I just purchased a set of chromed fork lowers for my "05" FLHRCI. Can anyone tell me if I can change them without complete removal of the forks from the bike? Or is it just easier to remove the fork and change the lowers while on the bench?

Thanks,
Randy

 

I've done the lowers on both my touring bikes but I'm at work and don't have all my references or my bike. Are you changing the Cow Bells also to chrome? I think you'll find the bike looks odd with chrome lowers but not Cow Bells....but if you don't want the chrome Cow Bells you should be able to do it without removing the forks. The other thing to think about is if you want to replace your seals. Not sure you'll be able to do that without removing the forks.

 

Thanks for the reply. The cowbells are already chrome. Yes I want to change the seals and the oil.

 

Go ahead and pull the front off you can't replace the seal. You have to remove the caps to put in oil anyway. So your just two. Bolts away.

 

Thanks. I figured I wouldn't be able to catch a break and have someone suggest a super easy shortcut that would save me tons of time. Maybe next time. Thanks again for the replies.

 

You can change the oil without pulling the forks as long as you have the right vacuum pump, it's just changing the seals that means you have to pull the forks. No free lunches.....unless you find a cockroach on your leg while you're eating lunch.

 

How do you or why do you use a vacuum pump? Not trying to be a smart *** just wondering.

 

You can do what you like as it is your bike. I do not recommend under any circumstances not to clean the inside of the forks as well as special attwntion to the fork tube inside walls. I have done numerous postings as well as those members who stopped over and I directed them how to do the job in front of me. There has not been one who has not posted why to do ths job this way as well as detailed photos. Again, I do not care what you do as it is your bike & I will never ride it. I do not sell HD bushings, oil, or paper towels. I do provide accurate information only beneficial to all who wish to make the effort. You may try here if you like.

How To R&R Your FL Front End PDF Download
Illustrated HD ForksPDF Download





If you wish to move forward plese watch my Buell movie as i will show you how to make a fork oil measuring tool. Always measure the oil by length and not by volume.