With riding season pretty much over around here and 21,000 on bike, I thought I would do a fork oil change on my 02 RKC. After reading through the manual,it seems pretty straight forward(remove wheel, front fender, and nacelle,etc.)(No cartridge). Any suggestions on a substitute for the Fork Tube holder (part # hd-41177) described in the manual? It's a clamp to hold the tube in a vice. Looks like it will be necessary. Any other tips appreciated

 

You really don't need the vice clamp. The whole point of that is to hold the upper tube stable so you can seprate the upper and lower tubes. The triple tree makes a nice clamp. Just disassemble on the biker. Then remove the upper tube from the triple tree.

But, if all you're going to do is replace the fluid, there's no need disassemble the tubes. Remove the spring and turn the whole fork upside down.

Now is a good time to re-grease the fork bearing.

 

ThanksBob, should all come togather when I tear into it.

 

Here's what I used in order to get the top leg plugs back in, but when changing the oil you'll only need to remove the very top caps. (not yet installed in pic) CN

[IMG]local://upfiles/1799/11ACF7CB394443C1A73A8B9744F1E61E.jpg[/IMG]

 

Thanks CN. Finished the job today. First fork I pulled the spring and dumped the oil like the manual says.(very black at 21000). What a PITA to compress the spring and start the fine threads. Second fork I just unscrewed the fork cap and turned upside down and let the fluid drain. Accomplished same thing and no spring to compress. uhhh, Like you said.
Next project..... ditch the Heritage bars and go with Chubby Wild Ones.

 

WTF Why take the forks off ??? - I just changed the fork oil in my 02 RK Pulled the drain plugs at the base of the forks, drained out 10 oz of reasonably clean oil, removed the top caps, added 11 0z of a mix - 1/2 10w and 1/2 screamin eagle.

 

Lecomte, how hard is it to compress the springs on a touring fork without any special tools? I've done it on a Dyna, but not on a tourer. Seems like they would be stiffer to support the extra weight.

 

I removed the top plugs - no need to remove the spring retaining plugs.

 

lacomte38.. I think you have the right idea. Because this was my first time, I tried to follow the manual, it has you remove the forks.After doing it, I see no problemwith your method. Ya, it took all my strength to compress the spring myself.