HarleyTechTalk

Good day everyone,

I have a quick question, I have a 2005 Fatboy, and ready to do the fork oil change.
Can I remove the fork cap with out removing the stock handlebars?  There is about 1 1/8"
between the cap and the bars.
Is that enough room to loosen the cap and remove, or do I have to remove the bars?
Thanks in advance.
Todd

Depends on if you have a very short socket like the Jims or similar.  But yes it can be done.

L-

Quote from: L- on May 11, 2009, 09:39:10 AM
Depends on if you have a very short socket like the Jims or similar.  But yes it can be done.

L-

Thanks for the quick reply.  I plan on using a 13/8 wrench.  I take it that will clear.
Thanks
Todd

Like a closed 12 point (box) wrench?  I supposed but it may bite the flats a little hard...... 

Quote from: L- on May 11, 2009, 09:56:06 AM
Like a closed 12 point (box) wrench?  I supposed but it may bite the flats a little hard...... 

Sounds like maybe not a good idea.  What would you guys recommend?
Take the bars off and use a six point socket?

i have used open end wrench before , should be fine
Specialx1

Opened end wrench here also. It was a b#%$h to get back on. Be sure to put a heavy towel over the tank. And don't stand in the line of fire if it slips.

Quote from: specialx1 on May 11, 2009, 10:31:29 AM
i have used open end wrench before , should be fine
Specialx1

I have taken these off with the bars on, no problem. I used an adjustable wrench (Cresent) with a shop towel over the nut, tightened the wrench jaws up good and tight and spun it off.

Gene

Thanks for all the replies.

Todd

I picked up a Fork Cap Nut Socket Tool off of eBay.  Very good quality at a decent price, $19.99.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Harley-Sportsters-Big-Twins-Forks-Cap-Nut-Socket-Tool_W0QQitemZ310132081527QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotorcycles_Parts_Accessories?hash=item4835500377&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=72%3A1205|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318

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Kevin

Crappola......  I paid about $40 for my Jims and it only has two flats on top, this is a much better tool and better deal.  These don't mess up the cap nuts which can  be soft and really tight at times.

L-

Quote from: kemiha on May 13, 2009, 06:27:49 AM
I picked up a Fork Cap Nut Socket Tool off of eBay.  Very good quality at a decent price, $19.99.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Harley-Sportsters-Big-Twins-Forks-Cap-Nut-Socket-Tool_W0QQitemZ310132081527QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotorcycles_Parts_Accessories?hash=item4835500377&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=72%3A1205|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318

--
Kevin

Even though I always use an open end wrench this was to good to pass up ...just bought one   

I got a chance to replace the fork oil today.  I used a 12" adjustable with a rag over the fork cap.
No problems at all, no marks on the fork cap.  I was surprised a little though, when I was removing the fork
cap I was expecting some resistance from the spring, like the cap would shoot out if I was ready.
Nothing, it came right out, no extra pressure.  I was ready for the thing to hit the roof.
Anyways, the old oil was a chocolate milk brown colour.  I replaced it with #10 Amsoil medium shock therapy.
It seems a little stiffer, I took it for a quick ride after the rain this afternoon, I liked it.
Not related to the oil change, because it has been doing this for some time, but when I start riding I get
a squeak in the front end, after a few km's it goes away, not sure what it might be, but I have checked the caliper,
the fender, the axle and I can't find anything loose.
It seems it is in the forks, but I don't know what it could be.
As always thanks for the advice guys.
Todd

the actual nut that holds spring spring pressure on fork tube is what you unscrewed fork cap nut out of, you cant remove nut that holds spring in unless you slide fork tube down out of triple tree
Specialx1