DOC HARLEY: BUMPY RIDE - HAVE YOU DONE A FORK OIL SERVICE?
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- Опубликовано: 16 июл 2024
- Doc Harley from the Service Clinic at Low Country Harley-Davidson to help you with the health of your motorcycle! This week he talks about what may be causing you to have a bumpy ride down the road and the solution- the Fork Oil Service. Never heard of it? Here he shares what you need to know.
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Doc Harley is a motorcycle technician at Low Country Harley-Davidson with over thirty years working on motorcycles. Over the years at the dealership he has worked on Harley-Davidson, Buell, and Triumph motorcycles with a few other brands here and there from trade-ins. There are thousands of how-to videos out on youtube and other websites across the world. Doc’s goal is to help solve problems that people run into when using their service manual, share insights only found as a certified Harley® technician, and some of the tips he’s picked up over the years.
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Ever since I purchased my Harley I’ve been watch Doc all the time. If Harley riders , regardless if they do their own work or take it to a service technician, just listen to this man, they’ll never be unsatisfied with their bike. This man obviously has a passion for this work and he’s as genuine as they come. Great videos Doc!! And don’t stop. Keep em coming . You help out so many of us in understanding Harley and our bikes . Thanks 🙏🏼
Your kind words are much appreciated....Doc
I have been wrenching on Harleys for a generation, and I always learn something watching his videos.
Thank you Robert for your support…Doc
Great video Doc on a subject that's easily overlooked.
Ride safe from
Sydney, Australia
People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care!
Dr. Harley, Thanks 🙏
Always great contact! Like a true Doc, nice and calm explanations!
I bought a 2015 superlow that’s been sitting on a jiffy stand for 6 years. It would be great if you make a video about what needs to be done before getting it on the road
Another thing I gota do this winter.....yea....thanks Doc.....
Excellent video! Thanks Doc!
Thank you. Getting my Fork Oil Changed Monday on my 13 year old, 18,000 mile FXDL.
Haydock really enjoy your videos they are so informative and you remind me of a favorite teacher that always keeps me interested and always teaching me some thank you so much for the blessing of sharing your knowledge keep the videos coming God bless and take care
Excelente video, no hay más que decir, más que gracias, me fue de mucha utilidad, felicitaciones!
Awesome tips - Thanks Doc! 😎
Thanks for this info
I run se heavy in my dirt bike couldn't be happier with that application may try it in my road glide as I prefer stiff forks
Great video thanks for sharing
Outstanding great video thank you
Spounds familiar, I had the same. After I changed the oil, it was great.👍
Great video. I bought a 13 Goldwing. 1746 miles on it. Found oil on the left shock tube. Took it in. Had 3 faint scratches from factory. Tore uo the seal.
Alway make sure you clean bugs off the tubes. Always check those seals.
Anything can happen.
Found my back exhaust pipe bolt loose on my 17 Street Glide, while washing the bike. Always look and check everything.
This guy is so great at explaining and talking during videos.
Daniel you are too kind.....Doc
My King is at 50,000 + , tech told me to bring it this fall/winter and we'll take care of that. Honestly, even my old Ironhead as far as I know has never been changed ever. Thing I never think of unless seals are leaking. Thanks.
I took a PhD class with u doc! I never knew I was amongst a legend! Roc on doc!
yungoldhead5600 great to hear from you! Hope what we learned is coming in handy.
Hey Doc as always another great and informative video, I just wanted to take a second to wish you, your coworkers and y’all’s families a very safe and merry Christmas 🎄🎁
Thanks, I never knew about this.
Excellent video Doc
Thank you kindly...Doc
Really good reminder not to ignore your forks, which are probably the most ignored maintenance item on bikes. I think many guys trade for new before it's really an issue though.
Or they don’t even put enough miles on them. I see so many for sale with under 10K and they can be more than a few years old!
Something most Riders never think about including me thanks for the info
Thanks for tip 👍
Great video,iv changed fork oil couple times,makes a world of difference.
how many miles and years in between changes? just curious. thanks
Doc, you are priceless . Thank you
Thank you kindly...Doc
Wow! Mind blown 🤯! Thanks Doc.
If you have a model that can use them install a set of Ricor Intimidators in your front forks, you'll swear you put a $1,200 set of Ohlin fork tubes on the front, they're absolutely amazing.
A company called Race-Tec makes a similar set of drop in valves that work well to but they don't have the inertia valve on them.
The Ricor Intimidators are only $175 and I can promise you that you'll swear it's the best $175 you ever spent on your bike.
Another excellent video!
Glad you enjoyed it….Doc
Wow! Thank you Doc! How fascinating! My 2010 Street Glide will be due for her 15,000. Yeah! I do not ride enough. 😊 I will mention this to my dealership when I take her in. I will stick with the type E fork oil. Thanks again!
All your videos are just making my to do list longer
tks will keep that in mind ,think im safe for agood while yet
In joy the videos..!
Thanks a lot sir. Just got a ‘99 dyna together and she’s riding very rough in the front end with 30k on it. She definitely probably needs a changing
Just had mine done on a Road King and it made a big difference!
I have a 2011 RK too - which year is yours? how many miles? just curious. thanks
My left forkleg is leaking from the top down, and now i see why the oil is silvergray☝🏼 the bushings are worn out. Time to rebuild the forklegs.
Thanks Doc👍
You are incredible :-) thanks for your tips...your knowledge you share with us. Big respect. You are the not doctor, but King Harley 🤴🏻
brilliant.
You've got a voice made for radio, Doc! thanks for the info.
Thanks for listening...Doc
Hey Doc. I stumbled on your videos looking for useful technical info on my 2004 HD V-Rod (VRSCA). Your videos are absolutely awesome! It took about 10 seconds to realize I had a Master HD Mechanic talking to me. After reviewing all of your videos, however, I saw nothing on how to care for my V-Rod. I know we V-Rod owners are the redheaded b*%#&$d step children of the HD world, but the V-Rod is such a well built bike. I was hoping you would consider a few videos on how to maintain this beautiful bike. I know many people would value any technical guidance you feel should be addressed. Regards from San Diego!
Doc Harley posted a video a short while back and provided part numbers to the fork holder tool and screw cap assembly tool. I would consider those 'must haves' if you service your own forks. That would make the whole assembly process 100% easier!
can't find that video, any suggestions on finding it?
@@BusterKitten I was wrong, no part numbers, but you can figure those out; or go with the Jims Tools
@@BusterKitten ruclips.net/video/t98y4im2YzQ/видео.html
Do you have any video's on changing the oil on a 2015 Ultra Limited. Also on rear shock oil changing fluid for a less harsher ride.
yes, forks are no 1 forgotten item in my experience. is there a gas cartridge replacement? that would be an improvement too, in addition to require less maintenance. thanks
Yes. HD and most aftermarket suspension companies offer Cartridge conversions....Doc
Very instructive video Doc, will the procedure be the same with a 2001 touring fork with air-ride connectors?
Yes, but of coarse the air must be bled out of the forks before disassembled. Had a rookie try to drain the oil before removing the air. Dang what a mess😆 Thanks ~ Doc
Damn Doc, you could make toasting bread seem interesting, thanks for another great video.
I like your humor...brought a needed smile this morning...Doc
Hey doc can you tell me what fork tube size is on my 2020 street glide special? I want to buy the fork seal installation tool thank you
Is this something we can do at home or take to the shop and have done?
👀👂👍. Youg Doc i notis a lot of bike with cowbells .a lot of riders that wip down they front in. One of fork or both may have been seep fork oil do seals star to geting old and dont reliez one of them is geting very low on fork oil do to wipen down. Then u end geting that bouns or D-wobbie.. On my bike i raise the fr-end off ground to strech the fork out to check seals & look for leaks. This may not be case for ever bike. Just wont to point that out Doc-Hd. Thaks you for ur time.👍buttin smashed . 👍👍👍👍👍🇺🇸
Always glad to see added tech tips....Doc
Good video. I suspect your type E is a 1 weight oil and your screaming eagle is a 5 or 10 weight oil. My 97 fatboy on hot days when it was sitting would seep oil out of the seals on both sides and it was clear oil but was very thin. I feilled mine with 20 weight oil from the drain screw holes with a tube and syringe and the leaking stopped and the nose dive at stopping still gives me some good give
Thanks for sharing....Doc
Damn. Compaired to a showa fork, that's not that bad
I hear some good stories around the table on this subject....Doc
I would like to see a video on changing the fork oil on a Rushmore.
Hey Doc 45k on my road glide special getting new fork seals now it was leaking new tires and brakes also thx!
Should be a great summer👍…..Doc
Thanks Doc. Do you think you can do a video on the same subject but more info on front ends that have air ride. I have a older Ultra that has this system and i'm not sure how to change the fork oil with this setup and i really need to change that fork oil. Thanks
The 1999 FL Service Manual section under Front Forks explains using Method 2 how to use your front air suspension to help change fluid.
Hey Doc I have a 2000 carbed heritage converted from a nightrain with a touring front end wheels dual disk, have been having handling issues tracks to the right always moving to the left is a pain and track’s straight when I keep the right hand pulled towards me , all sorts of alignment stem bearing fork oil changes done to no vain.
E mail me so we can hash out some things like, spike wheel front wheel? If so trued to center specs? 16” wheel or did you go with a 17, 19 cast wheel and the front end is raised? Both disc centered to the calipers? On touring front ends the spacers are of different lengths on each side of the wheel. And then there is the question of, used wheel with worn out bearings?…..Doc
Great informative video Doc. What about the FXSTS front end / some wheel bounce?
The Springer front end does require servicing, when was the last time you had it done?
Somewhere around 40,000 replaced triple tree bearings. Close to 70,000 now. Somewhere along the way I had a severe pothole and it acquired a little bounce, there's no run out out on the Wheel that I can find. I did not know whether changing the shock would have any dampening effect. And it's had two new tires with balancing since I've owned it.
I'd suggest checking the lower rocker adjustment
Where can I find the measurements for the springs? I currently have mine apart and never thought about the springs being worn out.
Hello Doc, I had chrome forks put on . I went for a ride up in mariposa cunty that’s in cali. But when I got furthest away we stopped for lunch and noticed oil all over front and back. Found it was fork oil what can I check .? Thanks for your help.
Do it earlier than later. Only had 6000 miles, on a 17 year old bike. Put 10w Maxima in an 04 Dyna, man what a difference. Thought I was in need of a front tire, nope, fork oil change, night and day....
Thanks for sharing...Doc
Well I’m gonna be hitting 20k on my 2019 Slim here soon. Guess that means I need a fork service now too 🥶
Good call...Doc
Hey Doc, What’s the spring measurement called ??
Doc, shocks my interest! I have adjustable top, bottom front shocks on my 03' fxdx. How to adjust an set them up together top & bottom for various load rides? Thanks! P.S. at some point I want to rebuild them as your doing here! What differences in rebuilds!
You have a great bike for learning dialing in suspension. Your owners manual and factory service manual have basic settings. I have limited dealer knowledge on damping, compression, rebound and preload. There are many websites that explain and advise. Zone in on FXD forums. Thanks ~ Doc
What weight is "type E"? I've come from 10w to 20w, modded Sporty rider here, 10W way to light, nose dive, rebound to slow etc etc etc, do i ride passes, yes i do.
Been running Motul 20w Full Syn for the past 2 years. I do my fork oil change every 4 months.
I have a 2022 tri glide ultra classic. Mine rides like a dream. I even added a lift kit and it’s even better than what it was. My husband has a 2021 CVO tri glide and he can’t stand the way it rides. He put a legends lift kit on it, but he said the front end rides very rough. Any suggestions?
Change the fork oil or convert to cartridge…Doc
Doc how can I get in touch with u, the 2 Harley dealers I use have changed management & all the people I dealt with are gone & the new people are young kids with attitudes or ambition to help
What is the actual weight of the type E ?
Please and thank you
10-15 Weight....Doc
Now do a video on changing oil in air shocks on the touring models
You can't, they are a sealed unit
HI DOC,HOW MUCH OZ. OF FORK OIL GOES INTO A 2OO8 Dyna fxd super glide???
Does this differ much on bikes with the new Dual Bending Valve suspension?
Too early to tell, we haven’t had any with that many miles come in yet
I have 03 Dyna FXDX with top end adjustable front an rear forks. What difference will I run into with this updated fork?
I am not familiar with this type of modification…Doc
Can you show a vid on upgrading from 60's technology inside the fork to something everyone else has been using since the 80's? Let's talk about a cartridge. Then we can move to the 90's technology with an inverted fork later. 8*)
1:36 to 1:50 shoot my fork oil looked much like that after barely 14k miles..and I don't even ride off-road much (2019 honda cb500x)
Just Purchased My First Harley at 21k and I believe this is my issue
Take it to your local dealer and have the suspension serviced...Doc
Fork oil and brake fluid most neglected fluids in motorcycles. I've test ridden older bikes with low miles and they ride and stop horribly because of these 2 simple things. For me if your not putting a ton of miles on your bike you need to service somethings on a time table rather than on a milage.
I use Maxima fork oil. Good stuff and cheaper. HD oil is crappy oil that costs too much. Hell rotella t4 is better oil than HD oil. Been using it forever and can be found anywhere.
I have a flstc that has really bad front end dive when you apply front brake, could this be the fork oil needs to be changed, bike has 20.000 miles and has never been changed, or should I go to new progressive cartridges for better ride control.
It is your choice. Yes your front fork oil needs changed. If you are an aggressive rider and want more control the Progressive Cartridge is a great choice....Doc
I have never changed my fork oil I have put 200,000 miles on my Electra glide yes you read that right haha might be time
My left fork feels like it’s hitting really hard and rough on bumps on my dyna… help?!!!
Anybody know if it's type E, or if its the heavy duty oil in a 2021 Street Glide (standard)? New oil obviously but My bike rides like it has 60lbs of air in the tires
Type E
I live in Las Vegas, and the temperature is over 90 to 115 degrees 6+ months of the year. I have noticed that now that the temperature is over 100 degrees most days that the front fork tends to dive more, even though I am not a particularly aggressive rider. Does ambient temperature affect the performance of the front fork oil? The HD mechanic who just did my 5k service recommended that I consider replacing Type E Oil with HD SE Heavy Oil. Your opinion?
Yes temperatures effect fork oil. In our area a few riders have opted to the SE heavy. Worked well in summer but in fall and winter a noticeable “clunk”in front end due to slow thick oil movement. You can consider upgrading to the nitrogen cartridge that replaces fork oil. Thanks ~ Doc
what special tools needed to disassemble my tubes (2015 FLSTC)?
6mm allen, small flathead screwdriver, 1 3/8 socket, a seal driver for the diameter of the tube and of course your service manual
In orlando
Hello Duck I have a 2014 Triglide trike with a 21 inch front tire looking for legend suspension what model number what I need for this bike do I use the standard or the 21
Call Legend...Doc
My sporty start to wobble a Little past 50 mph when i relase the throttle. Maybe a old fork oil can be the problem?
Could be with a serious look at neck bearings too….Doc
My owners manual for my 2012 Ultra Limited says to change the fork oil at 50K. I slacked off and changed it around 55K. The right side oil was gray and the left side was still red. I didn't have the time to pull the forks off and have them rebuilt, but I went ahead and used the SE oil. The bike handled soooooo much better. I was going to have the forks rebuilt over the winter, but sold the bike instead after I bought a newer one.
That last sentence was useless.
Hey Doc. After watching this video it got me thinking about a question I want to ask you. My rear brake foot pedal is hanging up every now and then. This just started after I washed it (lathered it up pretty good) the other day and I am wondering if the soap got in there or something. I am contemplating taking it apart and regreasing it. Any suggestions? Thanks! I always enjoy watching your channel.
What year and model is your Harley? When was last time your break fluid was changed?
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson it is a 2013 Dyna FLD Switchback. I bought it last year (2018) and it was a one owner bike with 173 miles on it. The guy bought it, put 173 on it, and stored it in a garage for 5 years. After I bought it and put the first 1k miles on it, I took it to my local HD and they did the HD 1,000 mile service, at which point they checked the brake fluid with the electronic tool you showed in your 14 point inspection video. They said that the moisture content was within tolerance and didn't show signs that it needed to be changed. (My HD dealer personnel are not the most pleasant to work with and when I asked if I could bring it by for them to check the moisture for this year with that tool they said that if I scheduled and paid for a service they would do it but not just out of curiosity). So, long story short, they concluded that it doesn't need to be changed yet and advised me just to simply look thru the master cylinder view port on the handlebars and if it doesn't look milky, then I'm fine. What are your thoughts on this?
I can see where they are coming from with the service cost, mechanics have to be very careful when removing the cover to check the fluid which takes time. Also the Dyna rear master cylinder is hard to get to. As for the brake pedal, if you are having issues with it returning then I'd suggest re-greasing where the pedal is attached. Personally I would change your brake fluid after 5 years of sitting, regardless of it showing within tolerance just so you know you have fresh fluid so you can maintain it every two years while you own it.
Doc, thought newer models said 50k total seal and oil???
Depends on model and your territory. We get super hot and have craters for roads so yes….Doc
Thanks for this great video! #unt ;;;
Another informative video, thanks Doc
Doc how are you?
Question.
What's the Fork cap tool # you have?
Is it a Harley davidson tool.?
Nope hand made. 1/2 drive stuff…Doc
Hey my husband and I are looking at doing this to our motorcycle. Do you need to replace the whole unit or can you just replace the spring along with changing the oil and seals? Or do you need the whole system? Our mileage is 50, 208 kms.
With 50K miles, I would suggest complete disassembly and inspect all parts…..Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson as always my wife and I really apprecieate your advice and direction, all best from Fort Erie Ontario Canada. Our HD near us is the worst service and we often would prefer to cross the boarder into Buffaly NY. My wife and I were considering Legend Suspensions AXEO High-Performance Fork Cartridge Kit which is about 1400 cdn and buddy of our said just change the seals and oil - it would be alot cheaper and I said; Id ask an expert...Thanks Doc!
Hi Doc, I'm in the process of changing my 07 Dyna stock front end with 49mm x 25.5" long slider tubes, to a Dyna Switchback 41mm x 26.25" long slider tubes.
I'm replacing everything including the triple trees, lowers, and headlight.
I have to increase the 41mm length, because the stock Switchback slider length is a half inch shorter with a stock length of 25". I don't wanna go down in height so I plan on increasing the length to the next available size at 26.25".
My question is, how do I calculate the correct internals to accomplish this?
Thanks,
John
Email your questions to Legends or Big Bear Performance. They have the answers….Doc
Does the fork oil need to be changed more often in a trike due to the extra weight of a trike? Approximately what is a dealer going to charge for this service? Thank you!!
Your thoughts are interesting. The Service Manual for 2012 - and newer has fork oil service at 50K…..Doc
I was expecting the video to show us the process of the job ,
Hoping you found what you were looking for in another RUclips video. I rarely do step by step videos. Doc
Compton pot holes require heavy oil
Dear doc Harley
2004 Electra Glide Classic. I want a tow hitch ball. What do you recommend, if any.
No, H-D® does not recommend towing. I haven't not attempted to do so.
If I am pulling the forks off I am upgrading my cartridges . 1903 technology. HD is addressing the motor platform . Now they need the suspension improvement. Yes they have made changes lately . Look at BMW and Honda Gw HD
There were no hydraulic forks in 1903. Hydra Glides started in 1949. If you have ever opened up a set of those old forks. And then today's forks. You would notice a big difference. (The dampers) Not saying these new forks can't be made better, but they get the job done. The aftermarket is there for improvement. Just like cars and trucks. I have a couple of bikes with the early glide front ends. And I have a 2019. Doesn't ride too bad for stock. Been through the Smokey Mountains, and had no complaints.
@@PanM8 actually I have opened a few. it's old technology. HD uses showa. Why not use showas Better suspension that they make.
@@taps_1021Showa has been Harleys supplier since the mid 70's. I don't know if you have ridden the new touring bikes? But they ride a lot better than the bikes of just a few years ago. And a lot better than my 65 Electra Glide. No manufacturer is going to put the best of everything on their product. It costs money. They all have some "bean counter" that watches where they can do less across the product line for profit. Like I said before they get the job done. If you want better, get the cartridges from Legend or Ohlins or ride a Honda or BMW. Those manufactures find places on their products to cut costs as well.
I have a late model RGS and a 1978 flh shovel. I am not saying apply the best just better
How much fork oil do I need for my ‘99 Road King Classic? I find references in blogs and such that say 11.1 oz, but the owner’s manual says 7.75 oz. When I drained the old oil, I got about 10 oz out.
A Factory Service Manual would clear this up. There is a completely disassembled fork oil amount and a Service oil change amount…..Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Thanks Doc. Have a factory service manual on order. Have been waiting for it to come in.
A bouncy front fork is caused by lack of oil or thinned out oil. It is the oil being pushed and pulled through the holes that dampens the ride. Fork oil thins out over time it dose not get thicker. If fork oil got thicker your customer would have said his front end was stiffer not bouncy. I am not sure Doc has ever rebuilt a fork.
i dont have the harley type E available nearby, I can get a Motul Fork oil Dlivered instead, Confused for which grade to buy 10w or 15w, I stay in india and normal temoerature ranges between 15 Deg Celcius to 35 deg Celcius.
Hello Rajat! Here in Brazil we don't have the Type E either, so we use 10W. This is the similar oil recommended by Harley here.
@@pedro4 Thanks !! Cheers!