Chrome Lower Forks - Touring
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Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, Texas
Chrome Lower Forks - Touring
I have an 06 street glide and was considering tackling a job. I plan on buying chrome lower forks and replacing. I've done mechanical work (cars, bikes, etc... jobs like replacing breathers, installing oil coolers, extensive work on autos...) Just establishing a 'lil mechanic cred 
I'm curious if anyone has tackled this and if so, is it worth the savings of "do it yourself" or am I asking for a headache? I'm concerned if handling issues may arise, or if tear down/rebuild requires unique tools, etc... meaning the costs will be close to installation quotes. At this point, I have (former) harley mechanic who will install for about $250. Input appreciated and welcomed!
I'm curious if anyone has tackled this and if so, is it worth the savings of "do it yourself" or am I asking for a headache? I'm concerned if handling issues may arise, or if tear down/rebuild requires unique tools, etc... meaning the costs will be close to installation quotes. At this point, I have (former) harley mechanic who will install for about $250. Input appreciated and welcomed!
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,824
Likes: 59
From: SW Burbs of Chicago
dont buy the fork seal installation tool. I cut a piece of 1 1/2 inch PVC down the middle to make it fit over the fork to install new seals. I had my lowers powder coated. I glad I did it myself.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,200
Likes: 3
From: Simpsonville, SC
X2 with the PVC, works great! It's real easy to do and you'll be proud of your work when it's finished!
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,548
Likes: 163
From: Mt. Airy, MD
I did my own on my 06 roadglide. I have some mechanical experience but that was the 1st set of forks I tore apart... not a bad job at all. Have since done another bike also. as someone else said, worst part is getting the fairing torn down to where you can get them off. Also kinda makes a mess when you drain them but other than that very do-able. +1 on the split PVC pipe as a fork seal driver, works fine.
I would recommend having a manual on hand tho, I referred to mine a lot during this project. Ignition is a little tricky to get back together but not bad if you study the dovetailed slots that all need to line up.
I would recommend having a manual on hand tho, I referred to mine a lot during this project. Ignition is a little tricky to get back together but not bad if you study the dovetailed slots that all need to line up.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 571
Likes: 3
From: Loudoun County, Virginia
Nice
Nice, like the contrast with the the chrome. Always nice when you do it yourself...wish I had the b@!!s to do more to mine...
PVC and a rubber mallet homie! You can definitely tackle this one with some brews and an afternoon
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,246
Likes: 19
From: Cypress, TX
This is definitely a job you can do yourself. There are several posts that you can follow to see the step by step. This one doesn't show you how to remove the ignition cap (it's for a road king) but does give some good info.
http://www.box.net/shared/rtpu12ifs1
http://www.box.net/shared/rtpu12ifs1
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 866
Likes: 2
From: Pocahontas, IL
I just did this myself. Waiting for the snow to melt so I can drive it. It sure looks good. Better than you think it is going to. It took me and some friends 4.5 hours to do it but we were more interested in drinking beer That old fluid smells nasty....like cat **** or something and I only had 10,300 mile on mine. I just followed the service manual. You might want to borrow a torque wrench. It takes an impact for the 6mm in the bottom of the forks.
That old fluid smells nasty....like cat **** or something and I only had 10,300 mile on mine. I just followed the service manual. You might want to borrow a torque wrench. It takes an impact for the 6mm in the bottom of the forks.
