Changed Fork Oil Last Night
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 911
Likes: 10
From: Wisconsin
If I really get on my bike thru the gears, say wound up about 3000RPM's before shifting, I get a dive when I shift it.
Mechanic said says fork oil is a bitch to change in mine (2004 EGC) somthing about cartridge type forks?
Mechanic said says fork oil is a bitch to change in mine (2004 EGC) somthing about cartridge type forks?
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,344
Likes: 173
From: Watertown, CT
Glad I read this post as I was thinking of changing to a heavier oil as my RK rides hard in the front end more so than my Dyna. Looks like that would have been a mistake. Now I think I'll go with stock oil. Just wondering if the shocks weren't filled all the way from the factory as its always been a hard ride or maybe overfilled.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 25,306
Likes: 2,443
From: Eastern NE
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,711
Likes: 9,212
From: Snow Hill, NC
I am 275 6'1" i went with the SE Heavy and have always loved it over stock....after a while it softens up pretty good...i actually was thinking of mixing it with extra heavy on the next change....
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,711
Likes: 9,212
From: Snow Hill, NC
I just taped a garbage bag around my wheel ....did the trick just right....you want the wheel on...it's easier.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,727
Likes: 6
I used the SE Heavy (not Extra Heavy Racing) for my first oil change, which was an improvement over original. Handling was better with no bottoming and although ride was a bit firmer I didn't consider it harsh. For the second change I decided to try Dawg's suggestion of mixing the SE Heavy with Type E (stock) 50:50, and I like it better. Ride is a bit better while control and handling isn't compromised, so this is likely what'll stick with for the future.
BTW, here have been a few tutorials posted here on doing the change on a fairing bike. Here's one I did a few years ago (Scroll down to Post #23).
BTW, here have been a few tutorials posted here on doing the change on a fairing bike. Here's one I did a few years ago (Scroll down to Post #23).
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
I don't know what it would do, but I would change the viscosity of the oil for a ride adjustment, not the amount of oil. Some say adding more just stiffens the ride while others say not to do it, and HD seems to think the level is important. They want you to disassemble the forks and measure the level, not just drain and add back 10.8 oz. (11.1 oz. for RK). I did the latter like I did a dozen times on my old RK without issues. My tutorial gives a blow-by-blow and it is about a 1-hr. job.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,034
Likes: 127
Well, er, ahh the heavier oil made the ride worse because it was quite a bit firmer, as in stiff, uncomfortable. You know as in rougher than a wood cutters *** type of firm. It sucked. Those pencil necked engineers at the MOCO spent a whole boat load of time and expense getting that new frame dialed in right back in 2007, 2008 in time for the release of the new 2009 introduction. In fairness I think they use 160-180 pounds as the average weight of a Harley rider when in reality many of us have gotten rather "portly" over the years. So, if a dude would butcher out at around 250 pounds or more on the ole Fairbanks, I would say he should probably use something a little heavier than Type E (5 Weight) fluid or maybe concoct a mix of several weight oils. Happy riding to all. Motorcyclists are like tulips. When the sun comes out, they are everywhere. This is the season.
