As far as I know, there is no way to check fork oil. If it is that much of a concern, lift the front end off of the ground and change it. Total cost for oil and drain screws is less than $20 and takes less than half an hour.

 

I reccomend changing ALL the fluids in the bike... it's called preventive maintenance. Fork oil get's very hot!!

It's the same as a car shock... ever touch one after a road trip - DON'T!! lol

Being I worked as an ASE Certified Master Auto tech for 20+ years in my previous life, I highly recommend changing all the fluids in your car and bikes including brake fluid flushes..

why you ask?

Contamintion and Debris in fluids cause seal failures and failed parts while driving.

clean fluids = clean seals = no leaks

A properly serviced vehicle lessens your chance of a breakdown on the road vs. an unserviced vehicle.

 

Ok should have been specific. Your progressive example is what I am after. I put in Ricor intiminators and changed the fork oil as required when doing so. My ride is a little bouncy now and Ricor said to drain off some oil. Since I don't know how much is in there I was asking to see if there was a way to tell. So now my question would ne,... do I drain with the forks compressed or extended and can I just drain from the bottom without having to drop my forks to access the cap and remove it?.

 

Yes. but be careful. Did they say how much to drain off? Do one fork at a time. When you remove the bottom plug a little oil may weep out. Barely lean on the front end and some will squirt out. Replace the plug and do the same on the other side. The trick is to drain off the same amount. I would try a couple ounces at a time then test ride.

I have not done this on a Harley but it did work on an older Honda. Good Luck

 

I think I'd do it like mjmangus described until I got the ride I wanted. Then, the next time the forks are off, measure the level (or volume) in each leg and average them (since there will probably be a slight variance) and that will be your new spec.

F.Y.I., 1/2 oz of fluid will cause approximately a 10mm (.4") change in level in a 49mm tube. That is a significant change when you consider that the compressed air space is about 5". I usually work in 10mm increments. I measure with the fork bottomed. A turkey baster works also if you don't have a fork oil level tool.

 

does anyone know how much oil goes in a fork on a 06 deluxe? Im having a bit of a problem. I tryed installing some lower chrome forks and having some issues.

 

12OZ's

 

the fxckin dealer told me 13 1/2 . I put on my chrome lower forks and i put exactly what they told me and im having trouble with the springs not moving at all. Would too much oil have anything to do with that???

 

Sure will too much oil will make it stiff

 

my book says 2 ways to measure the oil. preferred way is by the in or mm with the forks removed. they care more about being equal than how much. just drain a few oz from each and if still wont move then take apart the forks.