| Author | Message | ||
     Tyronewildman |
I can remove it & do it, but can U change the fork oil in an S3T fork with it still on bike, and if U can, how do U do it? Thanks,,, De  | ||
| Rick_a |
Sure, just hold the bike upside-down to drain 'em  | ||
| Oldog |
Try this instead http://www.badweatherbikers.com/cgibin/discus/boar d-profile.cgi?action=view_profile&profile=oldog-us ers holding the bike upside down will cause your pockets to empty them selves and leave foot prints on the ceiling | ||
| Ducxl |
I was told by my friend at GMD Computrack that the forks should first be dismantled.The reason is so you can be sure to extract ALL of the oil residing in the damper assembly.It's critically importand to have the exact amount of oil in the forks.That's why the amount is measured in "CCs".Taking them apart is really easy anyway.It'd be a good time to inspect/replace seals/bushes.OR you can take them in for complete service for under $150. | ||
| Oldog |
duc: Unless the oil is contaminated or you have or suspect an imminent leak, just change the oil, on your s3 the job is about the same as my X1 as the forks are the same, after 4 ~ 5 years my bushings were good and the seals were probably good for another 2 or 3 years. If you refer to the FSM the range of allowable oil levels is quite wide, cc's give you a close aproximation depending on what is left adhearing or caught in the parts ( remember to "pump the dampers" to get the trapped oil out ) if the oil is contaminated a tear down it is a good idea when the outer wipers get hard and you see evidence of water where you dont want it the level of oil is a range of fill in the collapsed position please see the FSM on this total over haul yearly is not needed an anual oil change and inspection is. oops boo boo on the link sorry about that. (Message edited by oldog on February 04, 2007)http://www.badweatherbikers.com/cgibin/discus/show.cgi?tpc=3842&post=802080#POST802080 link fixed Duc please see the section to change the oil stop before removing the wipers and bottom bolts. (Message edited by oldog on February 04, 2007) (Message edited by oldog on February 04, 2007) | ||
| Tyronewildman |
Thanks, Oldog for all the info. I have had my original fork apart to change seals (A few extremely minor scratches on slider) & I am really having a hard time making myself taking apart my brand new fork just to see if it comes with oil in it. By the way, what's this Oldog stuff. U were born the year my wife & I were married. Later,,, De  | ||
| Chasespeed |
Tyrone, if this is whether you are unsure about oil being in your forks or not, check this way... You know how a Spring feels? Compress and release, and it srings right back, no resistance either way(other than the mech from the spring).. You kno whow a shock feels? Contoled motion, either compressing or releasing? You forks should feel the same way... SO, place the fork between your feet, axle portion down, as it would sit in the bike, and press down, compressing...then release... if its a controlled motion, you should be good to go, other than setting preload, compression, and rebound. I have a put a little thought into this, and I am pretty sure, that the fork, if its already assembled, is ready to bolt in, oil and all... Hope that helps some... Chase | ||
| Oldog |
By the way, what's this Oldog stuff. Thats easy, see my profile  Oldog Our Lives Depend On God.... OR Our Love (for others ) Displays Our Goodness. So you were married when I was born, If I may, Are you still married ?" [ I mean no offense here ] If so, may I be so forward as to inquire as to the anniversery date?, As you are aware "Our" 50ths are comming up perhaps a celebration is in order.... what say you? Chase speed: The fork may have been shipped WO oil when you buy say a generator it comes with out oil, Tyrone I agree with Chases' description for the check, me I'm "anal" I would open her up for a lookand maybe even change it. the original oil in the fork was clear and I have no idea if it was the same viscocity as type E.. (Message edited by oldog on February 04, 2007) | ||
| Tyronewildman |
Oldog & Chasespeed, Thanks for the tips. Yes, when I opened up the package w/new fork, I tried compressing it a few times comparing it to my original (W/axel end down on floor) and the 1st couple of compressions I couldn't feel any dampening but it seemed like later it felt exactly like a little dampening on both up & down stroke. This is exactly like my original so I was almost assured that it had oil in it. That was till 2 techs at the dealer told me that new replacement forks don't come w/oil in them. I don't have a good fuzzy feeling about it so off it comes & I'll take the cap off and see for sure. Not that big of a deal as it is still on my lift and hanging from my hoist. I still have others to ride but the S3T is the only one I'll ride in the mountains. My '04 FJR 1300 is a real workhorse, with 44 more hp, but it's not near as much fun to ride. Oldog, we married on 1/9/57 with no car and only a very small pot and my '53 H-D 165 that I had bought new. No rear springs on that one but she's still my queen when setting back there on our Wing. We are both too old to break in a new one so I guess that we will keep each other...Later,,,  | ||
| Oldog |
I guess congrats for 50Yrs is in Order! as far as gettin a new one a 50 yr co- pilot is a keeper for sure! tfs.. I'm not supprised that the fork was sent assembled and dry, your only going to un cap it and add the oil, pump the damper till full then colaps and check level (Message edited by OlDog on February 05, 2007) | ||
| Rick_a |
Setting the proper oil level is fairly critical. It affects the characteristics of the fork as it nears the end of its travel in compression. It doesn't take long and it's not hard. | ||
| Tyronewildman |
O K, I finally bit the bullet & removed the new fork, removed the cap & without any disassembly, I pored out almost 15oz of oil that came in my new fork. I pumped it right side up & upside down to make sure I got it all & I refilled it adding just enough to make up for the oil that stuck to the oil bowl & funnel. Dang, I really hate to take apart new stuff. On the other hand, it's pretty easy to do...Later,,,De  | ||
| Chasespeed |
See...  Seriously though, It has been MY experience, when something that is supposed to have a lubricant, or fluid, is shipped without it, there is a BIG tag stating to fill it before use. Glad it worked out for you though Tyrone.. Chase | ||
| Kuuud |
Thanx for the info De. BTW I love the personal quote on your profile! Personal Quote: I don't care how you ride, just stay away from my side if the road Bret | ||
| Tyronewildman |
Bret, I put that in after one of my riders, a few years back, ran wide in a blind right hand turn and killed himself running into a truck. I could have been that truck. I've been a MSF instructor going on for 12 years (H-D for over 5) and he is my only serious crash that I know of. In their early 30s, he & his wife were already riders took a class about 5 years ago & I still reread her Email, to me, about it. All I can say is "Just Damn". Their young kids are teenagers now. I sit at some of the overlooks in the GA & TN mountains and watch riders making these blind turns w/some running wide & some braking in the turn, speeding in the straights & then slowing in the turns, etc & it really bothers me. Anybody can ride straight, catch me in a turn & I'll be impressed. Oh well, off my soap box now. If U are ever down South, ping me & we'll ride the dragon. Later,,, De |
