Forking oil...

[banquo]

This was supposed to have been done at 20,000 (and every winter if you believe the Service Manual :o) but I've been putting it off as I was too mean to pay the UK prices for the special fork cap tool. You can take them off with a normal socket, but run the risk of taking the chrome off too. The special socket is available from Zodiac and CCI, but I got mine from Drag Specialties via Zanottis in Pittsburgh.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b298/bancquo/postings/Forking%20Oil/side.jpg
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b298/bancquo/postings/Forking%20Oil/inside.jpg
It's a shallow socket, to clear under the bars, and it's a 6-pointer with an o-ring inside, to avoid damaging the finish.
It's easy enough to take the caps out, as they're not under spring pressure on this model. Careful if you have another model, as some are under pressure, and need to be taken off with care, as DaveU says below, with the bike on a stand, and the forks hanging free.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b298/bancquo/postings/Forking%20Oil/caps.jpg
Decided to use the SE oil, as it's might help with stiffening up the front end. Note that you need to buy two bottles as they only hold 16 oz, and each leg takes 12 oz.
With the bike up on the stand, remove the drain plugs on the lower fork legs, and leave to drain overnight. Stick the plugs back in the morning, torque down, and refill with oil, replace caps and the job's done.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b298/bancquo/postings/Forking%20Oil/fill.jpg
First easy job I've done....

[DaveU]

With the bike up on the stand,...........

You might want to put this bit in bold........you'd be amazed how far the spring retaining nut on a '94 sporty flies when you undo it without taking the weight off the forks.

BEEEDOOOOOIIIING!!:D

[banquo]

They're not under pressure on the FXST Dave. Different on Heritage and other FL forks.

I see yours is a '99 Wide Glide - thought that would have the same forks as mine (41mm Showa if I remember right...?).
Was that a personal experience you were recounting? :eek:
Anyway, no worries on mine...:)

[DaveU]

They're not under pressure on the FXST Dave. Different on Heritage and other FL forks.

I see yours is a '99 Wide Glide - thought that would have the same forks as mine (41mm Showa if I remember right...?).
Was that a personal experience you were recounting? :eek:
Anyway, no worries on mine...:)

The first time I changed the fork oil was on my sporty and yes it was a personal experience. I kinda assumed the top cover was decorative only and wanted to see what was under it. The answer is........the spring. :D

I've also done the '99 Wide Glide but can't recall quite what the procedure was. Couldn't be arsed doing the service last time so it's been a while.

The thicker fork oil does work a little better in my view but I've been thinking of investing in some progressive springs for the front and shocks on the back when cash allows.

[banquo]

Yes. Progressive springs seem to be the way to go.
I've always been fear't of forks. All those special tools, bushes and springs and stuff, but the Showa's look pretty simple to strip down in comparison with some I've seen, and no special tools required (must be because they're not made by the Factory).