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Old Nov 23, 2009 | 11:46 AM
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Default Fork Oil Capacity

I was helping my buddy do the service on his new bike, and we ran into this problem. It has softtail standard forks, but they have been lowered. The service manual doesn't list a capacity for after installing the lowering kit, but I assume they hold less now. Anyone know how much less? Thanks in advance.
 
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Old Nov 23, 2009 | 11:52 AM
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never seen or thought about this.... If U don't get anything,, I'd call a Indy or a good HD wrench...
Should get someone to help in here though....
 
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Old Nov 23, 2009 | 12:00 PM
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Not sure, but maybe if you don't get the answer here, try contacting one of the manufacturers who produce lowering kits.
 
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Old Nov 23, 2009 | 12:50 PM
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Drain the oil in a measuring bucket and put back in what comes out.
 
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Old Nov 23, 2009 | 02:14 PM
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Yeah, measuring what comes out was my first thought, but who says what's in there is right? I don't know who lowered it or if they thought about this.
 
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Old Nov 23, 2009 | 03:00 PM
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Originally Posted by glstrcowboy
Yeah, measuring what comes out was my first thought, but who says what's in there is right? I don't know who lowered it or if they thought about this.
Give it the goldilocks treatment.

In your opinion was the front end too stiff, too mushy or just right?

If it was too stiff don't put so much oil in. If it was too mushy then add a bit more. If it was just right then replace what came out.
 

Last edited by rubiconMike; Nov 23, 2009 at 03:50 PM.
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Old Nov 23, 2009 | 05:34 PM
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I have given this thread a lot of thought, and my conclusion is lowered or not it still holds the same amount of oil. The oil is either in front of the piston or behind the piston in the fork. I even got a fork out and put a stock spring in it and then a shorter spring. It appeared to me the same with 12Oz's of oil. Don't take my theory on it for the gospel ,this was just my conclusion.
 
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Old Nov 23, 2009 | 07:17 PM
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I used the Ness Custom Dampers. Got a 2" drop on the front end. I went with the HD Racing fork oil. Whatever you decide to use, HD heavy duty or whatever you need to put in at least 12 oz, I added another 1/2 oz to mine. It does ride a little stiff with the racing oil but I like it.
 
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Old Nov 24, 2009 | 07:32 AM
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I never thought about the "Goldilocks Plan". That sounds like the ticket. I'll put in what came out plus a little to firm it up.
 
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Old Nov 24, 2009 | 09:25 AM
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Originally Posted by Rockyriver
I have given this thread a lot of thought, and my conclusion is lowered or not it still holds the same amount of oil. The oil is either in front of the piston or behind the piston in the fork. I even got a fork out and put a stock spring in it and then a shorter spring. It appeared to me the same with 12Oz's of oil. Don't take my theory on it for the gospel ,this was just my conclusion.
this is what i was thinking.....AMEN
 
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