I plan on doing my 1K service myself.
Harley suggests changing the fork oil at 1K and every 50K.
I can understand the 50K but does anyone know why they want to change it at 1K? I plan on changing it because it is recommended. I'm sure there is a good reason for it. Does anyone know what it is?

 

I'm pretty sure fork oil not suppose to be changed at 1k. If I'm not wrong its not until at least 20k. I don't have access to my service manual right now (its at home im at work)

 

Here is when Harley suggests:

AT 1,000 MILES / 1,600 KILOMETERS

ITEM SERVICED
PROCEDURE
NOTES
Engine oil and filter
Replace

Oil lines and brake system
Inspect for leaks
1
Air cleaner
Inspect, service as required

Tires
Check pressure, inspect tread

Wheel spokes
Check tightness
1,6
Primary chaincase lubricant
Replace

Transmission lubricant
Replace

Clutch
Check adjustment
1
Drive belt and compensator sprocket
Inspect, adjust belt
1
Compensator sprocket isolators
Inspect for wear
5
Brake and clutch controls
Check, adjust and lubricate
1
Jiffy stand
Inspect and lubricate
1
Fuel lines and fittings
Inspect for leaks
1
Brake fluid
Check levels and condition
4
Brake pads and discs
Inspect for wear

Spark plugs
Inspect

Electrical equipment and switches
Check operation

Front fork oil
Replace
1,2
Steering head bearings
Lubricate
2
Air suspension
Check pressure, operation and leakage
1
Fuel door, Tour-Pak, saddlebags
Lubricate hinges and latches

Critical fasteners
Check tightness
1
Battery
Check battery and clean connections
3
Exhaust system
Inspect for leaks, cracks and loose or missing fasteners or heat shields
3
Road test
Verify component and system functions


NOTES

1. Should be performed by an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer, unless you have the proper tools, service data and are mechanically qualified.

2. Disassemble, lubricate and inspect every 50,000 miles (80,000 kilometers).

3. Perform annually.

4. Change D.O.T. 4 and flush brake system every two years.

5. Perform at each rear tire change.

6. Not all vehicles are equipped with spoke wheels. Consult appropriate topic in service manual.

 

What are you riding, from what I understand its a real bitch to change the fork oil on anything with a fairing and thats why the 20k is so costly because of the time it take to change it and it is not included in the price of the 1k unless your dealer is charging between 500 and 600 for the 1k. I did my own 1k service and the service manual said nothing about changing the fork oil on my 09 Ultra. Think about it for a minute, why would the fork oil need changing at 1k if its going to last for the next 49,000 miles.

 

I didn't change mine at 1k. I change mine at 20k. HD says 50k, but I ain't waiting that long. Gets black quick

 

The 1K fork oil change must be new for 09. The 08's recommend 50k. After reading this thread I changed the fork oil and upgraded to the SE "Heavy" oil, PN: 99881-87. I would check the 2009 service manual before proceeding. In my case, front end dive was greatly reduced. Ride was improved and the front end wallow was gone. As ease as it was, I would never let it go more than 10K.

 

I also have an 09 Ultra. I got this info from the Harley site.

That is why I asked. Doesnt make sense. Maybe they have lighter break in fluid in there or feel that during the initial break in it get unusually dirty. Not sure but I was hoping someone knew for sure.

 

I get off work at 6pm and will be able to say for sure after I get home.

 

This indicates the first fork oil change is at 50K, and should be performed by HD. The service manual method for changing the fork oil includes removing the legs. This is not necessary as long as the exact amount of oil is added to each leg as describe here. Just make sure the numbers are the same for the 09's.

 

I was so intriqued with this question because things were just not adding up. It makes no sense to think that the fork oil needs changing at 1k but not need changing again until 50,000 so I called the local dealer service dept and they told me it was 50,000 and not 1,000. I also asked the question of didn't it use to be 20,000 and he told me that changed to 50,000 in 2005.