Changing fork oil

[Quazza666]

I'm just about to embark on my first major service (based on all the comment about how easy these bikes are to work on). I'm pretty confident with everything except the fork oil change.

Is this an easy enough project to take on? From what i can see, there is no drain hole, so the fork will need to come off. Am i correct?

I would rather give the HD none of my cash and do it myself.

 

[user_deleted]

From what i can see, there is no drain hole, so the fork will need to come off. Am i correct?

unless you're planning on flipping the bike upside down.....then yes.
tons of posts on here regarding changing your fork oil.
each one holds approx. 1 US pint upon full dry drain and 7.5wt quality fork oil seems to be the viscosity of choice. read up on a few of the fork drain posts and you should feel confident enough to perform it. reinstallation gets no easier than on an XB: reflector faces out...assembly with caliper mount goes on left side only....fixed ring approx. 1/2 inch from top of tube locates correct mounting top-stop point.

 

[noone1569]

It's not that bad to take em off and drain the fluid. I would recommend replacing the seals and bushings while you have them off. You'll need a seal driver or make one at home, lots of write up and youtubes on this.

I swapped my fluid for some high quality AMSOIL Shock Therapy in heavier weight.

I'm an amsoil dealer so feel free to PM me if you want some shock therapy at wholesale cost, or need any pointers on this.

I was terrified to do it my first time, now I have done it on my bikes 3x and helped on a couple. The right tools really do help make the job, though.

 

[2004xb12s]

Is this an easy enough project to take on? From what i can see, there is no drain hole, so the fork will need to come off. Am i correct?

If you are asking this question I would take it to a bike shop. No offense but it seems as if you have next to no mechanical knowledge.

 

[user_deleted]

If you are asking this question I would take it to a bike shop

could not agree more and was trying to diplomatically ascertain how to say the same thing. one thing you might consider doing to save labor costs in abundance would.....with some help and a lift of some sort....remove the front wheel, caliper, fender, and fork tubes yourself and take them to a shop or individual who rebuild cartridge style forks. this suggestion might save you quite a bit of $. just a though.

 

[2004xb12s]

the front wheel, caliper, fender, and fork tubes yourself and take them to a shop or individual who rebuild cartridge style forks

This will save you lots of time and this is something that can be done by almost anyone. A stand will save you $$$ in the long run because shops also give big discounts for not having to remove your wheels for tire changes. Save them disassembly and reassembly time and they will save you $$$.

 

[noone1569]

Go easy on him guys!

We all start somewhere right?

Watch this series of videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38yXx64liCM

Once you watch that a few times, you'll understand it sound more scary than it is.

 

[Quazza666]

No offense but it seems as if you have next to no mechanical knowledge.

No! What I have is a minimal amount of experience with motorbikes. I'm not as inept as you suggest.

We all start somewhere right?

Correct!

 

[Phlegm420]

This helped me out.
http://badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/290431/664175.html?1326119692