Fork Oil Question
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 341
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From: Sarasota/Bradenton FL
Fork Oil Question
Changed the fork oil on my '97 Heritage last week as part of my 20K service. Theoil that drained from the passenger side fork was clean, clear and light purple in color; looked brand new. The oil that drained from the driver side was way different; black, milky, and had some water in it and looked like original oil from a '57 Chevy. No leaks apparent in either fork.Spoke to mylocal "Superwrench" about it on Saturday. He said he has seen differences fork to fork but nothing drastic.Even though they are holding I am thinking that maybe the seals are on their way South.
Has anyone experienced this?
Has anyone experienced this?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,198
Likes: 3,087
From: NW AR
RE: Fork Oil Question
Has anyone been into it before or are you the original owner? It is a 10 year old bike now. Otherwise, as long as they aren't leaking, I'd just change the oil and not worry about it. You might want to change it again in a year or two to see how it is doing if you still don't have any leaks. But, it is probably getting time.
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 341
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From: Sarasota/Bradenton FL
RE: Fork Oil Question
Thanks for the quick reply Doc.
I am not the original owner. Previous owner did his own fluid changes (Primary, Main and Tranny) up until 9500 miles when I bought the scoot. I had it in to a very good independent shop at 9525 and had a 10K service done. They changed the fork oil at that time. I has me thinking that maybe they missed a fork?Looked like it to me. Very good shop but things do happen, mechanics get interupted etc. Or maybe the driver side seal set is wearing/rotting more than the right side? Anyway very easy job execpt for stripping off the windsheild and all the Nacelle tins and refitting.
I am not the original owner. Previous owner did his own fluid changes (Primary, Main and Tranny) up until 9500 miles when I bought the scoot. I had it in to a very good independent shop at 9525 and had a 10K service done. They changed the fork oil at that time. I has me thinking that maybe they missed a fork?Looked like it to me. Very good shop but things do happen, mechanics get interupted etc. Or maybe the driver side seal set is wearing/rotting more than the right side? Anyway very easy job execpt for stripping off the windsheild and all the Nacelle tins and refitting.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 394
Likes: 1
From: Kamloops, British Columbia
RE: Fork Oil Question
I have black oil on my right fork, and a slight leak. (which is how I know its black). I have a 98 Dyna -- I'm thinking the seals have never been done, and at 10 years old, its time. So I just picked up everything to do the job, including o-rings, new drain plugs, oil seals, dust seals and bushings -- plus 2 bottles of E type fluid. Perhaps overkill, but I only want to go in there once. Total cost less than $80 Cdn for the parts at the dealer. BTW, before anyone says "you could get that cheaper online", yes, you're right. Unless they send the wrong parts -- ask me how I know...
Mike
Mike
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 341
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From: Sarasota/Bradenton FL
RE: Fork Oil Question
Thanks to all. Heading out on a 4K trip tomorrow. Will plan to rebuild when I get back. Hoping the seals hold together on the road.
Good excuseto put on the chrome lowers and progressive springs
. It will cost a little more than 80 Cdn 
Not a bad job. Just replaced seals on my buddies Sporty last Thursday. Should be easier with the FL forks than the Showa's. Just more crap to get off and out of the way on the Heritage.
Good excuseto put on the chrome lowers and progressive springs
. It will cost a little more than 80 Cdn Not a bad job. Just replaced seals on my buddies Sporty last Thursday. Should be easier with the FL forks than the Showa's. Just more crap to get off and out of the way on the Heritage.
Stage IV
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
RE: Fork Oil Question
Try pumping the new fluid right backup the drain hole.It saves hours of time.
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 213
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RE: Fork Oil Question
Your forks take a precise amout of fluid. If it is milky you have water. fix it now. You are driving on one shock. Takes a evening to do the job.
Also how in the hell can you fill a shock from the drain hole. Place you frame on a block and do the job. Easy job.
Also how in the hell can you fill a shock from the drain hole. Place you frame on a block and do the job. Easy job.
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 305
Likes: 1
From: pittsburgh
RE: Fork Oil Question
ORIGINAL: 89 FXRS
Your forks take a precise amout of fluid. If it is milky you have water. fix it now. You are driving on one shock. Takes a evening to do the job.
Also how in the hell can you fill a shock from the drain hole. Place you frame on a block and do the job. Easy job.
Your forks take a precise amout of fluid. If it is milky you have water. fix it now. You are driving on one shock. Takes a evening to do the job.
Also how in the hell can you fill a shock from the drain hole. Place you frame on a block and do the job. Easy job.