My 2004 Softail Heritage Classic is ready for its 20K mile service. After seeing the price from the dealer, and looking at what is involved in the Maintenance Schedule in the Manual, I think I'm going try it myself. Sure doesn't look like any Rocket Science is involved.

I can understand the reasons for changing engine oil (combustion, contamination, metal particles), the transmisasion fluid (metal particles), and the primary (clutch lining wear).

I fail to see the reason why the fork oil needs to be replaced. If was originally filled correctly, and it never leaked -- WHY does it need to be changed?

Sounds to me like going to the gas station to change the summer air in the tires to winter air.

Somebody help me out here, please.[sm=dontgetit.gif]

 

Yeah, I really don't know why HD has ya do this. Your front forks are really just big shock absorbers. I don't get the shock oil changed in my cars.

I swapped mine over to Screamin Eagle oil about 35K ago and haven't looked back. Although I image it was replaced at 42K when I had the 'mishap' with the Taurus in Georgia and the dealer replaced one of the lowers.

It's probably an easy job on your softail, not so simple (if you do it by the service manual) on my FLHS.

 

From Motorcycle Cruiser:

Fork Oil Change

One of the most overlooked maintenance items on motorcycles is the fork oil. While many riders don't think about the fork, the oil works every time the bike is ridden. Any time the front tire rolls over a bump, the fork oil performs a dual function. First, it lubricates the interface between the stanchion and the slider. Second, and most importantly, the oil is forced through various sized orifices to damp the speed at which the fork goes up and down. Without fork oil, the chassis would be connected to the front wheel by a spring, delivering a pogo stick-like ride. The friction of being forced through holes repeatedly eventually wears down the oil molecules lowering the viscosity and reducing the effectiveness of the damping. So, changing the fork oil every two years is a smart way to keep everything slippy.



I change my fork oil and repack the head bearings every time I change the front tire.

 

Simple fact...oil does wear out.
Imagine how many cycles your forks travel.Just like shocks on bikes and automobiles,they wear out.Changing the oil will increase the life of the fork components just like changing the oil in an engine.
Do you want to replace the fork assy. or the oil?
You can also change the dampening by using a different grade of oil.

 

By the number of cars I see bouncing while driving down the road, they probably wish they could change the oil in their shocks versus having to replace everything.

Does the manual say to replace all of the seals or just push the oil out and replace?

thx

 

I appreciate the feedback that you'all have given. Although I have a background as a former Industrail Arts teacher (supposedly certified to teach Auto Mechanics -from about a million years ago) I an a complete novice to the care and feeding of Harleys. Looks like I have been convinced to add this fork oil to my list of things to do on the 20K Service.

The Owners Manual doesn't seem to give a capacity. Anybody got a Service Manual that shows the CORRECT amount of oil to put back into a 2004 FLSTCI (Softail Haritage Classic)?

I've seen other posts about some models NOT having drain plugs for the shocks. I see that the Heritage DOES have them, so this shouldn't be a big deal - If I know how much oil to put back in.

BluRooster: The Maintenance Schedule just says to change the oil - nothing about replacing seals (at least at 20K).

 

I'm sure you can find the fluid capacity in a service manual.You could also keep track of the fluid when it is drained out.
Another method is to measue the fluid level.With the bike on a lift(front tire of the ground)measure the fluid level from the top of the forks with the caps removed.

No need to change the seals unless there is leakage.

 

Thanks for the answer on the seals...

11.1 or 11.2 should be about right

http://www.bikernet.com/roadkingrepo...Article=042103

 

Does anyone know where to purchase the 1 3/8 inch wrench to remove the fork oil nut ?

 

loleynic................Please, IF you are going to do a 20K yourself (and no reason anyone who isn't all thumbs or totally mechanically inept can't) PLEASE, PLEASE buy the correct, HD (not chiltons or other) Service Manual for your bike. Changing fork oil is more complicated than just "draining and refilling". Not daunting but it isn't just loosening a nut, letting it drain and refilling through the caps. Also, torquing your motor mounts, etc. will require you to know the proper sequence and values. Easy to do but not without a torque wrench and some idea of sequence and sizes.

You should also change out your brake fluid and bleed them at this time.

EZ