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[hogasm]

Just pulled down Bessies front end and drained both front forks. Only 4oz of oil came out of the right fork. 8oz out of the left.

No signs of leaking, even put an air test on the fork to check for leaks. NONE

Could the oil have evaporated?

35000 miles

[SBB]

Was probably never right from the beginning!

One of the things that sooooooo many people forget about is the quantity of oil in the forks.

You can add a tru/track or ridestr8,
You can have the right air pressure in the tires,
You can align the rear wheel,
You can buy the Progressive shocks,
You can grease the front neck,
You can put the heavy duty oil in the front end,

But imagine how funky the bike will handle if you have different amounts of fluid in each fork.
Each tube reacting differently because some D/A just poured what appeared to be the same amount of fluid in each leg.

It makes a hell of a difference!
I know from experience!

 [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]

[ESJ JESTER]

 Hmmm....I wonder if......   [smiley=nervous.gif]   I felt some funky-clunky fork stuff more than once on the '07 and wondered. any suggestions on  some  covalant-like trick  fork oil?  its chilly up here a lot.  or good ole bel ray?  or moco?  is a little more better or a little less but thicker?  tia   Gene :-?

[EZRIDN]

Hmmm....I wonder if......   [smiley=nervous.gif]   I felt some funky-clunky fork stuff more than once on the '07 and wondered. any suggestions on  some  covalant-like trick  fork oil?  its chilly up here a lot.  or good ole bel ray?  or moco?  [highlight]is a little more better [/highlight]or a little less but thicker?  tia   Gene :-?

That is an old trick from back in the day to use just a tad bit more fork oil than what's specified for a given application.  Don't go crazy with the additional...just a tad bit more will give you a little more rigidity (for lack of a better term)...just be sure to keep the amounts equal like Silver-Black said.   I don't know if changing to a different viscosity of the fork fluid is a good thing to do or not...when in doubt, stick to OEM.                

[hd-dude]

The standard type E HD oil is about 7.5 weight (they do not publish the exact weight) The Screaming Eagle Oil is about 20 weight. I have changed mine and several others here to 15w with positive results using the prescibed amount.

[SBB]

The standard type E HD oil is about 7.5 weight (they do not publish the exact weight) The Screaming Eagle Oil is about 20 weight. I have changed mine and several others here to 15w with positive results using the prescibed amount.

Jim

What brand was the 15W?

 [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]

[hd-dude]

Jim

What brand was the 15W?

 [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]

I have used Spectro, and PJ1

[EZRIDN]

The standard type E HD oil is about 7.5 weight (they do not publish the exact weight) The Screaming Eagle Oil is about 20 weight. I have changed mine and several others here to 15w with positive results using the prescibed amount.

Won't the heavier viscosity rattle your teeth in the colder temps?   I've not played around with those heavier weights.  

[ESJ JESTER]

Thanks for all the info ...I will try the 15w and 1or2 ml's over spec.  I am willing to bet mine is unequal.
no where's that chemistry beeker?  

[Twolanerider]

Won't the heavier viscosity rattle your teeth in the colder temps?   I've not played around with those heavier weights.  

Have had the 20w SE oil in the red bike since it had 1000 miles on it (give or take a few).  Really needed it as stock it bottomed out under heavy breaking. It is firm now.  But I prefer it that way.  So the difference is very much one of a person's own preferences.  Mind will likely get changed again before this spring overtakes us and I'll stay with the same thing.  It's not been an issue in colder weather.

[erniezap]

I'm running the 15W and don't have any issues even in the cold weather.  Like I've stated in other threads, it takes the handling from wishy-washy to sure-footed.  You feel the road more and it is a little stiffer, but it's like getting out of an old Cadillac and getting into a new BMW.  You feel more but it handles better and is a lot more fun!

[ESJ JESTER]

Yeah that would be nice. I sure was having thoughts to the front end feel for the dinero laid out [smiley=nervous.gif]
These PA roads are a little different than the suthern ones... stiff is good [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]

[hogasm]

Amsoil

Light [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

Medium [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

Heavy [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

I am going to try the medium weight oil to see if I like it. Anyone tried any of the other weight oils by Amsoil?

[ESJ JESTER]

from thier site
Recommendations
AMSOIL Shock Therapy Suspension Fluid is recommended for front forks and shocks in snowmobiles, motocross and cruiser motorcycles, ATV's and other racing and recreational use vehicles. Two different formulations are available: The lightweight grade (STL) is recommended, but not limited to, Showa, Kayaba, Bilstein, RydeFX, Penske, WP forks, RACETECH (US1) and Custom Axis suspension systems that demand quick rebounds under extreme hot and cold weather applications, while the medium grade (STM) can be used in Ohlin, FOX, RACETECH (US2), Koni, WP shocks and Harley-Davidson forks that recommend type "E" or "B" fork oils, as well as other applications that require more dampening and slower rebounds. Refer to the owner's manual for individual capacities, proper disassembly and further recommendations. Owner's manuals may refer to weights when recommending suspension oil. These weight numbers are arbitrary because no industry standard exists for classifying suspension oil. The numbers can range from 2.5 to 30, depending on the manufacturer. AMSOIL STL correlates closely to a 5 weight, while AMSOIL STM is close to a 10 weight.

Compatibility
AMSOIL STL and STM can be mixed together based on individual requirements and applications, and they are compatible with most other suspension fluids.

[hd-dude]

I have not used the Amsoil as it is only equivalent to a 5w or 10w oil. 15w is what I have been using......

[Hoist!]

I have not used the Amsoil as it is only equivalent to a 5w or 10w oil. 15w is what I have been using......

I'm with Jim and Ernie. 15W PJ1. Amount per your manual for your bike, No cold temp problems. Front end more responsive. No fork seal leaks. Overfilling will cause fork seal leaks. Hoist!  8-)

[JR]

Have had the 20w SE oil in the red bike since it had 1000 miles on it (give or take a few).  Really needed it as stock it bottomed out under heavy breaking. It is firm now.  But I prefer it that way.  So the difference is very much one of a person's own preferences.  Mind will likely get changed again before this spring overtakes us and I'll stay with the same thing.  It's not been an issue in colder weather.

I too have the 20w SE oil like Don. I am very happy with the performance in handling. Before it would bottom out. I ride year round in temperature ranges from 20-100 degrees and haven't noticed any concerns.

[Mikey]

I just did my 20K service and changed the original fork oil. I could not believe how it looked and smelled. It stunk up the garage so bad I had to air it out. If this is normal it should be changed a lot more the the 20K recomendation from the MoCo. It reminded me of some kind of fish oil.
Mikey


 [smiley=nixweiss.gif] [smiley=nixweiss.gif] [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

[hogasm]

I just did my 20K service and changed the original fork oil. I could not believe how it looked and smelled. It stunk up the garage so bad I had to air it out. If this is normal it should be changed a lot more the the 20K recomendation from the MoCo. It reminded me of some kind of fish oil.
Mikey


 [smiley=nixweiss.gif] [smiley=nixweiss.gif] [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

Same thing here. It stunk soooooo bad that Kathy had the dog sleep in the house instead of the garage.

Will be changing the oil every 15000 or sooner from now on.

[SEULTRA]

[highlight]Same thing here. It stunk soooooo bad that Kathy had the dog sleep in the house instead of the garage. [/highlight]

Will be changing the oil every 15000 or sooner from now on.

Sooooo... they put Syn3 in the forks now??  

[VANAMAL]

i changed mine today at 17500 miles. it was a lot easier than i thought it would be. per hd dude i used 15 wt oil. ill go out and do some wheelies and see how they feel. p.s. the old oil didnt smell bad- also put on the tour pack fairing with led light. looks cool!! [smiley=banana.gif]

[displacing air]

I admit I am ignorant...when it come to this...so here I go.
Ok the Syn 3...are you talking about (20w50 SE Syn 3) the one used in the motor...or something else.

Is this a big job or can someone explain to me how to do it...
I would love for my front shocks to be a little stiffer...
This could be a good project for a rainy weekend.

Thanks,
Barry

[Mikey]

On the Road King it is very easy all you have to do is pull off the headlight nancelle, and just drain and refill. On the FLHT's you half to disassemble the left fork to drain the cartridge, which would require front wheel and fender removal. I think they are joking about the syn3. Use fork oil. Although my 75 Norton 850 Comando specify's 10 w 30 motor oil in the forks.
Mikey

[Midnight Rider]

I admit I am ignorant...when it come to this...so here I go.
Ok the Syn 3...are you talking about (20w50 SE Syn 3) the one used in the motor...or something else.

Is this a big job or can someone explain to me how to do it...
I would love for my front shocks to be a little stiffer...
This could be a good project for a rainy weekend.

Thanks,
Barry

Barry...no, it's not syn3...it's special fork oil you can get through HD and it's just called SE Fork Oil, but it's a straight 20W oil.  The 15W mentioned is not HD fork oil, but other brands.

Can't help you out on the change as I have not done one (yet) myself.

[HWYMAN1]

Barry...no, it's not syn3...it's special fork oil you can get through HD and it's just called SE Fork Oil, but it's a straight 20W oil.  The 15W mentioned is not HD fork oil, but other brands.

Can't help you out on the change as I have not done one (yet) myself.

Terry,
Did you use the racing performance SE fork oil? john

[Midnight Rider]

Terry,
Did you use the racing performance SE fork oil? john

Have not changed mine...yet.  That may be something I do very soon though.  I think I will go with the 15w though and see how that feels.  I would like it a bit firmer, but not too much so.

[HWYMAN1]

Have not changed mine...yet.  That may be something I do very soon though.  I think I will go with the 15w though and see how that feels.  I would like it a bit firmer, but not too much so.

Thanks Terry, Don said the performance SE fork oil is the 20W. Since I got the legends on rear the front performance is more noticeable (or lack there of). So anxiously awaiting word on cartridge system ( also trying to get more information on emulators!) thanks john

[Midnight Rider]

Thanks Terry, Don said the performance SE fork oil is the 20W. Since I got the legends on rear the front performance is more noticeable (or lack there of). So anxiously awaiting word on cartridge system ( also trying to get more information on emulators!) thanks john

Know what you mean there, John...the Legends seem to make the bike handle a lot better, so it makes the weakness in the front end show up...I'm feeling the same thing!  Waiting to hear from Don on the fork rebuild he's helping he guy with in the other thread...

[Chief]

I know what I did violates some law somewhere, but when I put the Race Tech Emulators in my FLHTC, they recommended going to a heavier weight oil, like 20 wt. Fork oil is hydraulic fluid, plain and simple. There are anti-foaming agents and stuff like that in there, but in the end, hydraulic fluid.

I went to my local jobber and got 1/2 gallon of 20 wt fork oil for some ridiculous price of something like $2.00. We just went out to the huge tank next to the train track and he filled up the jug I brought.

On that front-end, I added the emulators, went with stiffer springs and upped the viscosity. Those changes made the bike extremely sure footed without sending you to the dentist for new fillings when you hit something you wish you didn't have to.

Chief

[Dead_Reckoning]

How long did it take you?
I am just over the 20K mark and thinking of doing this with 20w SE real soon.
Hopefully it will help me out until Winter Storage in Maine, coming soon.
In the spring i expect to go to progressive mono shock tube.

Thanks
DR

I just did my 20K service and changed the original fork oil. I could not believe how it looked and smelled. It stunk up the garage so bad I had to air it out. If this is normal it should be changed a lot more the the 20K recomendation from the MoCo. It reminded me of some kind of fish oil.
Mikey


 [smiley=nixweiss.gif] [smiley=nixweiss.gif] [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

[Twolanerider]

How long did it take you?
I am just over the 20K mark and thinking of doing this with 20w SE real soon.
Hopefully it will help me out until Winter Storage in Maine, coming soon.
In the spring i expect to go to progressive mono shock tube.

Thanks
DR

If you're already planning a change to the Progressive monotubes in the spring there's no reason to do anything else now.  If the current fork oil was good enough to ride all summer it's good enough for the tiny bit of riding left this year.  Since no combustion nor other external environmentals are added to the mix the old oil is really no better for winter storage in the forks than would be new fork oil either.  Wait and do it once in the spring and the Road King will be just fine.