I have a 2012 Street Glide and have a few question.

I plan on taking off my front forks to have them powder coated. First, does the 2012 bikes have a cartridge style forks? I have the service manual and all it states is damper valve. I know my old 07 road king had the cartridge style on it. Are the forks the same on both sides?

Second, is there anything special I should be concerned about while disassembly or reassembly?

I have new heavy fork oil and new seals.

Thanks in advanced.

 

They do not have cartridges. They are the same on both sides. Pretty easy job after ya get them out. I'd sure think about doing Racetech Spring upgrade plus Gold valves/Intimidaters or monotubes??

 

only problem i had was one of the bolt heads stripped out so i had to drill it out. honestly i cant remember which one it was though lol pretty simple job overall

 

Use an impact to take the allen out of the bottom. If my memory serves me, I think it's metric. They are known to be problematic and strip rather easily. Make sure you have the correct hex wrench size.

 

You can take the bottom legs off without taking the upper off if you want. No real need to coat the upper the cowbell will hide the upper leg. 6 mm hex on bottom. Air ratchet works best. Need a long hex.

 

Have you done it this way? I've spoke to a couple of mechanics and they told me I still need to take out the fork tubes. Something about reassembly
Thanks to all for the info.

 

Yes I have. This is how I replace seals and bushings on touring bikes. Done it many times. Once you drain the fluid out. Then remove the 6mm bolt in the bottom the screws into the damper tube. Then just pull the lower leg off. Will probably want to replace the seals. Put tape over the lower part of the fork tube. Slide seal package on in proper order. Slide lower leg on. Install 6 mm screw into damper tube. Seat seal package. Install clip. Refill. Good to go.

 

Forgot. Also remove spring clip holding seal in before pulling lower leg off.

 

Remove tape after sliding rubber seal on. Tape just prevents damage to seal while sliding on.

 

How do you set the seal? I thought you had to have a seal setting tool that slides down from the top of the fork tube.

Sorry for so many questions, but thank you for your help