If the forks are stock it should have the drain on the back of the sliders. From 77 and later the drain screw has a philips head with a copper washer under it. 1949 to 76 it is a allen plug.

 

other than taking the tire off i cant find a plug or screw or anything that would
lead me to drain the fork on either side. the forks are chrome and there is a flat
place on the backside of the fork where it should be but its never been drilled and tapped and thats it. the place im speeking of it right where my road king has a screw and copper washer. surely i want have to take the bottom slider off to change the oil
would i.

 

Evidently they are replacement forks. You may have no choice but to remove the slider to drain them. Post a picture it may help. Not being stock sliders you may have trouble determining what the correct amount of oil to replace it once you drain them. You could collect it and measure.

 

im sure your correct about the after market because there are no drain screws.
i tried to post a picture dont no how to the way this thing is telling me do it
ill put it in my garage photos maybe that will help
thanks again
mike

 

got that shovelhead fired up today and took it around the block. sounds great runs half great still a little work to be done. just want to thank yall for the help

 

Maybe this is where the motor co. decided to to cut costs Eliminate the front fork drain plugs ! I do remember seeing an article from either HD or some aftermarket manuf about eliminating the drain plugs The sales pitch was " No more messy drain plugs on the bottom sliders " Ya right ! how messy where they verses changing the fork oil in 20 minutes ! I'm going for another 12 pack !!