Fork and Shock Oil Change Update
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
Fork and Shock Oil Change Update
Went for my first ride of the season today April 7th. I had changed the oil in my Forks to 15wt and the oil in my air shocks to 10wt a month or so ago. Very pleased, the ride is firmer, yet smoother and a LOT less fork dive. Should have done this years ago. 2007 FLHT
Jim
Jim
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 12,689
Likes: 8,295
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Originally Posted by J F GO
Going to be doing mine soon too. 07 Road King. What did you use for oil. Mine has never been changed either. Thanks Jim for the update.
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Jan 2020
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From: Colorado
With 15w in the forks, end up doing a mix of 10 and 15 to come up with 11.5 weight in the rear shocks to get the two end more balanced in over all dampening.
Also, I start with 10.5oz each shock, then add a touch more to each shock until forks/shocks are the same for bottom of stroke dampening as well.
But really, just have to remember that HD oem uses 10wt in the forks, 7w in the shocks, and if you are going to up the forks to 15 weight, need to go with thicker shock oil so the back end is not pogo'g compared to the now slightly stiffer front end.
So first time out, takes a little tinkering until you come up with the "perfect" rear shock oil weight and amount, and on the next oil change, walk in the park since you already have that dialed in for your riding needs.
Also, I start with 10.5oz each shock, then add a touch more to each shock until forks/shocks are the same for bottom of stroke dampening as well.
But really, just have to remember that HD oem uses 10wt in the forks, 7w in the shocks, and if you are going to up the forks to 15 weight, need to go with thicker shock oil so the back end is not pogo'g compared to the now slightly stiffer front end.
So first time out, takes a little tinkering until you come up with the "perfect" rear shock oil weight and amount, and on the next oil change, walk in the park since you already have that dialed in for your riding needs.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,732
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From: Snow Hill, NC
I’m not gonna bash doing the shock oil change too much because I did it on my 07 but once y’all invest in real shocks you will ask why you didn’t do it before...forks are a little easier to do but still a pain. I recently bought a 14 trike with 34k miles and changes the fork oil and the result is great but compared to the cartridge setup in my 07 it lacks. I waited on my 07 because of funds.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2018
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From: Canada Flats
Jim , I did exactly the same as you , forks first , then did my shocks . I'm going to be putting on a new set of bars , then I'll be able to take the bike out for the first ride this spring . It's nice to know there was an improvement in your ride , thanks for all your input , it helped me get it done while I waited for my parts to come in .
Enjoy another season , ride safe !
Enjoy another season , ride safe !