New fork oil ride question
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
Likes: 494
From: Richmond, VA
I have to agree with Leftcoaster. Do not do this. Drain and refill per the manual with the weight of your choosing. Forks leak, previous owners are stupid. Any number of factors can effect whats in the forks at this moment. Drain and fill with the amount specified in the manual, no more, no less. Its never a bad idea to measure what comes out to see if there's a potential problem, such as an overfilled leg, or a potential leak. But not as a refill chart.
Last edited by bikerlaw; Nov 24, 2014 at 06:02 AM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 4,618
Likes: 290
From: Johnstown, PA
I did mine with the SE heavy and put in what the manual states (10.xx, can't remember the exact but it was close to 11oz). I am very happy with the results, ride quality was vastly improved.
I also did my shocks, used amsoil shock therapy 10w, very nice improvement there too. Only problem was after about a year one of my shocks blew a seal, not sure if changing out the oil had anything to do with that. I bought a set of low shocks, and am thinking of changing out the oil over the winter.
Not to hijack this thread, but I got ask if anyone else had the seals go after a shock oil change? It was probably just a fluke, but figured I would ask.
I also did my shocks, used amsoil shock therapy 10w, very nice improvement there too. Only problem was after about a year one of my shocks blew a seal, not sure if changing out the oil had anything to do with that. I bought a set of low shocks, and am thinking of changing out the oil over the winter.
Not to hijack this thread, but I got ask if anyone else had the seals go after a shock oil change? It was probably just a fluke, but figured I would ask.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,732
Likes: 9,241
From: Snow Hill, NC
There's is a proper measure and it is different for different bikes.88000 miles here and I think I will be doing my 3rd or 4th fork fluid change , did my rear shocks last year.
Last edited by Notgrownup; Nov 24, 2014 at 05:11 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 876
Likes: 4
From: Waskom, TX
David
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,328
Likes: 15
From: Pacific Northwest
Hey toothman........fork oil is very thin so letting them drain for an hour or two will ensure the forks are all but dry inside. I've serviced forks for about 40 years now and have yet to overfill any of them.
I also have a tool for measuring fork oil levels, which is the best thing if you're 'tuning' with oil levels and weights. If you put in the amount the manual calls for you will never go wrong regardless of how much was removed. Plus you will gain consistency.
Replacing what was removed from the forks is for those that don't know any better. You know better now so there's no excuse for your NOT doing it right.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,732
Likes: 9,241
From: Snow Hill, NC
I let my forks drain overnight the last few times and feel quite confident all the oil was out... I went with the factory recommended fluid amounts.
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But like many of you, I did not know what type and weight to use in my Harley. How do Bel Ray fork oils compare to HD Types? Here's the answer from Bel Ray website
http://www.belray.com/sir_tech
Harley-Davidson Type B is the equivalent viscosity to Bel-Ray High Performance Fork Oil 15W. Harley-Davidson Type E is the equivalent to Bel-Ray High Performance Fork Oil 20W.
HD SE is even heavier, or so I read. So I am assuming it is 30 wt.
