Checking fork oil level
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 9,918
Likes: 4,690
From: West Texas Sandhills
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.
Banned
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,578
Likes: 1
From: AZ
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.
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.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,077
Likes: 1
From: The High Desert, SoCal
I agree, fork oil becomes very contaminated with metallic particals due to wear of the internal surfaces.
I have know idea why the OP wants to check the level. Forks don't consume oil like a motor so it's not a maintenance issue. But, I do know that it is a tuning method, standard procedure, and H-D makes a tool for it; part# HD-590000-B.
Say I just changed the oil and now I want to change the rate and progression of the air spring by adding 10mm of oil level. Changing the oil again is not necassary... just measure the level and add (or subtract) oil.
I have know idea why the OP wants to check the level. Forks don't consume oil like a motor so it's not a maintenance issue. But, I do know that it is a tuning method, standard procedure, and H-D makes a tool for it; part# HD-590000-B.
Say I just changed the oil and now I want to change the rate and progression of the air spring by adding 10mm of oil level. Changing the oil again is not necassary... just measure the level and add (or subtract) oil.
Tourer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 442
Likes: 0
From: High Desert of So Cal
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 have not done this on a Harley but it did work on an older Honda. Good Luck
Novice
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Illinois
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.
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.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,178
Likes: 6
From: N.C.
12OZ's
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Rialto, CA
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???
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,161
Likes: 39
From: LOST WAGES
Sure will too much oil will make it stiff
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,257
Likes: 6
From: Leander Texas
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.