided to change the fork oil on my 2011 wideglide. I removed the forks, one at a time, and dumped the fork oil into a clean bucket measured the oil that came outta the fork and replaced with exact amount, which was just about 30oz.I used HD heavy oil. What came out looked a lot thicker than the HD heavy.
I took it for a ride between the storms and noticed that it didn't improve the ride it made it a lot worse a lot more fork dive while braking, which meant I had to apply the front brake when stopping.
I prob should have waited to get my progressive springs, but at least it was a learning experience for me.
Should I add Little more oil to each fork and see what happins?
I took it for a ride between the storms and noticed that it didn't improve the ride it made it a lot worse a lot more fork dive while braking, which meant I had to apply the front brake when stopping.
I prob should have waited to get my progressive springs, but at least it was a learning experience for me.
Should I add Little more oil to each fork and see what happins?
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,399
Likes: 92
From: ny
They have 3 type which one is hd heavy . That's what the local hd dealer suggested . It rode much better with the oil that came out of it. The level appeared to be close very close to what it was be for when I started. what is the measure supposed to be?
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 854
Likes: 20
From: CT
There is screamin eagle heavy oil. Only way to accurately set fluid level is using the measurement from the top of the tube, compressed, without spring, after bleeding. I don't remember what the spec is but it has changed over the years and is different depending on model. An amount in oz is a complete guess. What color was the fluid that came out? Factory type e if in good condition is red and pretty much identical to atf in look, feel and smell. The screamin eagle oil is brownish/Orange in color. It should have felt much better with the heavy oil.
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,399
Likes: 92
From: ny
They have 3 type which one is hd heavy . That's what the local hd dealer suggested . It rode much better with the oil that came out of it. The level appeared to be close very close to what it was be for when I started. what is the measure supposed to be?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9,278
Likes: 1,138
From: southeast PA
You're supposed to use the front brake when stopping. That's why they put it there. It probably accounts for 70% of your braking power.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 854
Likes: 20
From: CT
The spec for the fork oil and the proper procedure and tools needed are all in the service manual that you didn't use in the first place. Next time you're bored take a drive to your local dealer and pick up a manual.
Trending Topics
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
From: Meridian, Idaho
True...true...true! Get used to using the front brake on every stop...then in an emergency (hopefully) you'll use both and stop in 1/3 the distance with way more control! Had a buddy that used both when stopping all the time, but when in a dire situation, he'd come sliding by all crossed up with the rear tire smoking...go figure! Always felt safer with him riding point!
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 5,477
Likes: 5
From: New Braunfels, Texas
First of you wasted your time changing out fork oil without any clue to how much oil to put back in. The amount is year and model specific so get the shop manual.
2nd of all, your not going to solve any ride issues using a thicker fork oil. It slows down the rebounding.
3rd of all, the progressive spring you have on order is not going to be much better then stock since you already have a HD progressive spring in there.
Best choice is to go with ricor intimidators and 5w amzoil shcok therapy with the proper amount of fork oil with the sag set properly.
Or if your really bored...just keep taking it apart and put it back together for no apparent reason....
2nd of all, your not going to solve any ride issues using a thicker fork oil. It slows down the rebounding.
3rd of all, the progressive spring you have on order is not going to be much better then stock since you already have a HD progressive spring in there.
Best choice is to go with ricor intimidators and 5w amzoil shcok therapy with the proper amount of fork oil with the sag set properly.
Or if your really bored...just keep taking it apart and put it back together for no apparent reason....
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 886
Likes: 6
the other thing is if you don't cycle the tubes after you put in the oil there may be some air and when you put the whole thing together the oil may be a lot lower then you originally thought. it would pay for you to get a service manual and read that before doing that kind of work on your bike (if you don't have one). The results that happen when things aren't quite where they are supposed to be can be devastating. JMO