Fork Oil Change - How to question

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Jun 19, 2012 | 06:47 PM

dforeid

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Joined: Jan 2006

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From: Western Washington

Fork Oil Change - How to question

Hey all,

I have a 2012 Ultra Limited. I see it suggests not changing fork oil until 50K miles. Is that realistic? Also, in HD factory shop manual, it talks about taking the fork legs completely off to do the change. I thought you could just remove the lower drain bolts, remove the upper fork tube plug and just do it that way? But, the manual goes into the whole process of removing the fork legs from the bike, removing the fork spring and turning the fork upside down to drain the fluid out, ya-da ya-da.

Do you really have to go through all that? Any how-to posts would be greatly appreciated.

Jun 19, 2012 | 07:31 PM

Taildraggerdave

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Joined: Jul 2005

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From: Southern California

I just did my '09 Ultra over the weekend. Here's a link to the thread I followed:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...il-change.html
Scroll down to post #23 for the first photo.
Mine went very easy and I did as you asked. Removed the lower drain screws, removed the upper fork caps, drained the oil and replaced. Easy.

Take care,
Dave

Jun 19, 2012 | 08:12 PM

MikeTD3

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Joined: Jan 2012

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From: Maine

I just changed the oil in mine the long way, by taking them off. It was a couple hours of work but worth it to me to clean all the crap out of them. I went with Amsoil 10wt 5.25" from the top (compressed with no spring) and couldn't be happier with the improvement in handling.

Considering how crappy the oil looked at 30,000 miles I will probably change it every two years going forward. Hell...in the dirt bike world we service the forks and shock a couple times a season.

Jun 19, 2012 | 08:37 PM

dforeid

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From: Western Washington

Thanks for the response guys. That looks like a good how-to. I assume it will work on my 2012 model ? His was a 2007, but I assume it would work for the 2012 as well?

Jun 19, 2012 | 09:13 PM

Taildraggerdave

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Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 642

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From: Southern California

Quote:

Originally Posted by dforeid

Thanks for the response guys. That looks like a good how-to. I assume it will work on my 2012 model ? His was a 2007, but I assume it would work for the 2012 as well?

My guess would be yes but hopefully someone will come along and confirm.
I tried an impact screwdriver on the drain screws and they wouldn't budge.
I have a small pair of good vice grips and grabbed the screw heads and they came right off.
I reused them as the marks were barely noticeable. No problem.

Drained out a little over 10oz in a graduated cup and put back in the same amount in each leg. Went with the HD Heavy oil and the ride is a bit harsher, but it doesn't dive nearly as much. Really happy with it. I agree, the old oil looked like crap at 23K.

Take care,
Dave