Fork Oil Change (1500)

[zoom45]

Has anyone changed their fork oil lately? I saw the steps on Gadgit's page that don't remove the forks and just use a hose to suck out the oil. It's sound easy. What oil did you use and how hard is it to remove the chrome covers over the bolts in the handle bars and the fork tubes without damaging them? Mine has never had the fork oil changed in 60,000 miles. I'm getting paranoid that I need to start doing more maintenance. Mine still runs and rides great but I think maybe it could be better on the ride. I'm so use to it maybe I haven't noticed a decrease in ride quality. ::)
Thanks,
Zoom45

[VulcanE]

Zoom, I think you might need to re-read those instructions. You do have to remove the forks from the bike. The directions on Gadgets site is for a 1500, They aren't even close on the 1600s. Mine is a 1600, and other than changing the coolant, this is about as easy as you can get. (as long as you have the tools gadget lists)

[zoom45]

Help me out because maybe I'm still reading the wrong thing. It says it's for a pre-2001 Nomad and mine is a 2000 1500 with a carburetor.

Here's the title and link:

For Non Cartridge Type Forks (pre 2001 Nomads & Carbed Classics)
From Stan Harper

http://www.gadgetjq.com/fork_oil_change.htm

Hey, I'm old. Wouldn't be the first time I misunderstood something I read. LOL.
Zoom

[ringadingh]

Zoom your forks are different than the cartridge forks, follow gadgets page and its not that hard to do.

[VulcanE]

Zoom, I'm sorry, my bad. I just assumed you had the Cartridge Type Forks. Like Ringadingh said, just follow gadgets directions, and have a helper. Shouldn't be too bad of a job.

[zoom45]

Has anyone done this job and if so what oil is best for it? My manual says to use SAE10W-20. Is that 10wt or 20wt or is that a multi-viscosity oil? I can't find any 10W20. Were the chrome caps over the bolts hard to get out?
Zoom45

[ringadingh]

Use any brand of fork oil you like, but use proper fork oil. I would go heavier than a 10 weight for sure, I used 15 weight oil and wished I had used a 20 weight oil. The chrome caps pry out with a small screwdriver quite easy, its the plugs below them that can be tight to remove. I think its a 17mm allen wrench , use a impact gun if you can, its a lot easier and less likely to scratch the forks over a johnson bar.

[zoom45]

Thanks. I'm off Monday so I may do several maintenance jobs. It's supposed to rain till next week anyway.
Zoom45

[perryco]

Zoom,
I just did a fork seal change on my '99 last weekend and it was much easier than I was dreading-uhh-expecting. If you follow Gadget's instructions and have a helper (and the syringe), the hardest part will be getting the retaining ring out and releasing the top plug for just an oil change. The plastic chrome cap is a piece of cake with a little care and a small thin screwdriver. My friend and I were joking that, after 2-1/2 hours start to finish and a $15 fork seal, that the dealer wanted $300 bucks for this job. We're in the wrong business!!