Harley Davidson Forums - Fork oil change and Progressive springs install.

Well after 10 years and 29,oooKM (18,000 Miles) my front forks were pretty soft so I finally ordered the springs and picked up some SE fork oil and figured on spending half a day or so on this but to my surprise I was done in 2 hours.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.hdf...fcde30a60a.jpg
18,000 Miles

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.hdf...96e29ccad9.jpg
With the weight on the old springs only 3" of travel left.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.hdf...6d58502171.jpg
Needed to use a bit on a ratchet to remove drain screw without stripping it.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.hdf...55588d7ee5.jpg
Protected disk, wheel and tire from splashing.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.hdf...9cc37a1b20.jpg
Ten year old oil, boy does it stink! (like old gear oil).

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Can't get to the fork caps on my bike as the bars are in the way.

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Easiest thing is to just unbolt the risers.

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Easy access for the 1&3/8" socket, had to use an adapter to fit a 1/2" drive ratchet. Be sure to use paper towel so you don't damage the chrome on the nut.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.hdf...8b0cc8782c.jpg
Old spring extended about 2" above fork tube.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.hdf...1de03f34bc.jpg
Old spring on left and new Progressive and spacer on the right, (spacer still has to be cut down).

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.hdf...89e9d49c02.jpg
SE fork oil.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.hdf...0bcd26d1a2.jpg
Factory spec 345ML new fork oil.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.hdf...7956601dd4.jpg
Compress the forks fully before adding new oil.

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Pour in the new oil, save some until you check the level by measuring.

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Level must be 5&1/2" from the top of the fork tube, this is important as the Progressive springs might displace more oil than the stock springs so don't just use the amount in your service manual.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.hdf...b1fc828b96.jpg
Have to cut the spacer to 2.25" for my model (1200R)

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.hdf...7f5feede21.jpg
Cuts easily on a miter saw. Mark the end you measured so you don't end up installing the cut off piece by mistake.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.hdf...0355d65526.jpg
Jack bike back up so front wheel is off the ground and install new spring with tight coils to the bottom.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.hdf...71c44a477f.jpg
Add washer and then the spacer cut to size.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.hdf...968e5d2a88.jpg
New spring and spacer almost level with the top of the fork, this was good as it made it super easy to get the fork cap back on.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.hdf...b36438415f.jpg
Torque cap to 50FT/LBS, be sure to use paper towel so you don't damage the chrome on the nut.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.hdf...f4e8a3f124.jpg
A bit of blue loctite on the riser bolts.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.hdf...63115bfa6a.jpg
Install riser bolts.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.hdf...e9f4a6474f.jpg
Now have 4&1/4" when I set the weight on it for the first time.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.hdf...2ac0ca4bd6.jpg
After test ride and things have settled in 4".

Test ride results: Really handles a lot better, it now takes the big dip type of bumps much more comfortably but it is very stiff on the small jaring bumps. I am so used to the old soft springs it may just be a matter of getting used to it, if not I may change out the oil to a thinner oil like the stock oil. I did upgrade to the heavy duty Progressive springs and wonder if I should have stayed with the standard duty ones. Overall very happy with the way the springs and new fluid handle the bumps and frost heaves that we have a lot of at this time of year.