Changing fork oil ??

[sandrooney]

Is there an easier way than what the SM say's ?  2010 SG
Thanks,
SR

[harleyjt]

Not sure what the 2010 manual says, but I drain the oil, replace the drain plug and refill with 10.8 oz of oil from the top.  I use a funnel I modified to stick into the top of the fork tube once the top fork tube nut is removed.   Pour about half the oil in, work the forks up and down several times, then pour the rest in.  If you don't cycle the fork, it will overflow.  Then just put the top nuts back on and torque them.  You do have to remove the fairing switch cap which isn't a big deal.  Remove the ignition switch handle in the fork Lock position. Its about an hour long process for me.
jt

[pappy42]

Not sure what the 2010 manual says, but I drain the oil, replace the drain plug and refill with 10.8 oz of oil from the top.  I use a funnel I modified to stick into the top of the fork tube once the top fork tube nut is removed.   Pour about half the oil in, work the forks up and down several times, then pour the rest in.  If you don't cycle the fork, it will overflow.  Then just put the top nuts back on and torque them.  You do have to remove the fairing switch cap which isn't a big deal.  Remove the ignition switch handle in the fork Lock position. Its about an hour long process for me.
jt

Does this procedure work just for 2010 models or will it work on a range of year models.  Does it apply to baggers?

[harleyjt]

Not sure what the 2010 manual says, but I drain the oil, replace the drain plug and refill with 10.8 oz of oil from the top.  I use a funnel I modified to stick into the top of the fork tube once the top fork tube nut is removed.   Pour about half the oil in, work the forks up and down several times, then pour the rest in.  If you don't cycle the fork, it will overflow.  Then just put the top nuts back on and torque them.  You do have to remove the fairing switch cap which isn't a big deal.  Remove the ignition switch handle in the fork Lock position. Its about an hour long process for me.
jt

Does this procedure work just for 2010 models or will it work on a range of year models.  Does it apply to baggers?

Pretty basic for any motorcycle with hydraulic forks. 
jt

[thunderalley3]

How does the oil get out of, and back into the cartridge when using this method ??

[harleyjt]

    I'm not exactly sure what you are asking.  2010 bikes don't use a cartridge.  The cartridge forks were only used in the fairing equipped bikes from 2002 thru 2005.  On a cartridge equipped fork, you must remove and disassemble the fork and remove the cartridge so you can empty and refill it separately.  But you don't have this type of fork.
jt

[sandrooney]

Harleyjt, The SM say's to remove the tubes and turn them upside down and let them drain, then to over fill and suck the excess oil back out with their special tool. I think I read once to just measure the oil that comes out and put that much back in.
Thanks,
SR

[Ancient]

I believe the 10's and up don't have drain plugs anymore. That does make it interesting.

[sandrooney]

Mine does.
Thanks,
SR

[harleyjt]

I believe the 10's and up don't have drain plugs anymore. That does make it interesting.

The 2011 parts manual still shows a drain plug and washer.  It would be insane for them to delete the drain plug and require removal of the fork.  Worse than what they did in 02 with those damn cartridges.
jt

[harleyjt]

Harleyjt, The SM say's to remove the tubes and turn them upside down and let them drain, then to over fill and suck the excess oil back out with their special tool. I think I read once to just measure the oil that comes out and put that much back in.
Thanks,
SR

Don't know about the 2010 manual instructions.  Have no idea why they want the fork removed unless you are looking at the fork overhaul section.  ??  As far as replacing with the same amount you drain out, you are gambling that the fork has the proper amount of fluid in it to begin with.  You are trusting that the factory filled it properly, or that the last technician that serviced it filled it properly and that there hasn't been any leakage since new or the last service.  I always drain, then fill with the specified amount of oil. 
jt

[Jim Bronson]

I believe the 10's and up don't have drain plugs anymore. That does make it interesting.

Buddy's 07 Dyna doesn't have them either.
I think you need a special inverting table lift to drain the forks. 

[FXDBI]

I believe the 10's and up don't have drain plugs anymore. That does make it interesting.

Buddy's 07 Dyna doesn't have them either.
I think you need a special inverting table lift to drain the forks. 

I have a 06 it has no drain plugs, service manual says to remove forks to change oil. Did mine on the bike with a home made vacuum pump and catch pot. Took a clear plastic tube put oil in it and drew a line tilted it to match the fork angle and marked the high side. This I subtracted from the level in the manual and filled to that measurement. Worked great, I figure every cpl of changes they can come apart for inspection. ....Bob

[harleyjt]

OK.  The problem here appears to be the OP didn't tell us what model bike he's working on.  I foolishly made the assumption that it was a touring bike.  Didn't even consider Dynas or others.  So, Dynas may well not have a drain.  Touring appears to still have a drain plug.  Cartridges were used only in the 02-05 Touring models.  Doesn't apply to other models. 

Its always extremely helpful to specify what you are working on when you post a question looking for help.   
jt

[Ancient]

Well, I have to recant my earlier statement. My 2011 SG has drains, but, the touring maintenance manual does instruct you to remove the forks and turn them upside down to drain.

[sandrooney]

 harleyjt,  My original post say's it's a 2010 SG.
Thanks,
SR

[harleyjt]

harleyjt,  My original post say's it's a 2010 SG.
Thanks,
SR

Yep.  Sure does.  All I gotta do is read.  I guess SG is street glide as oppossed to super glide.   Just need to adjust the damn bifocals......
Anyway, I guess thats the reason I was talking about Touring bikes to begin with. 

 
So why are we now talking about dynas?     I need a cold beer.
jt

[Jim Bronson]

harleyjt,  My original post say's it's a 2010 SG.
Thanks,
SR

Yep.  Sure does.  All I gotta do is read.  I guess SG is street glide as oppossed to super glide.   Just need to adjust the damn bifocals......
Anyway, I guess thats the reason I was talking about Touring bikes to begin with. 

 
So why are we now talking about dynas?     I need a cold beer.
jt

Cause they're cool.