Oil in shocks
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 429
Likes: 0
From: Johnstown Co.
Oil in shocks
I just read a interesting article on another forum regarding going to a heavier wt. oil in your air shocks. Would anyone know how much oil goes in a 12inch eye to eye HD(Showa) air shock? 
Thanks
Thanks
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,440
Likes: 0
From: Columbus,Indiana/ Arecibo,Puerto Rico
I don't know how much yet. BUT I know where you can get any weight you need. Redline has it in 5,7.5 ,10 and 20 weight. I got some 7.5 for my Ultra. I just haven't changed it yet.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,051
Likes: 50
From: Florence, MT (Bitterroot Valley)
I changed the oil in my rear shocks to a heavier for a much better ride. With the oil change I never seem to bottom out, no matter how much gear I'm packing. And it does provide a significantly better ride. It's a PITA to change, and I can't tell you how much to put in. I just measured how much came out of each, and put the same amount back in. Maybe a little simple, and perhaps not as accurate as it should be, but it worked great.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,440
Likes: 0
From: Columbus,Indiana/ Arecibo,Puerto Rico
Made it, havent tried it. I have 2-2x4 studs that are bolted together at one end forming a A frame, about 3 ft. down I drilled holes for the shock to bolt to. So by laying one leg on the floor and pushind down on the other, you can compress the shock. With the hose attached to the shock and the end placed in the lid of a closed container. its a way to drain all the oil and a way to fill it by flipping over the shock.
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 429
Likes: 0
From: Johnstown Co.
Thanks for the replies. According to the article if you have a miti-vac and get some fittings you can do that way. Or the slow methodic way of turn the shock upside down and in a rocking motion it will drain. Plus I nailed a 2-by 4 to the basement wall and hung them upside and let them drain into one of those small Glad food containers that have oz's and ml (cc) on the side. And to fill -the same amount with a turkey baster, a little at a time compress a tad till it burps. (no kidding) Then repeat. I might look into one of those miti-vac someday.
Trending Topics
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 412
Likes: 1
So, if I understand this correctly you can just take the shock off and compress the oil out of it? If I have access to a shop press I can compress the oil out of it, measure how much oil comes out of it, and refill with the same amount of a different weight oil? Does anyone have any further input.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
This will tell you how to change oil in shocks https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...ks-better.html
Last edited by cw4530; Jan 15, 2009 at 09:32 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: Queensland, Australia
I haven't seen anything that tells me what weight oil is in the original HD shocks? I've played around with fork oil in the past, but not shocks. Too big a jump in oil weight can be mighty unpleasant in the front end. I guess it's tehe same in the rear, just gets you in a different place. Any tips, guys?