How to Replace Motorcycle Fork Oil

Changing motorcycle fork oil is a part of regular maintenance on a bike and can easily be done by the owner at an in-home shop or garage. Make sure everything is kept clean and pay attention to what your owner's manual recommends for oil versus air height. Change the oil in your motorcycle forks every year to insure long life and proper function of the bike.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Drain pan
• New oil
• Allen wrenches
• Socket wrenches
• Bike stand

1. Prop the bike up on a bike stand so the front wheel is off the ground. Use the socket wrench to remove the mounting bolts on either side of the wheel's axle.

2. Slide the front wheel out of the forks and use the socket wrench to remove the caps on top of each fork leg. Use the Allen wrenches to remove the mounting clamp bolts on either fork leg and then slide the fork legs out of the clamps.

3. Turn the fork legs over in the drain container and allow the oil to drain out overnight. The following day, fill each fork leg with the recommended amount of oil and slide the legs back into the fork clamp.

4. Tighten the clamp bolts down with the Allen wrenches and tightly screw each fork cap back on with the socket wrench. Slide the wheel into place in the fork and then tighten down the mounting bolts with the socket wrench. Take the bike for a test ride.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use lacquer thinner inside the forks to remove the excess fork oil, but do not use paint thinner as it will damage the fork seals.

Resources

• Buy fork oil for your make and model of motorcycle here