Fork oil
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 131
Likes: 12
From: Susssex County Delaware
Fork oil
I will be installing Progressive springs in my 2011 Super Low this weekend. Bike has 650 miles on it right now. Should I drain old oil from fork tubes and install fresh oil? If so, what weight and what manufacturer oil should I use? I can't find any info concerning fork oil on the Progressive web site. Is the HD stock fork oil o.k.?
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
Likes: 306
From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
Yes, you should drain the oil. The new springs will displace more oil and change the oil level. Progressive recommends the stock weight oil which is a 5 or 7 weight. The SE fork oil (15w) is not recommended.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,478
Likes: 12
From: Nashville, TN
Good luck with that. Yes, drain the oil. The amount of oil needed is very specific. Progressive does have some good info about the amount of oil for each model. However, when I installed the springs on my 883L, they didn't know the amount for the L model. I talked to them and they asked that I please let them know when I determined the amount needed. It's not the same amount as the other Sporty models, because of shorter forks.
With my bike it is 10 ounces per fork. But, I believe the changed the tube length on the Super Low. It doesn't take very much of an extra fill to end up with a front suspension that doesn't move at all. Like riding a hard tail, except in the front.
I would give them a call, and see if they know the exact amount for the Super Low. Yes, the Harley fork oil is fine.
With my bike it is 10 ounces per fork. But, I believe the changed the tube length on the Super Low. It doesn't take very much of an extra fill to end up with a front suspension that doesn't move at all. Like riding a hard tail, except in the front.
I would give them a call, and see if they know the exact amount for the Super Low. Yes, the Harley fork oil is fine.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
Likes: 306
From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
Also, if you don't have one, get a "fork cap nut socket". It not only makes removing and reinstalling the cap nuts easier, but prevents damaging the caps.
https://www.denniskirk.com/fork-cap-socket.p282291.prd
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https://www.denniskirk.com/fork-cap-socket.p282291.prd
.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 7,138
Likes: 26
From: Southern Oregon
I used HD type E when I installed my Progressive springs on my FXD, handles much better than the stockers. The springs were longer (used shorter spacer) and the coils were fatter. You will need to reference the SM to find the proper level measure from top of fork tube to top of fluid level. As mentioned the springs displace more oil, dont just dump 10 oz in and call it good.
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 131
Likes: 12
From: Susssex County Delaware
Thank you all for the info. The bike as stock really nose dives when braking. I heard great things about Progressive springs eliminating that problem. I already purchased the Fork cap socket in preparation for this modification. As far as draining the stock oil, it's a real pain with the Super Low as per the repair manual because it doesn't have drain screws in the forks. I'll have to remove the forks and turn them upside down to pour out the oil. I was hoping that since the bike has low mileage I could get away without changing the oil and just add or suck out the oil to bring it to the right level.
I read the installation instructions for the springs on the Progressive web site and it did not mention what type or what level the oil should be. I'll give them a call and hope they can provide me with the correct info. Looks like a long weekend.
I read the installation instructions for the springs on the Progressive web site and it did not mention what type or what level the oil should be. I'll give them a call and hope they can provide me with the correct info. Looks like a long weekend.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,007
Likes: 126
From: Manassas, VA
With the Progressive springs, I used Harley Screamin' Eagle Heavy Fork oil in my '05 883C. The OL's '04 1200C got the regular Type E Harley fork oil. I'm about 210 lbs and prefer a stiffer front suspension. She's substantially lighter. Using 3.5" spacers, IIRC, it was 11 ounces per leg, but that's gonna be too much for a Super Low and I'm sure the spacers are different. You'll be surprised how dirty the factory fork oil is when you drain it.
From:
http://bmwmotorcycletech.info/ShockOilComparo.pdf
Fork oil weight by brand.
From:
http://bmwmotorcycletech.info/ShockOilComparo.pdf
Fork oil weight by brand.
Last edited by HarleyScuba; Jun 21, 2012 at 02:25 PM. Reason: nunya
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,599
Likes: 11
From: Colonial Beach, Virginia
To add to cHarlie's suggestion get this guy too, its called FOL-1, it makes getting your oil level a piece of cake. The Belray 7w in mine was the perfect choice. May try the 5w some day. The combination of Progressive Fork Springs and 7w fork works in perfect harmony woth the 13.5" 440s.
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 131
Likes: 12
From: Susssex County Delaware
I'll probably go with the Type E HD oil since I.m a little guy weighing only 150 lbs. I also bought the FOL-1 oil level device when I ordered the fork cap socket. The 2011 HD service manual lists a level of 4.80 inches for the Super Low. I will call Progressive tomorrow to see if they have any other specs.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,132
Likes: 1
From: MO
I thought most used 10 wt. on here?
Anyway, I did my Nightster and used exactly what the factory manual called for in oz. and confirmed the height was pretty close to factory spec before capping them off. I had planned to use a little more than stock anyway as I weigh 210 lbs. I always use Mobil-1 ATF for fork oil as it is about a 12 wt. but WAY more temperature stable than typical fork oil. My original oil was NASTY at about 2,500 mi. I also cleaned up the new fork springs as they were pretty nasty right out of the box, and the PCV spacers they provided weren't the same length so I had to add a spacer to one side to get them right.
They are WAY better than stock, but still not stiff enough for my fatass even though I have between 1/4 and 1/3 sag. I need to add some more spacer for more preload I guess.
Don't forget to clean out your forks after draining with mineral spirits and / or pump some fresh fluid of choice though there to clean em up further before re-assy.
Anyway, I did my Nightster and used exactly what the factory manual called for in oz. and confirmed the height was pretty close to factory spec before capping them off. I had planned to use a little more than stock anyway as I weigh 210 lbs. I always use Mobil-1 ATF for fork oil as it is about a 12 wt. but WAY more temperature stable than typical fork oil. My original oil was NASTY at about 2,500 mi. I also cleaned up the new fork springs as they were pretty nasty right out of the box, and the PCV spacers they provided weren't the same length so I had to add a spacer to one side to get them right.
They are WAY better than stock, but still not stiff enough for my fatass even though I have between 1/4 and 1/3 sag. I need to add some more spacer for more preload I guess.
Don't forget to clean out your forks after draining with mineral spirits and / or pump some fresh fluid of choice though there to clean em up further before re-assy.
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