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removing 2014 fork lowers

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Old Dec 17, 2013 | 10:14 AM
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Default removing 2014 fork lowers

Ok I am going to get my fork lowers powder coated along with some other stuff on my 2014 street glide. But before I start I am trying to figure out exactly how to remove my fork lowers. I have a service manual and I have used the search bar on here, but I don't see much at all on it.. Do I need to take the entire fork out of the triple trees or is there a way I can just pull the lowers off with the top in the trees still??
 
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Old Dec 17, 2013 | 10:25 AM
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I would think you can pull the lowers off without removing them from the tree. Should be a retaining ring under the dust boot and they should come off. I think I would remove the top bolt to relieve the spring pressure though.
 
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Old Dec 17, 2013 | 10:35 AM
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Read the instructions right through, including dismantling each leg. You may need to remove the top caps, to relieve spring pressure, then a screw or nut in the end of the slider, to get the slider off. Your forks are 49mm, not the old 41mm, so they may be slightly different to what most of us are used to. Leaving the tubes in the trees actually helps, as the bike serves as a 'work-bench', to hold them!
 

Last edited by grbrown; Dec 17, 2013 at 10:45 AM.
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Old Dec 17, 2013 | 12:01 PM
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I've read the 14's are little different then what most of us are used to. For the pre 14's there's plenty of information on this site as well as a couple of you tube videos.

I've read either way works. Either leave them in the bike or take them out. I don't like the idea of using the bike as a work bench. I remove them every time.
 
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Old Dec 17, 2013 | 12:06 PM
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They need to come off. When reassembling you have to bottom the fork out to adjust the fork oil level properly. The fairing or ignition switch doesn't even need to come off on the new bikes (just the switch cover). A lot easier job then it used to be. Just loosen 3 allen head screws on the trees and they will slide right out. You will need a 19mm allen socket to remove the fork cap once the forks are off the bike I cant remember but I think it was a 12mm allen (extended) that holds the lowers on from the bottom.
 
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Old Dec 17, 2013 | 12:11 PM
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Originally Posted by Fatboy Brian
I cant remember but I think it was a 12mm allen (extended) that holds the lowers on from the bottom.
6mm extended
 
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Old Dec 17, 2013 | 12:17 PM
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Originally Posted by sanman4ever
6mm extended
The 49mm forks on the 14's are bigger.
 
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Old Dec 17, 2013 | 02:38 PM
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hmm I guess I will just take the whole thing out of the trees and work on it that way, if I was to add a little extra fork oil when I am done it will stiffen up the front right?
 
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Old Dec 17, 2013 | 05:18 PM
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Originally Posted by ssmokinZ
hmm I guess I will just take the whole thing out of the trees and work on it that way, if I was to add a little extra fork oil when I am done it will stiffen up the front right?
I would just use a heavier weight fork oil if you want them stiffer. Fork oil level really needs to be at the correct level in order for the forks to function properly, at least according to the service manual.
 
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Old Dec 17, 2013 | 06:03 PM
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Leave in the bike to remove the sliders. Nothing holds the forks better than the triple tree when you need to slam the slider down to dislodge the top seal.

Then take off the bike to reassemble.

No need to mess with the springs.

lp
 
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