2001 Road King with about 38000 miles. After going through the manual a while back I realized the front fork oil should be changed every 20-30k miles. Well I was able to make the time and did it this weekend. Replaced it with 30w fork oil. It was kind of a PIA, and took more time to do than I thought. Since I do not have a vacuum pump, I did it by filling it from the top, removing the banjo fitting. By trial and error I was able to use a syringe to poke down the hole, took alot of patience and time but was able to it in. I love saving money and guess I saved a bunch, although Harley could have done it much faster I assume.

WoW what a difference it made in the front end. There is not nearly as much moosh and dip in the front when appling the front breaks and the ride seems much more firmer, not hard just a smooth fimness. Over the same roads I take every day there is definatly less shock felt on the rough parts of the road. Feels like it will have more control and response if I ever need to grab the front breaks and not dip me into the pavement.

Next project will be to change the rear shock oil. If the rear ride will improve as much as the front did I'm sure the over all ride will be like a soft pillow. Just thought I'd share this if your front shocks feel mooshy and soft, I suggest changing the oil at anytime and not waiting for the service time.

 

I believe you nhave air in the rear shocks. I know 99,03,04,06,07 rks do

 

You are correct and there is air in the front as well. There is also oil in the front and rear shocks not just air. No mention in the manual about changing the oil in the rear, but as others on this sit have reported, replacing the stock oil with a heavier grade really improves the suspension. I atest to the heavier oil in the front shocks.

 

cani have you do mine in about 20k miles?

 

Did you try changing the air first?

 

What weight air should we use and should it be synthetic???

 

yes i'd like to know too...what oils and amounts go in the forks and shock?

 

I used syn 9.7 oz of 30w shock oil in each.

 

will HPI Shock Oil 30w work?...to get the oil out do you flip the shock over put them in a press?