14 FXDL - Fork Oil and Weight
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 367
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From: Cheyenne, WY
14 FXDL - Fork Oil and Weight
My 2014 FXDL is leaking at the fork seal. While ordering parts, I realized that I do not know what weight and amount of fork oil to get.
First, the service manual does not even list the FXDL fork oil capacity.
Second, I bought the bike after the front suspension had already been upgraded.
The PO put in +2 tubes with Patriot Suspension American Genesis Springs.
While the +2 fork tubes shouldnt really change the capacity, I am reading mixed comments on the genesis springs changing fork tube oil capacity.
Unfortunately, I cannot find any instructions for those springs either.
Does anyone have any recommendations for fluid weight and amount in this situation?
Thanks!
First, the service manual does not even list the FXDL fork oil capacity.
Second, I bought the bike after the front suspension had already been upgraded.
The PO put in +2 tubes with Patriot Suspension American Genesis Springs.
While the +2 fork tubes shouldnt really change the capacity, I am reading mixed comments on the genesis springs changing fork tube oil capacity.
Unfortunately, I cannot find any instructions for those springs either.
Does anyone have any recommendations for fluid weight and amount in this situation?
Thanks!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,184
Likes: 12,762
From: South Carolina
No...
The fork oil level is measured from the top of the tube down to the oil, so the quantity of oil needed would be increased.
Never do it that way on any fluid, because you don`t know if the right amount was in there to begin with.
The service manual will tell you how much to put in initially, then the level is set using a fork oil level tool, they are cheap.
The fork oil level is measured with the tubes collapsed into the sliders, springs and spacers not installed.
The fork oil level is measured from the top of the tube down to the oil, so the quantity of oil needed would be increased.
The service manual will tell you how much to put in initially, then the level is set using a fork oil level tool, they are cheap.
The fork oil level is measured with the tubes collapsed into the sliders, springs and spacers not installed.
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Today at 07:47 AM.
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 367
Likes: 18
From: Cheyenne, WY
No...
The fork oil level is measured from the top of the tube down to the oil, so the quantity of oil needed would be increased.
Never do it that way on any fluid, because you don`t know if the right amount was in there to begin with.
The service manual will tell you how much to put in initially, then the level is set using a fork oil level tool, they are cheap.
The fork oil level is measured with the tubes collapsed into the sliders, springs and spacers not installed.
The fork oil level is measured from the top of the tube down to the oil, so the quantity of oil needed would be increased.
Never do it that way on any fluid, because you don`t know if the right amount was in there to begin with.
The service manual will tell you how much to put in initially, then the level is set using a fork oil level tool, they are cheap.
The fork oil level is measured with the tubes collapsed into the sliders, springs and spacers not installed.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 19,944
Likes: 8,039
From: poway
Out of the 13 manual..
The whole purpose of filling to a certain level is to create a bottoming out space where the volume of air can create enough pressure to stop the hard bottom.
"and later the fluid amount?"
Yes, It will change if the volume of the OEM removed springs and spacers is smaller than the what went in. To do it right you need to measure the difference in volume of the 2 setups. Second would be to measure the volume of current springs and spacers and calculate the volume needed plus some space to keep the fork from hydraulicing.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2024
Posts: 534
Likes: 406
I owned a 2016 FXWG. It has the same fork tubes 49mm. I replaced springs with Progressive. They are denser than stock which raised the oil level.
Heres what I did to get the dampening I liked:
Removed forks and springs. Let oil drain overnight with forks upside down.
Installed the forks. Filled with proper ounces 10w oil. Use the table 2-14. 26.8 ounces for FXDL. Inserted the springs.
Put zip tie around top of forks. Went for a ride hard front braking. Measured the fork travel. Started with 5 inches.
If rode too stiff, travel was less. I removed fork caps and sucked out an ounce using measuring tool from Amazon.
Went for another ride until dampening was the way I liked. Remeasured the travel it was 5 1/8 inch. Your FXDL specs say 5.1 inches.
Heres what I did to get the dampening I liked:
Removed forks and springs. Let oil drain overnight with forks upside down.
Installed the forks. Filled with proper ounces 10w oil. Use the table 2-14. 26.8 ounces for FXDL. Inserted the springs.
Put zip tie around top of forks. Went for a ride hard front braking. Measured the fork travel. Started with 5 inches.
If rode too stiff, travel was less. I removed fork caps and sucked out an ounce using measuring tool from Amazon.
Went for another ride until dampening was the way I liked. Remeasured the travel it was 5 1/8 inch. Your FXDL specs say 5.1 inches.
Last edited by Oldat81; Today at 02:04 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
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From: South Carolina
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HDF Community Team
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From: New Hampsha
That said, the spring manufacturer should tell you how you need to adjust the level from stock.
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Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2024
Posts: 534
Likes: 406
I poured in the oil specified 26.8. Installed the forks, the springs, spacers, caps an went for a ride. Then went by travel and the way it rode.
I had to suck out an ounce because denser springs raised the oil level and shortened the travel
Last edited by Oldat81; Today at 06:46 PM.
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