I want to put the chrome sliders on my '06 FLHTCUI and to break down the forks (batwing bikes all have the damper cartridge type forks) it requires a spring compressing tool that sells for $300. Anyone have an idea for an alternative? I don't want to spend $300 on a tool that won't get used much. Thanks for any suggestions (helpful suggestions).

 

Racetech sells one almost identical for $128 bucks. Worked fantastic.. They sell direct and online and ship muy pronto. You'll use it every time you change you fork oil if you do it as stated by the manual. The oil breaks downs and gets dirty. Just wait til your first service. Mine was black and grungy. Don't know what the book time is on this, but I bet it's more than the tool.

http://www.racetech.com/shopping/sho...howPage=harley

 

Thanks, I might go ahead and get that one if I can't figure out something cheaper. I thought about modifying the spring compresser they have at Harbor Freight. It's $12.99 and it loks like all I need is a longer all-thread.
Think it will work?

 

F' it, I went ahead and ordered the stuff from Race Tech
Compressing tool 129.99
Adapter 34.99
extension tool 29.99
plus shipping and tax
Better than $300 I guess.
But I refuse to buy a Fron Fork Oil level Gauge, I'll Mickey Mouse something for that.

 

Having the right tools has always been the way I go about repairs with anything. Sure, you can cobble something together and make it work, but the risk of it coming apart in your face or damaging your part is always present. I look to mitigate that. I figure I will be servicing these forks for some time, oil changes or lower upgrades. It will pay for itself in no time. JMHO.

 

That's the way I decided to look at it. I'm going to save a ton-o-money by doing the maintenance myself. Just by doing the chrome sliders, the tool is more than paid for by the money I'll save. The dealer wanted $300 to install the chrome forks( 4 hr's @ $75 ea. = $300). I'll take pictures of the process and post them.