Sportster Models 883, 883 Custom, 1200 Custom, 883L, 1200L, 1200S, 1200 Roadster, XR1200, and the Nightster.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

lower fork slider replacement

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 12, 2009 | 09:21 PM
  #1  
slopoke's Avatar
slopoke
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
From: allen park mi
Default lower fork slider replacement

i am getting ready to replace the lower fork sliders on my 07 bb3 with a set off a nightster, so i can have the black lower legs and the fork boots. but thought i would ask before starting. i have read the service manual and am curious if instead of basically removing and disassembling the entire fork as it says. can i just jack the bike up and pull the caliper wheel and fender. then unbolt the damper from the bottom of the lower leg and slide it off and reinstall the new one? also do i really need the special tool it calls for? i only ask since as an auto tech i already know that there are a lot of cases where special tols are called for but not required for the job.
 
Reply
Old Jul 13, 2009 | 08:03 PM
  #2  
slopoke's Avatar
slopoke
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
From: allen park mi
Default

wow , nobody has an answer here. come on guys gimmie a helping hand. i would rather not go into this blind.
 
Reply
Old Jul 14, 2009 | 04:41 AM
  #3  
mreed's Avatar
mreed
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,261
Likes: 9
From: Indiana
Default

Why not just powder coat yours & put boots on when you put it back together?
 
Reply
Old Jul 14, 2009 | 06:45 AM
  #4  
slopoke's Avatar
slopoke
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
From: allen park mi
Default

well i was gonna do that. the only reason i am doing itthe way that i am is i bought a set of black lower legs for 30 dollars that have nothing wrong with them. having mine powder coated would cost at least that much and result in down time waiting for the parts to come back
 
Reply
Old Jul 15, 2009 | 05:04 AM
  #5  
mreed's Avatar
mreed
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,261
Likes: 9
From: Indiana
Default

Man I'm sorry...I misread your first post. What does the "special" tool accomodate? I too am an auto tech (custom frame, steering & suspension) and know that there are many applications where a specialty tool is unnecessary, but damn nice in most occassions. It's also usually something that you will do on a rare frequency and buying a tool for just one job doesn't make sense. Maybe a dealership or independent shop will loan or rent you the tool?
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
GoGetter5832
Dyna Glide Models
10
Apr 12, 2012 05:57 PM
txrarebear
Softail Parts
2
Feb 5, 2011 03:23 PM
jtmurph00
Frame/Suspension/Front End/Brakes
14
Apr 6, 2010 10:37 PM
flastreetglide
Touring Models
6
Dec 9, 2008 09:08 PM
ultravista
Softail Models
5
Oct 3, 2006 08:23 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:40 PM.

story-0
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-1
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-4
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-5
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-6
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-7
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE