Dreaded 2003 fork oil question.
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,368
Likes: 2,055
From: Paradise (almost, Florida )
Dreaded 2003 fork oil question.
I did a search and can't find enough info. I have a 2003 with 42,000 miles and the front end feels like crap. I want to do the fork oil change myself, I refuse to pay a dealer what they want, but everything I read says it can't be done at home.
Does anyone have a solution to do this at home ???
Does anyone have a solution to do this at home ???
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
From: UK
I'm in the same situation with my 04, I can't believe it's impossible at home without the "special" HD tools. I spoke to an independent a while back an he claimed he just empties the leg and measures how much came out of each side and refills that amount. Not exactly scientific but if it has no leaks how much worse could it be ?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,675
Likes: 95
From: Billings,Mt.
The service manual makes seem to be a difficult job with special tools needed!
Might not be as easy with cartridge forks?
Lots of info here if you do a search.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,653
Likes: 9,113
From: Snow Hill, NC
I think it's abit different on a o3 than a 06...I changed mine on the 07 fairly easily....I say if you can get to the screw on caps on the top of the forks and you can drain the fluid from the bottom of the forks. Technically if you add the same amount as you took out you should be safe. don't overfill cuz you might hurt the seals. Shelton's probably want at least $250 to do that...it cost me $20.00 new brass washers and screws and 2 bottles of SE heavy fork oil.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Port St. John, FL
Way different on an '03 than an '06 up. The left side has a Cartridge, after you remove the left side Fork Cap, the spring needs to be compressed to release. Then the whole internals get removed. AFIK there is now good way to do it without dis-assembly. When the time comes for mine, I'll remove the left side fork and take it to either the dealer or an indy with the tools and have it done right. Big savings if you take it all apart yourself and only have them service the part. Sometimes it worth it, at least to me, to buy the specialty tools, like cam tools, but for this one the cost of the tools far outweighs the cost to have it done.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,954
Likes: 148
From: Augusta, GA
Got to have special tool to remove the cartridge on the left side. You may want to take the forks off and take the left side to an Indy. If I do mine again, I think I will convert to progressive springs. Good luck.
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