Front fork oil

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Dec 19, 2019 | 02:46 PM

pointblank

Thread Starter

Tourer

Joined: Feb 2010

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Front fork oil

Manual states road Kings have conventional forks but mine has a con on the right and a cartridge on the left. I bought it that way. Does this matter? I have changed the front fork oil before but never asked this question. So I can drain/fill the right without removing but left has to be removed. Wonder why the original did this?

Dec 19, 2019 | 06:52 PM

99Birdman

Extreme HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2012

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From: SoCal

My 02 RG has the cartridge left. It is a large improvement over standard damping rod. HD stopped putting them on stock bikes and made the cartridge kit a performance accessory until they went to the new forks. Be glad you have it. Just need to rebuild according to schedule. If you don't have one, get a factory shop manual.

Dec 20, 2019 | 07:54 AM

grbrown

Club Member

Joined: Jun 2007

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From: Bedford UK

The Ultras had that set-up stock, according to the parts list, so your bike may have been built that way or updated later on. It should be an improvement over the damper-rod forks, however there are significantly better options available now, thanks to the aftermarket.

Dec 20, 2019 | 01:38 PM

lightweight bob

Road Master

Joined: Aug 2006

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From: Banning, CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by pointblank

I removed the top fork caps and used a vacuum pump at the lower drain holes - got the same amount from each side so I
assumed it all came out of the left cartridge side. My choice has been 10w Bel-Ray fork oil but my stupid heavy Ultra Limited
actually got 15w - better stiff than that abrupt nose dive at stops..

Dec 20, 2019 | 04:13 PM

HD Bobber

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Joined: Sep 2010

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From: Illinois

When I did my front the instructions said to only add 5oz, instead of 10.8 since oil in cartridge setup only lubes parts and does nothing for rebound.....if you have a cartridge in one side and standard shock on the other the standard side should take more fluid. I believe Road Kings need 11.1 oz w/ standard springs.

Dec 20, 2019 | 07:00 PM

pointblank

Thread Starter

Tourer

Joined: Feb 2010

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Based on the manual I added 11.1 oz to the right side without remove the shock and the left.....had to add 5 oz first then pump it then add another 6 oz then using gage the level had to be 4.21 from top of tube which meant I removed about 1/2 oz to bring the level to specs. I have another hour or so left to finish reassembly. Taking longer than I thought. I've done it before ....just forgot time needed.

Dec 20, 2019 | 07:16 PM

HD Bobber

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2010

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From: Illinois

Are you sure you add the full amount when you have cartridge.....not sure which one you have, but I know progressive and axel mono tubes you don’t put full spec of fluid.