Changing Fork Oil - Couple Questions
Moderator
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 107,687
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From: Ft. Worth, TX
That is exactly why it wasn't properly filled, someone didn't use the right tool. If you're willing to accept the potential for disparate damping then ride on and good luck.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 876
Likes: 65
From: CT
I just changed mine to the Amsoil shock therapy #10 medium, the blue stuff. 10.7 ounces is 317 ml I put in 320 ml to account for what is left in my measure. The difference is amazing! No more crazy front end dive and the ride is smoother. FYI I have 22k on my bike and the old fluid was black, with a red tint. It was originally red like ATF I think.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,453
Likes: 667
From: Vancouver Island B.C.
I agree. The reason the fork oil is dirty is the 4 fork bushings are wearing. I have seen as much as .002 difference between the old and new. Setting the level by extracting the fluid leaves the level equal. Usually the amount of oil after setting the level is less than the amount specified in the manual. Sometimes short cuts aren't so good.
Last edited by Lonewolf176; Jul 21, 2014 at 11:32 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,570
Likes: 117
From: Southeast NC
Why are you changing the fork oil on a 13 unless you have 50k on it. You can always use compressed air and blow out the fork tubes. When I changed my fork oil in my old bike, I didn't measure how much drain, just let it drain over night or blow it out. Fill what it calls for. Too much or too little not good.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 756
Likes: 2
From: Virginia
This isn't rocket science, but I still like mine as close to perfect as I can get it. I always pull my forks off when changing oil in them. It isn't as big of a job as people my think. But I guess it comes down to you have to like working on things. I made my clamp and gauge for working on them.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 11,210
Likes: 3,041
From: St.Louis Mo.
buy an extra bottle if fork oil and put half in each fork tube. put the caps back on on pump the forks up and down a few times and drain again. now refill with fresh oil 10.5 will be fine. harley's fork oil is good.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,328
Likes: 15
From: Pacific Northwest
There is no need to remove the forks from the bike - that's a personal preference thing. Just like using a level gauge to set the fork oil level - not necessary on these old style short travel conventional forks. No need to worry about flushing with new oil, either. When you drain it the next time it'll come out looking like brand new anyway.
As said, drain the forks and add the recommended amount and you'll be just fine.
Also when filling, pour in maybe half of the oil and slowly stroke the fork. Then add the rest. Sometimes the internals will air lock and not accept the entire amount in one pour.
As said, drain the forks and add the recommended amount and you'll be just fine.
Also when filling, pour in maybe half of the oil and slowly stroke the fork. Then add the rest. Sometimes the internals will air lock and not accept the entire amount in one pour.
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