Hey gang I have a 1997 Heritage. When the forks extend coming out of a bump there is a clunk as it *bottoms out* (extends all the way). Is this normal or in need of fork oil or...?

Thanks

 

Ain't no wrench & don't know sheet but I guess your 1997 is old enough to need the oil replaced reguardless of mileage. Shop manual shows how in detail. I don't understand why the folks on this Forum have not jumped on this with their advise. Maybe your post is in the wrong section? I have fount outstanding results to my questions. Well, some better than others. I suggest you rewright and repost to NEW POSTS. RIDE SAFE

 

I don't know the answer, but the softail posts start getting busy around 6:00pm and there will be plenty of advise this evening. You are in the right section.

 

Thanks friend

 

I suggest you replace the suspension fluid/oil. What you seem to describe actually sounds like there is no fluid in the tubes at all or very little for that matter

No harm in checking. JMO

 

If they clunk when the brakes are firmly applied/released, then it's likely the steering head bearings need to be greased and re-torqued. Unless you found a leak in the forks, changing the oil out should only affect the damping and rebound.

 

+1 On this

 

First thing I'd do is get the front wheel off the ground with a jack and check for play by grabbing the front forks and try moving up and down. My neck bearing was loose from the factory and the fall away adjustment had to be done.
Mine also has drain plugs in the forks. Manual recommends only putting in a certain number of ounces if your draining the forks. I guess they don't think you can fully drain them. It's best to measure and put the same amount in each fork. Start with the minimum recommended amount, you can always add a few more ounces if needed but removing is a pain.

 

I was thinking steering head bearings as well.

Drew

 

If you have owned this bike since day one and have never had to tighten up the steering neck, it is long overdue. If it is a "new to you" bike and have no idea what maintenance has been done, tighten up the steering neck as it more than likely needs it. Also, I would imagine that it could use a new dose of oil in the shocks. Between the two things you will more than likely cure the problem. Good luck.