Changing Fork Oil/Springs

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Aug 11, 2012 | 09:35 PM

#11

sioux565

Thread Starter

Road Warrior

Joined: Feb 2011

Posts: 1,342

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From: Milwaukee, WI

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickss69

Not sure what year they stopped putting them on the fork legs, but there is a good chance you have no drain screw on your's.

The SM says that it does. I'll have to take a look for my self.

Aug 11, 2012 | 09:47 PM

#12

HarleyScuba

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2007

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From: Manassas, VA

I guess you don't have to take the weight off the front end, but it's highly advisable for making life easier and more safe. I've never done fork work without lifting at least the front.
Check this thread:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/sport...05-sporty.html
Factory fork oil will come out black when drained with as few as 2000 miles. I'm not sure why. Maybe it's manufacturing residue.

Last edited by HarleyScuba; Aug 11, 2012 at 09:53 PM. Reason: nunya

Aug 11, 2012 | 10:02 PM

#13

SportyPig

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2006

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From: Nashville, TN

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarleyScuba

I guess you don't have to take the weight off the front end, but it's highly advisable for making life easier and more safe. I've never done fork work without lifting at least the front.

Oh, absolutely it's easier. The last 2 times I've changed the fork oil, I have taken the forks completely off the bike. I think that's the only way to get precisely the amount of fork oil you want. No other way to totally drain the forks.

Aug 12, 2012 | 06:37 AM

#14

grbrown

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Joined: Jun 2007

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From: Bedford UK

My 2011 doesn't have drain plugs. When buying new springs get them to match your weight. I used RaceTech single-rate and also have a set to go in my Glide. They have a weight/rate guide on their website.

Aug 12, 2012 | 07:26 AM

#15

cHarley

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Joined: Feb 2007

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From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh

Quote:

Originally Posted by grbrown

My 2011 doesn't have drain plugs. When buying new springs get them to match your weight. I used RaceTech single-rate and also have a set to go in my Glide. They have a weight/rate guide on their website.

I can see how that works well for for bikes that always run with a fixed weight load, but when rider weight varies from solo to 2up plus luggage, I think a progressive springs are a better option.

Just my 2¢

Aug 12, 2012 | 07:26 AM

#16

rickss69

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2011

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From: Gulf Breeze, FL

If you want to end the debate on fork oil, just use ATF...works great and has forever.

Aug 12, 2012 | 07:43 AM

#17

grbrown

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From: Bedford UK

Quote:

Originally Posted by cHarley

Once upon a time I would have agreed! Recently I have undergone a re-education on suspension, hence have single-rate springs to go in my Glide, which I ride both solo and duo.

Aug 12, 2012 | 08:01 AM

#18

cHarley

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Joined: Feb 2007

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From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh

Quote:

Originally Posted by grbrown

Once upon a time I would have agreed! Recently I have undergone a re-education on suspension, hence have single-rate springs to go in my Glide, which I ride both solo and duo.

Yea, but a 200 pound weight change doesn't affect a heavy touring bike like it does a light weight Sporty.