I am installing chrome forks and the other chrome parts on my 09 RKC. I have been very careful, polishing parts as I go. Toothbrushing and cotton swabbing. Almost done, I have just poured the last of the fork oil into the right strut. Left is already done and buttoned up. I am curious about how far down the fork tube to the top of the oil so I stick a pencil into the tube like a dipstick. Yeah, yeah, you guessed it. I dropped the pencil into the fork tube!! Yaaarrrrgggg!! Oh dark brown and smelly!! So I gotta disassemble the right fork. Again!!

Eric

 

Just stick a pencil in the left fork and have a matching pair. No disassembly required.

 

....you now have a "No. 2 Glide"....

 

lol

 

Curiosity killed the cat, and I can see the exact same thing happening to me!

 

LoL!

Just remember that if you dropped a # 2 in the right fork that you must put a #2 in the left fork or it will be harder on one side compared to the other!

Can you get a set of mechanical fingers down in the fork to get the pencil out?

 

I can certainly imagine that happening to me.
Wont the pencil float at the top of the oil?
If that is the case why don't you add a measured amount more oil until the pencil comes within reach and you can pull it out. Then drain that measured amount of oil back out.
Tom

 

Just turn the bike over and shake it out. For cryin out loud.

 

You guys are the best, there's some really funny suggestions.

 

What brand of pencil was it? If it was an HD brand pencil you should be ok. I heard on the internet that the new Screaming Eagle pencils were compatible with all models of HD Forks! Sure hope they don't find out it was aftermarket, you dealer will void the warrantee! ;-)