If I was going that far Id do the fork seals too, depending on miles and age. Not much more work, and I didn't need to remove my apes or tins on my Fatboy to get the forks out.

 

It just occurred to me that my no seal replacement plan would never work anyway. Since I'm replacing the lowers, the idea of keeping it all together and just dropping the monotubes on top will leave my shinny new lowers still in the box. I'm going to have to take the slider tubes out of the sliders and I'll have to put new seals in them. Back to the dealership...

 

Many re-use the seals - the seals sets are cheap anyway.

There's no pressure on the seals - they there to keep the dust out - the oil that you put in the shocks with the Monotubes is only there to lubricate the spring and prevent it corroding.

Also, seal replacement is dead easy - why would that make it a dealership job?

 

Seal tools can be had at any of the various bike vendors. About $40.

 

Sorry, I was unclear. I just meant back to the dealer to get the seals. I won't let the seals issue break me!

 

How did you get to the pinch bolts without removing the tins?

 

Additional questions: do I have 41mm forks (so I know which tool to buy), and should I get the Harley seals or is there an aftermarket seal that's better?

 

^You do have 41mm forks. I would also get the inner and outer fork bushings, since you are doing the job completely you might as well replace the worn bushings as well....This is what you have to look forward to:

Good Luck, and have Fun!!!!

 

Thanks, man. I always appreciate the advice. Go with the Harley seals and bushings or go aftermarket?

 

It doesn't matter really as there is so little oil in the forks from here on out. I would go with the ones that are easiest to get, but since you are going to do the bushings (and you are going to do the bushings) the dealer should have it all in stock. At our shop we use James brand usually, but we have used them all with success....