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Front Shocks

Discussion in 'Motorcycle Tech Talk' started by orourcs, Jul 18, 2011.

  1. orourcs

    orourcs New Member

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    I ride a 2006 Heritage Softail with 18,000 miles. It seems like the front end makes excessive noise or jaring at slow speeds when I hit seams in the road or sharp bumps. Is there maintenence I should be doing to the front shocks or should I have a tech check it out. There is absolutley no sign of oil leaks?
    Thank you,
    orourcs, Jul 18, 2011
    #1
  3. HarleysLR

    HarleysLR Active Member

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    the manual says to change the fluid at 20,000 miles,
    I do mine every year reguardless of how many miles. helps it ride smoother. it is not hard to do if you have a manual, i use a baby bottle to measure the amount of oil to put in, I also went with progressive springs, only like $100.00 and easy to change out. If I was doin it now I'd put these in. Harley Davidson Shocks :: Harley Monotube :: Progressive Suspension
    HarleysLR, Jul 18, 2011
    #2
  4. JohnnyBiker

    JohnnyBiker Well-Known Member

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    Do you use the teet too??? :wtf::roflmao: Thanks DW, that is a great idea as I am going to be changing the fluid on my forks as well. :D
    JohnnyBiker, Jul 18, 2011
    #3
  5. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    The Neck might be loose, remove the chrome center cap on the upper triple trees between
    the bar and risers and tighten, You need to do a fall away test, it's in the manual.

    Bike on lift, level, disconnect clutch cable, wheel should rest in center straight postion
    Now pull bars back to one side, release, you should have about 2 swings at the max.

    Check fall away test in manual..

    Tighten nut to spec, check air in front tire, and change the fork oil, you can
    go up to HD Heavy shock/fork oil, firms up the ride...
    hotroadking, Jul 18, 2011
    #4
  6. HarleysLR

    HarleysLR Active Member

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    Softail fall away is tested different than a FLH model, it is in the manual on how to do it. If ya need that info let me know and I'll copy it and attach it here. I use the heavy weight AMSOIL fork oil, think it is called shock proof or something like that. Lots of good brands out there, belray is good to, used it in dirt bikes for years.
    HarleysLR, Jul 18, 2011
    #5
  7. alex the dog

    alex the dog Active Member

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    I would bet money the neck bearings are very loose. Fork shocks don't make noise unless they lost all their oil, and you'd know that by the "wet legs".
    alex the dog, Jul 18, 2011
    #6

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