Fork oil replacement/ leveling gauge

[franklinstower]

Replacing fork lowers cow bells etc on my 2010 RG. The manual states that replacing fork oil requires using hd part hd 5900b / fork oil level gauge to ensure proper amount of oil is replaced. Has anyone changed oil and how critical is it to follow the hd procedure. Opposed to just filling the old way.

[mitchdm]

I have changed Fork Oil ~ I was not aware there was a guage ~ just used the amount and called it a day on my older bikes...

[franklinstower]

Yep thats how I've done it in the past. This is the first time I've encountered" the leveling gauge"

[Texasbowhunter]

There's 2 amounts the manual calls for and I don't remember what they are at the moment...
One method is for disassembly and one is when all you do is change the fluid
Its not going to matter how exact you get as long as the proximity is close...

You will find that the re-assembly process will be more forgiving if no fluid is in the tubes when installing the fork cap...(for me anyway)
When I install the fork cap I put the cap in a vise with the threaded portion facing up and turn the fork tube upside down allowing the spring to sit upon the cap...then I get a hold of the bottom of the slider which is now on the top and compress the spring internally so the tube will then screw onto the cap threads...Doing it this way if I was to have fluid in the tubes would be a waste and a mess to say the least expecially since I don't own a fork compressor tool...

After I get the tube together I then pour in the amount of fluid the manual calls for when completely dry...
If and when I change the fluid all I do is allow to drain and pump the forks while compressing the front brakes to get as much of the fluid out and re-install the drain plug...
Pour in the amount suggested by the manual on draining...or what I had installed the first time...
Then go and enjoy...

FWIW
If you measure it with this tool you have no idea as to just how many ozs. you really have installed so when it's time to replace the fluid or decide to try a different fluid or weight you then will know that 10ozs. when in and that's pretty close to what came out and be able to duplicate that...You can add a bit to change the characteristics of the front forks or remove a bit to change as well...This allows you to fine tune it to your likes...It will also allow you to keep track and know how much you had and when adding or subtracting you will then know this as well and be able to duplicate again when the time comes

Best of luck
paul

[franklinstower]

Thanks Paul you reinforce my thought process. Since I'll be replacing the lowers it will be a dry fill, therefore how can one Fk up. The manual made me wonder when it states using the leveling tool, is there some mysterious HD munbo jumbo reason.
Lou