Fork oil change
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
Earlier bikes have change intervals much shorter, and my '96 was 12k. I did it every 10k on that bike because with the air forks it was a simple 20-min. job using the vacuum method outlined in the manual. I don't know how you would change oil in cartridge forks ('02-'05) other than complete disassembly as per the manual.
I changed mine at 52k and I will change it again after about 20k maybe sooner. I put the SE heavy in and like it alot better. Wished I had changed it sooner. iclicks write up is great and can help you alot.
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Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 559
Likes: 0
From: Berwick, Pa.
I've noticed the guys that were kind enough to respond have bikes with fairings. I keep my windshield on most of the year, but the weight difference between the fairing and shield has to relate to a stress difference on the forks and oil?
Sounds logical to me but I don't know.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,802
Likes: 2
From: Salt Lake City, UT. Dushore, Pa.
I don't think the diff is that great, if you want to stiffen up the front then use the SE Heavy and you won't dive when stopping, etc. I would change it when you feel the front is getting like it's soft. You can change it by draining and putting in a little at a time then pumping you forks til you get all the oil in.
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2008
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 126
Likes: 8
From: CA
FWIW, I have an 06 SG and weigh 230. I tried the SE heavy oil and while it stopped the diving the forks felt harsh. I went to a 50/50 mix of heavy and standard oil and raised the level by 1oz. Minimal diving under braking, good feel and the forks don't bottom on hard hits. Some guys will claim you blow seals but with the little bit I added it just takes away enough air space that the remaining air pressures up just enough to cushion the hard hits.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,432
Likes: 0
From: Central Florida, USA
I just did the 10k service on my ultra and had them do the heavy duty oil change on the forks to get the stock crap out of there. What a difference! No more nose dive under braking and the bike feels firm, but not stiff on the road. I'll change it now every 15 - 20k miles depending on how the front end is feeling.