Fork oil change

[Vatorman20]

Can anyone let me know if fork oil can be changed without removing forks on a gl1200.
Where are fork drain screws located and what is best viscosity or should I use atf fluid
Thanks

[golden highway]

Drain screws are on the bottom of the fork tubes if I remember correctly on th e back side. You can do a change without removing the forks. I think there is a how to on this site for changing the oil. The manual calls for ATF and that is whst I used.

Since oil has always been debated I changed mine several times. I used ATF first figuring fork oil would be the winner. I then switched to like 10w fork oil and then to 5 or 7 I don't remember which now. It was whatever weight everyone was saying was the best. In the end I went back to the ATF. In my opinion it performed the best. I have used ATF ever since in all my other bike. When I bought my 1500 I used ATF and like the results. I seem to have fewer leaks and fork issue with the ATF. If it wasn't for the fact ATF is recommended by Honda I would be leary about using it.

[brianinpa]

While you have the fork tube cap off, consider drilling, tapping, and capping the hole (similar to this)

which will make the next oil change a lot easier. When you go to put those fork tube caps on, you will understand why it can be difficult.

[thrasherg]

So now you have me intrigued, why do you want to tap and cap the fork cap? I use a large hex key in a 1/2 inch socket to put the cap back on and screw it in, so the button headed bolt in your picture would really mess me up? Intrigued to understand why you did that and how it helps?

Gary

[brianinpa]

You no longer need to remove the fork tube cab when you just change the fork oil. Drain the oil, and add new oil through the hole.

The picture above isn't a 1200 but rather a 1500 (I believe). The previous owner of 1200 Standard did it for me and it is the first thing I will do when I pull mine on my 87 Interstate. The last time I did the fork fluid I didn't have the time nor the plug, and I fought with the springs when I put the caps back on. I don't want to do that again.

Here is the cap on my Standard...



Simply bleed the air, drain the oil, install the drain plug, remove the plug from the cap, add the new fluid, install the plug, air up the forks.

[thrasherg]

Thanks for explaining, I thought you where still removing the fork caps and couldn't understand how the bolt helped, now I understand, it certainly would be much easier to changes the fork oil with your method.

Gary

[walker70]

Hey,I like that idea,it sure would save me a lot of trouble also.

[tank4300]

Great idea Brian ... I will do that myself. Thanks for sharing...

[ALEX3425]

What kind of washer are you using? When in use could it leak if only using bolt?
Thank You

[brianinpa]

That is a nylon washer. An o-ring would wwork also.

[ALEX3425]

Thanks for the answer. Now to get up the nerve to try to take cap off without taking my head off.

[sportsfreaked]

I would use ATF as well. I rebuilt my forks and such and put Progressive springs in and used 15wt fork oil, The ride was just to rough and harsh. I drained the 15wt and put in ATF and now she is smooth riding again.

[ALEX3425]

Thanks to all. Got the carbs off the nighthawk now. When I get it back together I will start wing project.

[Scooter363y]

I did something similar with a bike I had. I drilled the center and tapped it out for a npt "pipe thread". Then I could install a schrader valve and have a little air cushion to fine tune the suspension. When I wanted to change the fork oil I had a large syringe and a tube that I used to pump the new fluid in. The bike was a 78 kz1000 that used a 1/2 in square rachet extension to install . I took a xtension and drilled a hole in the end for a special tool just in case I needed to change out any internal components.

I still got that homemade tool in my box. I kinda feel bad now if the fellow that I sold it too needed any work done to the front end.

Ride safe
Scooter

[Lee337]

Hi all I am new to gold Docs and bought a 1990 gl1500 SE (87,xxx) and want to at least change fork oil this winter has anyone done this with the forks on a 1500 ? Would like any advise I could get, plus specs on amounts per side, Thanks in advance! I love Golddocs allready done radio input upgrade!!!
Lee

[SilverDave]

According to my Shade Tree Mechanic, 99% of seal failures are actually grit or a bug in the fork tube.
They can usually be fixed without taking the fork apart .
http://www.riskracing.com/pages/Seal_Doctor_Page.html

Using something like " The Seal Doctor " and doing a bolt mod like this ... One should be able to go many happy miles without actually taking the Fork tube cap off..... which is a real pain to remove and re-install .

SilverDave

[Lee337]

Hi, My seals are fine I just want to change out the fluids in the forks as I am sure that it is at least 5yrs old maybe older and am asking if any one has done this on a gl1500se without removing the forks from the bike?

[brianinpa]

Same process. Lift the front of the bike, drian the forks, remove the caps, add new fluid, put the caps back on, and ride.