This may have been discussed before so accept my apologies if I missed it in the Tech Articles or other discussion strings,(yes I searched) but I am looking for a guide on how BEST to accomplish the routine changing of front fork oil. I am satisfied with the ride and performance so not planning on upgrades just want to change the fork oil. My scoot is an 06 with about 23,000 on it and the oil probably is in need of replacement. I am under the impression that the only way to accomplish this task is to completely dissassemble the front end remove the forks and turn them upside down to drain the oil out. Then reassemble. What ever happened to the little drain plugs that used to be on lower forks to make changing oil easy?? I am sure some of you have done it and could step me through the process and provide tips on what to do and what to avoid to make it easier.
Thanks all my Roadie Friends, I appreciate any help. If there is a Tech Article I missed please link me up.
Crusierbob

I haven't changed the fork oil on anR* yet but it is probably similar to others. With it off the ground remove the pinch bolt from the right and the axel. Then there is a hole straight up from the bottom, remove the bolt from that hole and it will drain the fluid. After it has quit draining put the bottom back together and (with the bike still off the ground) remove the nut from the top and put in 18.7 oz of 5 wt fork oil. Then putt the nut back on and you are done. There is a spring in the strut which is slightly compressed! Therefore be ready for the release of the spring as the nut comes off, and you have to compress the spring to get the nut backk in place. Don't even think about removing the nut with the bike on the ground!!!

Clifford

Only concern I have with that method is the bolt in the bottom is not a drain, but holds the actuator in place inside the fork. Any issue with not being able to retighten the bolt as the internal parts spin. I will probably use my trusty air ratchet to make sure it tightens without spinning.

Thanks for the tip.

I prefer to take them off and invert to get the oil out.

If you find the front end soft then consider putting in 7.5 or 10 W oil. Above 10W for the really big guys.

Doc

I was going to ask about oil weight because is seems that the front end wallows abit now and then.

Install Progressive springs in that front end it really improves the front end dive and overall feel.

I've got some Progressives ready to install. How difficult is it. I'm pulling the wheels to have some Metzlers put on and figured I'd do the springs while they were off.

Easy with the front end off the ground put a blanket on the tank and remove the handlebar and place it back on the tank protection.Loosen the top pich bolts on the upper triple tree,now remove the fork caps-they will spring up when released so be aware of that.Pull out the springs and you will have to remove some fork oil as the new Progressive springs are thicker and will displace more fluid.The Progressive instructions have a measurement to take from the top of the fork to the oil level.Put the new springs in and make sure you don't cross thread the caps when you go to get them started.Tighten up the pinch bolts install the bars and go enjoy that new front end feelin-They do make a world of differance.

Well I got it done today, along with some new brake pads for the front. Not too bad, it will go a lot quicker next time as I learned a lot of little things that will make it easier. I pulled the tubes and dumped them out. Went with the stock weight oil and stock springs as I do not seem to have a lot of problems with a diving front end. I will try to take some time while it is fresh in my mind and write up a procedure so others can use it when the time comes for fresh oil in your forks. Getting the caps back on is a bit of fun, and one must use care not to strip the caps. Pain in the butt having to place the top clamp to align the forks then remove and tighten the lower pinch bolts. Probably could do it with some careful maeasurements, but important to get it right.

Thanks for the feed back.