When I changed my fork oil in my new-to-me 2005 Sportster, it had a total of 10K miles on it but because the bike was 15 years old I decided to change it along with all of the other fluids. I'm glad I did. Thankfully, 10 oz. came out of each side but the bad news is that the fluid was black, as thin as water and stunk like skunk oil. The difference in the ride afterwards was amazing. The forks had been bottoming out over big bumps but not after the fluid change. Evidently, time is also a factor in the degrading of the oil. I plan to change mine every 10K miles from now on. Wonderful video!
Hey Rocco, I just got my first Harley. 2006 Sportster 1200 in Dragonfly Green. Glad I could finally join the club. Time to binge watch more of your videos!
Hey Rocco, I did a fork oil change on my 97 Sportster 1200 this past weekend. Your video was crucial to the success of my work. Thank you for your video!
I'm really happy to help. And thank you for those kind words. If you have any questions just ask. Thank you for your Sub Dan. Ride Safe and have a great day.
@@TwoWheelRocco actually bud I do have a question. Maybe two. I have an 05 883 I just recently bought. It has an aftermarket exhaust; pretty much a straight pipe on it and a big sucker intake. I'm trying to tune my carb, any recommendations on jet sizes? The reason I'm asking is I played with it and got it to idle correctly but now it seems to want to stall when I hit the throttle. Any ideas on why it's doing that?
I would look at the Excelerator pump with that take a look at this video. ua-cam.com/video/VjWzPp5mWec/v-deo.html. at 24:00 on this video. Let us know what size jets you are running. . idle and main.
Just got everything together to change my fork oil in my 2002 xl 1200. Thank you for sharing this information. I bought a neglected sportster last year and have been enjoying getting the bike back to being roadworthy. Your videos help tremendously!
Happy to help. Any questions just ask sports there are great motorcycles. Thank you for watching and all your support Luc. ride safe and have a great day. Let us know how it works out.
I've got a 2002 Sportster which ticks a lot on tickover, I've removed the lifters and cleaned them but still ticking a little. They looked fine when I took them apart and only had a bit of dirt in them but the bike has only done 12000 miles, do you think it's possible they can fail with such low mileage? I've changed the oil to semi synthetic and also tried a little marvel mystery oil in with it but still it ticks on idle, oil pressure light goes out as soon as bike is started. I thought I'd ask you before I fork out for some replacement lifters, thanks for your help.
Once again, you are the man! I love your videos and thank you for taking the time to do this!! I felt like I was in your garage with you and you were walking me through it. You are so great at this stuff!! I've followed you for a couple of the maintenance things on my bike and you are the best!
Thanks so very much for your comments I read the forum and it explained a lot, I will have to get an unmodified new slide as this tune up was done for me by someone is not available any more, she's spitting and coughing low throttle openings obviously running quite weak needle is about lowest clip position, again thanks for your quick reply its much appreciated, best regards, Alan, uk
Genius idea marking up the Top Nut to give you an indication of where the Thread Starts when you've got the Top nut under Spring Pressure putting it back, definitely saves a lot of sweat strain 😓 & tears 😢 work smarter not harder, Good Job.
Happy to help. Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and all your kind words and your sub. J O T B. Ride safe and have a great day. Happy Fourth of July.
Great work brother. Your videos relax me.. you have a great old school, simple and straightforward way about you.. I wish I could go back to the 60's even though I'm from the 70's, all those cool cars and bikes and much simpler times. You help me feel like I'm there, thanks for sharing 👍
Happy to help. Thank you for those kind words and all your support Dan. Ride safe and have a great day. Very rewarding to hear somebody appreciate the work.
Happy to help. Any questions ask. Thank you for watching and all your support Dan. Let us know how it works out. You should be very happy with the results with the heavier oil. Ride safe and have a great day.
Thank you Rocco your very clear and down to the point!, you tell us what to expect at every instance, and you don't babble like others do, I had a teacher in Jr High with the same Bronx accent, he was my best teacher, loved that guy !!!, again thank you......
Thanks again Sir. Have a 92 XL I'm going to be working on during the winter here in Tn . This how to vid hit with perfect timeline for me . Like your work Sir carry on .
@@TwoWheelRocco Yes Sir I do have question for you has a matter of fact . When firing said 1992 ? 883 xl . It has a random do nothing to hit a few turns and stop doing anything from switch. New batteries have been tried. Rockn bike in gear may let it crank to start sometimes. Thanks Sir
Hi Mr. Rocco, I went and purchased a 36 mm socket to remove the top nut to take out the spring but 36mm for my 2011 sportster, but it was to big I think I have to go one size smaller. I went back to look at your video and the sportster you worked on was a 2005 for this year the nut is 36mm. I will go one size smaller and I think it will be the right size. I will purchase the long socket I think it will make it easier to hold and push the spring down with the long socket. Thank you. Raul.
Happy to help. When you find out the size, please let us know. This will help others. Thank you for watching and your sub Raul ride safe and have a great day.
Happy to help. Great Bike good luck on your new ride. Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and all your support Davie.. Ride safe and have a great day.
You will have to remove the wheel then remove the hardware that connects the inner cartridge of your of your front Fork Tube. Or remove the fork and just tilt it to drain it from the top. Take a look at this video on how to take your front Fork Tube apart .It is the same as a Harley front fork tube. This video is of a Honda. take a look. ua-cam.com/video/WOgyWDpyFig/v-deo.html. Hope this helps. Let us know how this works out. Thank you for watching and your Sub Hoang. Ride Safe and have a great Day.
Good job Rocco. I did it this exact same way in around 2005 and posted it on the xlforum. Still have my 04 sporty and change the fork oil every few years. I've got one of those low profile sockets made for this job. Back then it cost about the same as the correct size regular socket and fits better. Love all your vids, clear and concise. ✌️😎✌️ Xena from the XLF.
hey rocco, this is my next job but ive noticed I also have some excessive play in my handle bar yoke, in case ive used the wrong term I mean were the handlebars join the fork. If am sat on the bike and push the bars forward they move a few millimeters back and forward, do you think this is a worn part or a simple need to tighten the bolts underneath. I can make a video and attach a link if it helps. appreciate any help or advice you can give. I understand if you are busy, you are a kind man and have been so very helpful with my restore so far.
Rocco my sportster has a different looking drain plug on the fork. Its an ‘05 Roadster all blacked out and it doesn’t look like a Philip’s head, more like a coated plug. I don’t think it’s ever been off of either fork. Any idea what else might be used as a plug? Thx
Fantastic video. Just got back into riding after 18 years and got ahold of a 91 sportster. Needs a little work, and the forks are next up. Any tips or tricks on changing out the seals? Have a small leak in the left fork.
Happy to help, Any questions just ask. I will send you a video on the front fork seal replacement. Thank you for watching and all your support Jackelin. Ride safe and have a great day. Take a look at this video. ua-cam.com/video/1027WhyjqcQ/v-deo.htmlsi=-6hArKJ2CjqJFA6e. Let us know how it works out.
I have a 2004 1200 sportster it looks just like this one really nice ride I’ve had no problems with it long as you keep up on all the fluid changes it will take care of you Awesome video thanks for sharing I am a new subscriber I’ve watched several of your videos and you’re on point thanks again
Happy to help. Those forks were painted. I will send the video. ua-cam.com/video/v5sxlgE_Wu0/v-deo.html. Let us know what you think. Thank you for watching it all your support Brian. Ride safe and have a great day.
I would. If you don't like it you can remove a little oil and put thinner or thicker . As long as you use the same brand fork oil . I like 15 wt. Let us know how this works out. Thank you for watching and your sub Rob. Ride safe and have a great day.
Hi, really enjoy and have used your videos to help me. I've got a 2005 sportster roadster. Is the 36 mm socket close enough to 1and 3/8"?? I have seen the video several times, but it seems like that is a bit of a difference when you look at a conversion chart. I have to order a socket and wanted to make sure before hand. I also used the carb cleaner video and the bike starts so much better. Thank you for the videos.
@@TwoWheelRocco@TwoWheelRocco I have a 2001 Sportster, 10 477 miles, just recently purchased from a Harley Dealer; the bike was well maintained and in great shape. Unfortunately, the other day I took a left turn too wide, and when attempting to get the bike back on the road, my foot peg caught the ledge, and the bike dropped on the left side. I'm fine. The bike is okay; there is just a scratch on the derby cover; however, my handlebars are not perpendicular to my front wheel. This often happens when folks drop their bike; a re-alignment video would be great.
Unloosen the bottom pinch bolts on your front end by your fork tubes. Have somebody sit on the bike. And straighten it out like you would do it your bicycle when you were younger. Have them rock the front back-and-forth. Re-tighten those pinch bolts on the bottom by your fork, . Do not loosen the tops and you should see it will straighten out. Let us know how it works out any questions. Test ride and see how you like it. And just loosen those pinch bolts slightly. Just to give it freedom for you to straighten it out and visually use your eyes. Let us know how it works out done it before.
Yes it does, We used 15W fork oil. From the dealer it is Harley fork oil, That is like 10W oil. Now it is a little stiffer ride. I like it. Any questions just ask. Thank you for your Sub Pat. Ride Safe and have a great day.
Hi always watch your vlogs and a sportster carb one intrigued me when a stage 1 tune up suggests drilling out the slide air hole with 7.64 or 2.8mm what would happen if it was drilled out with the larger drill for the pilot plug? Thanks in advance sorry about the off topic but I trust your judgment, regards, Alan, uk
I like to go with carb washer under the slide needle, use 3 washers under needle and adjust Air/fuel screw to 15/8 - 2 turns out. This raises the needle that will richen off idle. I do not drill the slide. Let us know how that works out. Hope this helps. Harley just wants to sell stuff. bike-talk.com/threads/questions-regarding-stage-1-kit-for-xl1200.13560/.
Happy to help. Any questions just ask. it's not really that difficult to fix those seals thank you for watching and your sub Jose. Let us know how it works out. Ride safe and have a great day.
Happy to help. That is a standard auto jack I just welded on a spark plug socket so I could use it with my impact. You could use a regular auto hydraulic jack I'll send you a video on how to. ua-cam.com/video/oPZn2DaxF_0/v-deo.html Thank you for watching and your support Jonathan. Ride safe and have a great day.
Happy to help. Thank you for watching and all your support Mark. Some people will never change their folk while. I went with the 15 weight oil and it's stiffened up the front so I did not change none of the components in the forks and the 15 weight makes a difference, that was my reasons for doing the service. Otherwise you can go a lifetime. Ride safe and have a great day.
Thank you for all your videos. They really help every time I have questions about motorcycle maintenance. Can you tell me please: what model of seat the motorcycle has in the video?
Happy to Help. Badlandes HD seat. Thank you for watching and your sub Ed. Ride safe and have a great day. www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313&_nkw=sportster+badlander+seat&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&_osacat=0&_odkw=sportster+badland+seat. Hope this Helps..
Happy to help. I don't believe so. But you could try see what it does. Let us know how it works. Thank you for watching and your sub Loren. Ride safe and have a great day.
Just bought a 100th anniversary 883 with 3200 miles and even though I weigh in at 225lbs with full gear the forks bottom out way too much. I am ready to do the job and upgrade to the 15W oil.
Happy to help changing that fork coil will help thank you for watching and all your support. Ted let us know how it works out. Any questions just ask. Ride safe and have a great day.
That sounds about right 30 thousand. Thank you for watching and your sub Mickey. Great safe and have a great day. Let us know how it works out when you do it to your bike.
Hi Mr. Rocco, question can I drain the oil from the bottom of the fork instead of from the oil drain plug?? the reason is that if I can it would completely remove all the old oil and any sediments that are there. If you think I can Is there any precautions I should take when doing it that way?? Thank you in advance for your response. Raul
Happy to help. You can remove the bottom bolt but you'll have to take the front wheel and axle out. Then loosen up that Allen head and then the top. You can run brake fluid to clean it. Thank you for watching and all your support Raul. Let us know how it works out. I love the difference it made with the 15 weight fork oil. Ride safe and have a great day.
@@TwoWheelRocco if I go this route I will give the 15W a try. my shocks have been bottoming out on our rough streets here in L.A. Ca. maybe the 15W may help. Thanks to your videos I have been doing most of my Sportster service and I know for sure you have saved me some CASH , Thank you so much. best regards.Raul
@@RAULOJEDA-fl5bn It's my pleasure to help. The dealers and mechanics, Are just got out of hand. Ride safe and have a great day. let us know how it works out Raul..
Happy to help. Duel front brakes, a hotter cam, two plugs for each cylinder. HP version. Thank you for watching and your support G4 Cajun. Ride safe and have a great day. And paint schemes.
Happy to help. You will have to remove the Fork Tube to empty the fluid. Let us know how this works out Thank you for watching and your sub Theo Sid. Ride safe and have a great day.
Happy to help. Yes it would. Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching. And your sub chanel. Let us know how it works out. Ride safe and have a great day.
Happy to Help, I would replace it put the 15 weight it's a better performance and you enjoy doing the work. Any questions just ask. Let us know how it works out.. Thank you for watching and you sub Darby319.. Ride Safe and have a great day
Happy to help. Are you looking at a 6 mm Allen head for the disassemble of the lower fork. Let us know how it works out. Thank you for watching. Ride safe and have a great day.
Nicely done & great Info! Ready to knock this job out now & smooth out my rides on these lovely OHIO roads lol! Thank you Rocco~shiny side up & be well!
Happy to help. Yes you can remove the bottom. Screw that holds the cartridge and the Fork Tube that means you will remove the front wheel. Not bad. Thank you for watching and your sub. Lisa. Let us know how it works out. Any questions just ask. Ride safe and have a great day.
Great video, thanks for sharing. Liked and subscribed. Can you confirm that you used a 36mm socket? I’m in Australia and the non metric sockets are a little hard to find and very expensive. Thanks again, Rocco
Happy to help. As long as you use six point socket 36 mm will work. Thank you for watching and your sub Alex. Let us know how it works out. Ride safe and have a great day.
Happy to help. I would expect that the oil is very old on your 1986 sportster. So yes it would make a big difference. Thank you for watching and all your support guy Miller. Let us know how it works out. Ride safe and have a great day.
Hello, Rocco ! Thanks for always putting out quality content. My 2012 XL Sportster doesn’t have the drain screws. Any ideas for getting the oil sucked out without removing the forks? I want to replace the springs or go with 15W fork oil to make it slightly stiffer. Thank you !
Happy to help. I will Send a video on how to do fork seals, there is hardware at the bottom of these forks that you could remove and drain the oil. I do not recommended replace in the spring just go with 15 wait oil. Thank you for watching and you sub.T B A. Ride safe and have a great day. This video was done on a Honda VTX it will be the same procedure for the Harley Davidson sportster take a look any questions just ask. ua-cam.com/video/xSlGCOAjuwc/v-deo.html
Happy to help. That was thead sealer. AutoZone. Let us know how the forks feel after you're done. And are you using the 15 wt. fork oil? Thank you for watching and your sub Melon X. Ride safe and have a great day.
www.hdforums.com/forum/touring-models/177766-torque-specs-front-end.html. that does sound right. Hope this helps. Thank you for watching and all your support Andy. Ride safe and have a great day
Happy to help. Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and all your support Paul. Ride safe and have a great day. Love those Sportster great motorcycles.
What year how many miles? If the front feel little spongy, a higher weight oil will stiffen the front. Which will give you a better ride. Easy enough done. Thank you for watching any questions just ask. Have a great holiday.
Take a look at this video. ua-cam.com/video/WOgyWDpyFig/v-deo.html This is the same as you Sportster. Any question just ask. Let me know how this works out.
Happy to help Evan. Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and all your support. Ride safe and have a great day. Love those sportsters. Great bikes. Let us know how it works out. It is a big improvement with the 15 weight Oil for the forks.
Hi Rocco. Great video. Did my fork oil this week. But got a little oil on my rotor. Wipe it dry. A few times But not liking front breaking. Any advise on solution Thx. Mike
Five weight oil will give you a very soft ride stock is between eight and 10 wait , 15 to 20 and you got a nice ride what bike are you doing this on? Do you know how this works out. I like 15 and so does everybody else that I know. Happy to help. Thank you for watching and your sub Thomas. Ride safe and have a great day,
@@TwoWheelRocco I appreciate it! Super quick. That's amazing. It's a 2000 sporty 1200 that's being built into a chop. I have 6 over forks I installing. I went to the Indian dealership bc they are the only ones that have fork oil in town. I ended up leaving their fork oil designed for the Scout and thunderstorm bikes. There is no listed weight....but the parts guy thought it was around 10
@@thomasknapp7236 Let us know how it works out. I buy my fork while on eBay. www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2553889.m570.l2632&_nkw=fork+oil&_sacat=6028.
Happy to Help. Are use the 12 point that's what I had. They both will work. Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and your sub Bill. Ride safe and have a great day
Hope this helps. ,xlforum.net/forums/archive/index.php/t-1370727. htmlLet us know if this helps. Thank you for your Sub Dillan. Ride Safe and have a great day.
Another great vid Rocco. Question...I’ve got 10k miles on my 05 xl1200r. Fork oil never changed. Ride seems good. Manual says change at 20k. In your opinion, Should I Change fluid due to age, or wait til mileage is higher? Thanks.
Sportster are easy to do. 15w oil will make for a better ride. I would change it. stock is like 8 to 10w oil. Let us know how this works out. Thank you for your Support. Ride Safe and have a great day.
Happy to help. Once you remove the oil and the spring, then you put new oil in pump it up a few times to get the air out of the system and then reinstall the spring and spacer then cap. Thank you for watching, and all your support D winningave. Ride safe and have a great day.
Happy to help. I usually go through the whole system when there's a leak on my front seal of my forks. Or 20,000 miles just changed the Fork oil I like to go 15 weight it's stiffens it up a little bit. Thank you for all your support Victor. Ride safe and have a great day.
Happy to help. This does depend on how the bike is stored. But you have to figure every 10 years. that's what I'm thinking. Any questions just ask. Let us know how it works out. Thank you for watching and your sub Deon. Ride safe and have a great day.
When I changed my fork oil in my new-to-me 2005 Sportster, it had a total of 10K miles on it but because the bike was 15 years old I decided to change it along with all of the other fluids. I'm glad I did. Thankfully, 10 oz. came out of each side but the bad news is that the fluid was black, as thin as water and stunk like skunk oil. The difference in the ride afterwards was amazing. The forks had been bottoming out over big bumps but not after the fluid change. Evidently, time is also a factor in the degrading of the oil. I plan to change mine every 10K miles from now on. Wonderful video!
Happy to hear all went well, Thank you for your Sub Boomer. Any questions just ask. Ride Safe and have a great day.
Hey Rocco, I just got my first Harley. 2006 Sportster 1200 in Dragonfly Green. Glad I could finally join the club. Time to binge watch more of your videos!
If you have any question just ask. Thank you for your support. Ride Safe and have a great day. Good Luck with your new ride.
@@TwoWheelRocco Thanks again Rocco, will do!
Hey Rocco, I did a fork oil change on my 97 Sportster 1200 this past weekend. Your video was crucial to the success of my work. Thank you for your video!
Thank you for your Sub, Any questions just ask. Ride Safe Have a Great Day.
I don't know what it is man but all your tutorial videos I absorb 100%. Thanks for everything have a great day
I'm really happy to help. And thank you for those kind words. If you have any questions just ask. Thank you for your Sub Dan. Ride Safe and have a great day.
@@TwoWheelRocco actually bud I do have a question. Maybe two. I have an 05 883 I just recently bought. It has an aftermarket exhaust; pretty much a straight pipe on it and a big sucker intake. I'm trying to tune my carb, any recommendations on jet sizes? The reason I'm asking is I played with it and got it to idle correctly but now it seems to want to stall when I hit the throttle. Any ideas on why it's doing that?
I would look at the Excelerator pump with that take a look at this video. ua-cam.com/video/VjWzPp5mWec/v-deo.html. at 24:00 on this video. Let us know what size jets you are running. . idle and main.
Sorry for the late response but I'm running a 42 idle and a 180 main
I just ordered a jet kit that has a big variety of idles and mains
Just got everything together to change my fork oil in my 2002 xl 1200. Thank you for sharing this information. I bought a neglected sportster last year and have been enjoying getting the bike back to being roadworthy. Your videos help tremendously!
Happy to help. Any questions just ask sports there are great motorcycles. Thank you for watching and all your support Luc. ride safe and have a great day. Let us know how it works out.
Thank you Rocco, clear, precise and I would add professional. A pleasure watchng and listening. Chapeau. Rome, Italy.
Happy to help. Thank you for your Sub. Any question just ask. Let us know how this works out. Ride Safe and have a great day.
Nice little tip with the Spot of paint there., excellent video as always.
Thank you, Ride Safe and have a great day.
I've got a 2002 Sportster which ticks a lot on tickover, I've removed the lifters and cleaned them but still ticking a little. They looked fine when I took them apart and only had a bit of dirt in them but the bike has only done 12000 miles, do you think it's possible they can fail with such low mileage? I've changed the oil to semi synthetic and also tried a little marvel mystery oil in with it but still it ticks on idle, oil pressure light goes out as soon as bike is started. I thought I'd ask you before I fork out for some replacement lifters, thanks for your help.
@@harleydavidson801 How long have you had this tick? Did you buy it this way?
@@TwoWheelRocco I bought it like it about a year ago, a couple of times it didn't tick on startup for about 2 minutes but then returned.
@@harleydavidson801 Sounds like dirty in the system. How many miles have you rode this bike since you owned it?
Simple, easy to follow, no extraneous BS. Thank you for this
Happy to help. Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and all your support Mike. Ride safe and have a great day.
Another great how to . The help you give all of us is much appreciated . Thanks Rocco !
Thank you for all your Support. Ride Safe and have a great day.
Once again, you are the man! I love your videos and thank you for taking the time to do this!! I felt like I was in your garage with you and you were walking me through it. You are so great at this stuff!! I've followed you for a couple of the maintenance things on my bike and you are the best!
Happy to Help, Any questions just ask. Thank you for your kind words. Ride Safe and have a great day.
Thanks so very much for your comments I read the forum and it explained a lot, I will have to get an unmodified new slide as this tune up was done for me by someone is not available any more, she's spitting and coughing low throttle openings obviously running quite weak needle is about lowest clip position, again thanks for your quick reply its much appreciated, best regards, Alan, uk
Stay to basics and she will run great. Any questions just ask. Let us know how this works out. The needle and stock slide will get the job done.
Genius idea marking up the Top Nut to give you an indication of where the Thread Starts when you've got the Top nut under Spring Pressure putting it back, definitely saves a lot of sweat strain 😓 & tears 😢 work smarter not harder, Good Job.
Happy to help. Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and all your kind words and your sub. J O T B. Ride safe and have a great day. Happy Fourth of July.
Great work brother. Your videos relax me.. you have a great old school, simple and straightforward way about you.. I wish I could go back to the 60's even though I'm from the 70's, all those cool cars and bikes and much simpler times. You help me feel like I'm there, thanks for sharing 👍
Happy to help. Thank you for those kind words and all your support Dan. Ride safe and have a great day. Very rewarding to hear somebody appreciate the work.
thank you for this video , great info
Happy to help. Any questions ask. Thank you for watching and all your support Dan. Let us know how it works out. You should be very happy with the results with the heavier oil. Ride safe and have a great day.
Been avoiding this job on my Sporty, so thanks from the UK.
Happy to Help. Any questions just ask. It is easy and makes a big difference, Thank you for your Sub Rob. Ride Safe and have a great day.
Thank you Rocco your very clear and down to the point!, you tell us what to expect at every instance, and you don't babble like others do, I had a teacher in Jr High with the same Bronx accent, he was my best teacher, loved that guy !!!, again thank you......
Happy to Help, Any questions just ask. Thank you for your Sub Gregorio.. Ride Safe and have a Great Day.
Thanks again Sir. Have a 92 XL I'm going to be working on during the winter here in Tn . This how to vid hit with perfect timeline for me . Like your work Sir carry on .
Happy to help, Ride Safe and have a great day. Thank you for your Sub.Jim. Any questions just ask.
@@TwoWheelRocco Yes Sir I do have question for you has a matter of fact . When firing said 1992 ? 883 xl . It has a random do nothing to hit a few turns and stop doing anything from switch. New batteries have been tried. Rockn bike in gear may let it crank to start sometimes. Thanks Sir
@@jimhayes4000 I would check my cables to my starter. The positive sometimes starts to fail at the starter hook up. Then your starter relay.
Yes Sir . Be getting back at you . You going to post many videos this winter ? Thanks for your knowledge sharing
Hi Mr. Rocco, I went and purchased a 36 mm socket to remove the top nut to take out the spring but 36mm for my 2011 sportster, but it was to big I think I have to go one size smaller. I went back to look at your video and the sportster you worked on was a 2005 for this year the nut is 36mm. I will go one size smaller and I think it will be the right size. I will purchase the long socket I think it will make it easier to hold and push the spring down with the long socket. Thank you. Raul.
Happy to help. When you find out the size, please let us know. This will help others. Thank you for watching and your sub Raul ride safe and have a great day.
Another good one Roc, definitely one that I’ll be referring to soon, thanks for explaining things for us amateur mechanics!
Happy to help, If you have any question just ask. Thank you for your support.
Thank You my Brother.
Your knowledge with a Bike is off the chain Bro.
GOD BLESS
I have a 2001 sportster 1200 that Im starting to work on myself. These videos are VERY helpful! Thanks!
Happy to help. Great Bike good luck on your new ride. Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and all your support Davie.. Ride safe and have a great day.
Great video. My left fork doesn't have a drain screw, how do I drain it? Thank you!
You will have to remove the wheel then remove the hardware that connects the inner cartridge of your of your front Fork Tube. Or remove the fork and just tilt it to drain it from the top. Take a look at this video on how to take your front Fork Tube apart .It
is the same as a Harley front fork tube. This video is of a Honda. take a look. ua-cam.com/video/WOgyWDpyFig/v-deo.html. Hope this helps. Let us know how this works out. Thank you for watching and your Sub Hoang. Ride Safe and have a great Day.
Good job Rocco. I did it this exact same way in around 2005 and posted it on the xlforum. Still have my 04 sporty and change the fork oil every few years. I've got one of those low profile sockets made for this job. Back then it cost about the same as the correct size regular socket and fits better. Love all your vids, clear and concise. ✌️😎✌️ Xena from the XLF.
Happy to Help, Thank you for your Sub and kind words Ride Safe and have a great day.
hey rocco, this is my next job but ive noticed I also have some excessive play in my handle bar yoke, in case ive used the wrong term I mean were the handlebars join the fork. If am sat on the bike and push the bars forward they move a few millimeters back and forward, do you think this is a worn part or a simple need to tighten the bolts underneath. I can make a video and attach a link if it helps. appreciate any help or advice you can give. I understand if you are busy, you are a kind man and have been so very helpful with my restore so far.
Tighten with 1/2 ratchet. And it will be good as new. Let us know how this works out.
Rocco my sportster has a different looking drain plug on the fork. Its an ‘05 Roadster all blacked out and it doesn’t look like a Philip’s head, more like a coated plug. I don’t think it’s ever been off of either fork. Any idea what else might be used as a plug? Thx
If you could take a picture and send it to my email address is ERocco 3964@gmail.com and I will get back to you.
@@TwoWheelRocco roger
Brilliant! You are my life coach right about now. I picked up a 2020 Sportster from a city bum that has no records.
Happy to help, If you have any question just ask. Thank you for your Sub Nathan. Ride Safe, Have a Great Day.
Fantastic video. Just got back into riding after 18 years and got ahold of a 91 sportster. Needs a little work, and the forks are next up. Any tips or tricks on changing out the seals? Have a small leak in the left fork.
Happy to help, Any questions just ask. I will send you a video on the front fork seal replacement. Thank you for watching and all your support Jackelin. Ride safe and have a great day. Take a look at this video. ua-cam.com/video/1027WhyjqcQ/v-deo.htmlsi=-6hArKJ2CjqJFA6e. Let us know how it works out.
I have a 2004 1200 sportster it looks just like this one really nice ride I’ve had no problems with it long as you keep up on all the fluid changes it will take care of you Awesome video thanks for sharing I am a new subscriber I’ve watched several of your videos and you’re on point thanks again
Happy to Help, Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and your Sub Charlie. Ride Safe and have a Great Day.
Those lower fork tubes are in remarkedly good shape.
Happy to help. Those forks were painted. I will send the video. ua-cam.com/video/v5sxlgE_Wu0/v-deo.html. Let us know what you think. Thank you for watching it all your support Brian. Ride safe and have a great day.
I need to do this on 2004 Sportster and like the idea of a little thicker
Oil. Thanks for the video.
Happy to help. Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and all your support Doug. Ride safe and have a great day.
I have a 05 sportster with 6'' over forks. Would you recommend the same weight oil? also having a hard time finding torque specs. Great video! Thanks!
I would. If you don't like it you can remove a little oil and put thinner or thicker . As long as you use the same brand fork oil . I like 15 wt. Let us know how this works out. Thank you for watching and your sub Rob. Ride safe and have a great day.
Another great vid Rocco, thank you. Is that a 1/2 inch drive extension breaker bar you used?
Yes it is, It helps a lot. Thank you for you support.
Hi, really enjoy and have used your videos to help me. I've got a 2005 sportster roadster. Is the 36 mm socket close enough to 1and 3/8"?? I have seen the video several times, but it seems like that is a bit of a difference when you look at a conversion chart. I have to order a socket and wanted to make sure before hand. I also used the carb cleaner video and the bike starts so much better. Thank you for the videos.
36 mm will work fine. Any questions just ask. Thank you for your Sub. Ride Safe and have a great day.
@@TwoWheelRocco Thanks for the quick reply. Great videos.
did this yesterday to my 05 1200R easy peasy thanks for the video love the channel
Happy to hear all went well. Thank you for watching and your sub Paul. Ride safe and have a great day.
Rossco, is there anyway you could do a video on replacing yolk bushings and re aligning handle bars with yoke on triple tree?
Happy to help. What year bike and how many miles thank you for watching and all your support pure water. Ride safe and have a great day.
@@TwoWheelRocco@TwoWheelRocco I have a 2001 Sportster, 10 477 miles, just recently purchased from a Harley Dealer; the bike was well maintained and in great shape. Unfortunately, the other day I took a left turn too wide, and when attempting to get the bike back on the road, my foot peg caught the ledge, and the bike dropped on the left side. I'm fine. The bike is okay; there is just a scratch on the derby cover; however, my handlebars are not perpendicular to my front wheel. This often happens when folks drop their bike; a re-alignment video would be great.
Unloosen the bottom pinch bolts on your front end by your fork tubes. Have somebody sit on the bike. And straighten it out like you would do it your bicycle when you were younger. Have them rock the front back-and-forth. Re-tighten those pinch bolts on the bottom by your fork, . Do not loosen the tops and you should see it will straighten out. Let us know how it works out any questions. Test ride and see how you like it. And just loosen those pinch bolts slightly. Just to give it freedom for you to straighten it out and visually use your eyes. Let us know how it works out done it before.
Very Much enjoyed this instructional video...always informative and never condesending...thanks Rocco!
Happy to Help, Any questions just ask. Thank you for all your Support Kim..
Hi Rocco, thanks for your amazing job. I’ve a question, all sportsters need a 36mm?
Happy to help. Yes they do. Thank you for watching and your sub Willy. Ride safe and have a great day.
I have a HD - 883c sportster ..... Once the oil changes , Does the front End of riding makes the ride a little stiffer NOT SLUGGISH ....?
Yes it does..It will be a big improvement. Thank you for watching and let us know how you like the ride.
cool video the old oil was real dirty looking does it affect the ride much? I have a 2009 sportster with like 4k miles
Yes it does, We used 15W fork oil. From the dealer it is Harley fork oil, That is like 10W oil. Now it is a little stiffer ride. I like it. Any questions just ask. Thank you for your Sub Pat. Ride Safe and have a great day.
@@TwoWheelRocco you to thank you for all the great videos!
Hi always watch your vlogs and a sportster carb one intrigued me when a stage 1 tune up suggests drilling out the slide air hole with 7.64 or 2.8mm what would happen if it was drilled out with the larger drill for the pilot plug? Thanks in advance sorry about the off topic but I trust your judgment, regards, Alan, uk
I like to go with carb washer under the slide needle, use 3 washers under needle and adjust Air/fuel screw to 15/8 - 2 turns out. This raises the needle that will richen off idle. I do not drill the slide. Let us know how that works out. Hope this helps. Harley just wants to sell stuff.
bike-talk.com/threads/questions-regarding-stage-1-kit-for-xl1200.13560/.
Great videos you make brother had a question ever done a replacement on seals mines have a leak on one side thanks.
Happy to help. Any questions just ask. it's not really that difficult to fix those seals thank you for watching and your sub Jose. Let us know how it works out. Ride safe and have a great day.
Straight Solid my Brother thank You for the heads up
Happy to Help, Any questions just ask. Thank you for your Sub Charles. Ride Safe and have a great day.
My next project.
It will make a difference, Let us know how this works out. Thank You for your Support, Ride Safe and any question just ask.
Another great instructional video ,,thanks for the advice and guidance.
Thank you for your Support Kevin.
Nice and clean!
Thank you for your support, Ride Safe and have a great day.
Very nice, I look forward to your videos to me they are the best on UA-cam. Thank you
Thanknyou for your kind words, Ride Safe and have a great day.
Hey Rocco love your videos very informative been following you for a few months now
What type of jack did you use in this video
Happy to help. That is a standard auto jack I just welded on a spark plug socket so I could use it with my impact. You could use a regular auto hydraulic jack I'll send you a video on how to. ua-cam.com/video/oPZn2DaxF_0/v-deo.html Thank you for watching and your support Jonathan. Ride safe and have a great day.
Hey Rocco love the channel. What mileage or how often do you change out your fork oil?
Happy to help. Thank you for watching and all your support Mark. Some people will never change their folk while. I went with the 15 weight oil and it's stiffened up the front so I did not change none of the components in the forks and the 15 weight makes a difference, that was my reasons for doing the service. Otherwise you can go a lifetime. Ride safe and have a great day.
Thank you for all your videos. They really help every time I have questions about motorcycle maintenance.
Can you tell me please: what model of seat the motorcycle has in the video?
Happy to Help. Badlandes HD seat. Thank you for watching and your sub Ed. Ride safe and have a great day. www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313&_nkw=sportster+badlander+seat&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&_osacat=0&_odkw=sportster+badland+seat. Hope this Helps..
@@TwoWheelRocco Great. Thank you!
@@MaksimJaske My pleasure. Ride safe and have a great day.
Another nice video Rocco. So, why the 15 weight versus the stock 10? What’s the advantage there?
It makes your front feel a little stiffer. 15WT is a thicker oil. The ride feels smoother. Thank you for your support. Ride Safe and have a great day.
Two Wheel Rocco would that help with a jarring feeling while going over rough roads or potholes?
@@stevenweede7184 No
@@TwoWheelRocco would increasing the amount of oil fix his problem ?
Happy to help. I don't believe so. But you could try see what it does. Let us know how it works. Thank you for watching and your sub Loren. Ride safe and have a great day.
Just bought a 100th anniversary 883 with 3200 miles and even though I weigh in at 225lbs with full gear the forks bottom out way too much. I am ready to do the job and upgrade to the 15W oil.
Happy to help changing that fork coil will help thank you for watching and all your support. Ted let us know how it works out. Any questions just ask. Ride safe and have a great day.
How's often should I do this every 30 thousand miles?
That sounds about right 30 thousand. Thank you for watching and your sub Mickey. Great safe and have a great day. Let us know how it works out when you do it to your bike.
@@TwoWheelRocco thanks Rocco!
Excellent will do it on same bike as your video thx Rocco
Happy to help, Let us know how this works out. Thank you for your support.
Awesome . Doing it tomorrow . Thanks
Happy to help, Any questions just ask. Thank you for your Sub. Let us know how this works out. Ride Safe and have a great day.
Hi Mr. Rocco, question can I drain the oil from the bottom of the fork instead of from the oil drain plug?? the reason is that if I can it would completely remove all the old oil and any sediments that are there. If you think I can Is there any precautions I should take when doing it that way?? Thank you in advance for your response. Raul
Happy to help. You can remove the bottom bolt but you'll have to take the front wheel and axle out. Then loosen up that Allen head and then the top. You can run brake fluid to clean it. Thank you for watching and all your support Raul. Let us know how it works out. I love the difference it made with the 15 weight fork oil. Ride safe and have a great day.
@@TwoWheelRocco if I go this route I will give the 15W a try. my shocks have been bottoming out on our rough streets here in L.A. Ca. maybe the 15W may help. Thanks to your videos I have been doing most of my Sportster service and I know for sure you have saved me some CASH , Thank you so much. best regards.Raul
@@RAULOJEDA-fl5bn It's my pleasure to help. The dealers and mechanics, Are just got out of hand. Ride safe and have a great day. let us know how it works out Raul..
rocco ..... thanks for another great video!!
Happy to help, Any questions just ask. . Thank you for watching and your sub Dale. Ride safe and have a great day.
what is different in the 2005 XL 1200 Roadster?
Happy to help. Duel front brakes, a hotter cam, two plugs for each cylinder. HP version. Thank you for watching and your support G4 Cajun. Ride safe and have a great day. And paint schemes.
rocco i have a 2017 xl883n it seems i cannot use this tutorial or am i wrong. i dont see a drain plug thanks
Happy to help. You will have to remove the Fork Tube to empty the fluid. Let us know how this works out Thank you for watching and your sub Theo Sid. Ride safe and have a great day.
Hi is the 2008 XL883
Is the same , thanks
Happy to help. Yes it would. Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching. And your sub chanel. Let us know how it works out. Ride safe and have a great day.
Good job brother Rocco 👍👍 as always very clean job you make job very easy for people who don’t to work on their bike
Thank You for your kind words, Ride Safe and have a great day.
I have a 2009 xl low I don’t know when it’s been changed but how long should I wait or know when it should be changed ?
Happy to Help, I would replace it put the 15 weight it's a better performance and you enjoy doing the work. Any questions just ask. Let us know how it works out.. Thank you for watching and you sub Darby319.. Ride Safe and have a great day
Hi Rocco, do you know what size Allen key fits the bottom of the fork tube in order to disassemble?
Happy to help. Are you looking at a 6 mm Allen head for the disassemble of the lower fork. Let us know how it works out. Thank you for watching. Ride safe and have a great day.
Nicely done & great Info! Ready to knock this job out now & smooth out my rides on these lovely OHIO roads lol! Thank you Rocco~shiny side up & be well!
Any time! Happy to Help, Any questions just ask, Thank you for watching and your sub SL Let us know how this works out. Ride Safe and have a great day
Enjoyed your video
Thank you for your support Kenn.
Mine doesn't have a screw. Can I empty it from the bottom screw, or do I have to remove the whole assembly?
Mines a 2015 XL custom 1200.
Happy to help. Yes you can remove the bottom. Screw that holds the cartridge and the Fork Tube that means you will remove the front wheel. Not bad. Thank you for watching and your sub. Lisa. Let us know how it works out. Any questions just ask. Ride safe and have a great day.
Great video, thanks for sharing. Liked and subscribed.
Can you confirm that you used a 36mm socket? I’m in Australia and the non metric sockets are a little hard to find and very expensive.
Thanks again, Rocco
Happy to help. As long as you use six point socket 36 mm will work. Thank you for watching and your sub Alex. Let us know how it works out. Ride safe and have a great day.
@@TwoWheelRocco Thanks so much for getting back to me and I’ll be sure to let you know how I go
do you think I could expect pretty much the same on my 86 Sportster?
Happy to help. I would expect that the oil is very old on your 1986 sportster. So yes it would make a big difference. Thank you for watching and all your support guy Miller. Let us know how it works out. Ride safe and have a great day.
Hello, Rocco ! Thanks for always putting out quality content. My 2012 XL Sportster doesn’t have the drain screws. Any ideas for getting the oil sucked out without removing the forks? I want to replace the springs or go with 15W fork oil to make it slightly stiffer. Thank you !
Happy to help. I will Send a video on how to do fork seals, there is hardware at the bottom of these forks that you could remove and drain the oil. I do not recommended replace in the spring just go with 15 wait oil. Thank you for watching and you sub.T B A. Ride safe and have a great day. This video was done on a Honda VTX it will be the same procedure for the Harley Davidson sportster take a look any questions just ask. ua-cam.com/video/xSlGCOAjuwc/v-deo.html
@@TwoWheelRocco Thank you! I will give this a shot. Appreciate you as always !
What is the while liquid you put on the small screw?
Happy to help. That was thead sealer. AutoZone. Let us know how the forks feel after you're done. And are you using the 15 wt. fork oil? Thank you for watching and your sub Melon X. Ride safe and have a great day.
Hi Rocco, great video.
What are the torque lbs for the fork bolts on top
I tested it. Looks like it’s around 60foot lbs?
www.hdforums.com/forum/touring-models/177766-torque-specs-front-end.html. that does sound right. Hope this helps. Thank you for watching and all your support Andy. Ride safe and have a great day
@@TwoWheelRocco
Thanks Rocco, that’s what I was looking for 🤘
Have a good one, ride safe!
I forgot to ask,
Is it necessary to loosen the pinch bolts first before unscrewing the top fork bolts? Thanks again
@@BadAndy01979 my pleasure.. Watch the video and take notes. Or it could get ugly. Any questions just ask.
@@BadAndy01979 No I did not,. Thank you for watching
Going to use the same oil on my 2000 Sportster 1200. I know I could Google it but I'd rather two-wheel Rocco tell me
Happy to help. Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and all your support Paul. Ride safe and have a great day. Love those Sportster great motorcycles.
How to know if I need fork oil change ?
What year how many miles? If the front feel little spongy, a higher weight oil will stiffen the front. Which will give you a better ride. Easy enough done. Thank you for watching any questions just ask. Have a great holiday.
What's up Rocco! Do you have video for fork seal replacement 2003 sportster?
Take a look at this video. ua-cam.com/video/WOgyWDpyFig/v-deo.html
This is the same as you Sportster. Any question just ask. Let me know how this works out.
Did you happen to mention how long, how many miles since changed , or has it ever been changed .
I do not know. The oil looked real old. Made a big difference with the 15WT fork oil. That I do know. Let us know how this works for you.
You're great Rocco!
Happy to help Evan. Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and all your support. Ride safe and have a great day. Love those sportsters. Great bikes. Let us know how it works out. It is a big improvement with the 15 weight Oil for the forks.
Great video thanks! New subscriber
How often or miles should this be performed?
Happy to help I would say five years or 20,000 miles. Thank you for watching and your sub BadAndy. Ride safe and have a great day.
@@TwoWheelRocco Thanks for the response.
Your video’s are really helpful
@@BadAndy01979 My pleasure..
Thanks for making this video, Rocco.
Thank you for your Sub. Ride Safe and have a Great Day.
Hi Rocco. Great video. Did my fork oil this week. But got a little oil on my rotor. Wipe it dry. A few times But not liking front breaking. Any advise on solution Thx. Mike
Drive it Will reseat pads and burn up any residual brake fluid. Let us know how it works out.
Two Wheel Rocco Thx
@@mikesharon760 My next video is Bleeding your Brakes.
Two Wheel Rocco Reset my pads. After a few. Drinking days. All is great thx. Keep posting em
@@mikesharon760 Thank you for your Sub. Ride Safe and have a great day.
well done well explained you are the best.
Happy to help. Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and your sub John. Ride safe and have a great day. Let us know how this works out.
Could one use 5w? Shop in town said that would work....but im seeing 20w everywhere elsw.
Five weight oil will give you a very soft ride stock is between eight and 10 wait , 15 to 20 and you got a nice ride what bike are you doing this on? Do you know how this works out. I like 15 and so does everybody else that I know. Happy to help. Thank you for watching and your sub Thomas. Ride safe and have a great day,
@@TwoWheelRocco I appreciate it! Super quick. That's amazing. It's a 2000 sporty 1200 that's being built into a chop. I have 6 over forks I installing. I went to the Indian dealership bc they are the only ones that have fork oil in town. I ended up leaving their fork oil designed for the Scout and thunderstorm bikes. There is no listed weight....but the parts guy thought it was around 10
@@thomasknapp7236 Let us know how it works out. I buy my fork while on eBay. www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2553889.m570.l2632&_nkw=fork+oil&_sacat=6028.
Did you increase the weight of the fork oil?
Happy to help. Yes I increased it to 15WT fork oil. Thank you for watching and all your support bro.ken. Ride safe and have a great day
Hello, is that a 6PT or 12PT Socket you're using? Thanks in Advance
Happy to Help. Are use the 12 point that's what I had. They both will work. Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and your sub Bill. Ride safe and have a great day
Awesome video. I get better everytime I watch you do a great video.
Happy to help. Thank you for your support.
What was the torque spec?
Hope this helps. ,xlforum.net/forums/archive/index.php/t-1370727. htmlLet us know if this helps. Thank you for your Sub Dillan. Ride Safe and have a great day.
Another great vid Rocco. Question...I’ve got 10k miles on my 05 xl1200r. Fork oil never changed. Ride seems good. Manual says change at 20k. In your opinion, Should I Change fluid due to age, or wait til mileage is higher? Thanks.
Sportster are easy to do. 15w oil will make for a better ride. I would change it. stock is like 8 to 10w oil. Let us know how this works out. Thank you for your Support. Ride Safe and have a great day.
Why remove the spring once drained?
Happy to help. Once you remove the oil and the spring, then you put new oil in pump it up a few times to get the air out of the system and then reinstall the spring and spacer then cap. Thank you for watching, and all your support D winningave. Ride safe and have a great day.
Excellent video thanx!
Thank you for your support. Ride Safe and have a great day.
Done. Thanks, Rocco
Let us know how this works out.
@@TwoWheelRocco It feels much better when progressively braking upfront, especially coming to a full stop. I'm happy
Im happy it helped. Ride Safe and have a great day.
Thanks for the video I learnt a lot.
Happy to Help, Any questions just ask. Thank you for your Sub. Ride Safe and have a great day.
Impressive! You ought to Teach Classes...Great Articulation:)
Happy to help. Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and your sub Bill. Let us know how it works out. Ride safe and have a great day.
How many miles should I change fork oil
Happy to help. I usually go through the whole system when there's a leak on my front seal of my forks. Or 20,000 miles just changed the Fork oil I like to go 15 weight it's stiffens it up a little bit. Thank you for all your support Victor. Ride safe and have a great day.
Great tutorial.
Thank You for your support.
no fork spacers on this model ?
Happy to help. What year what model? Thank you for watching and your support Jim. Ride safe and have a great day.
@@TwoWheelRocco the bike you worked on in the video brother
@@jimscycleandautotn8508 You're right there is no spacer. And that bike rode fine. I hope that helped.
Very informative, as all your videos are. Thank you sir!!
Happy to Help, Thank you for watching and your sub Stephen. Ride Safe and have a great day.
well explained, thanks mate
Happy to help. Thank you for your Sub.Stuart. Any question just ask. Ride Safe and have a great day.
Awesome!! Learning alot from your videos 👍
Happy to help, Any questions just ask. Thank you for watching and your sub Michael. Ride Safe And have a great day.
Thank you Rocco!
Thank you for your Sub. Ride Safe and have a Great Day Harold.
What size forks are those? 39mm?
Happy to help, Yes they are 39 mm. Thank you for watching and your sub James. Ride safe and have a great day.
@@TwoWheelRocco keep it up Rocco!
@@jamesfairchild9374 Thank you. Let us know how it works out. Ride safe and have a great day.
How often to change that
Happy to help. This does depend on how the bike is stored. But you have to figure every 10 years. that's what I'm thinking. Any questions just ask. Let us know how it works out. Thank you for watching and your sub Deon. Ride safe and have a great day.
When should I change fork oil? Is it every 20k km?
20,000 miles is what I usually do. Thank you for watching.
Thank you sir!
Happy to help, Thank you for your support, Ride Safe and have a great day.