Need Help: What's the Fork Oil Capacity for Harley 39mm?

Looking for Fork Oil Capacity Info

I’ve been doing some maintenance on my Harley and I want to make sure I’m using the right amount of oil in my 39mm forks. I’ve searched around, but I keep finding different numbers. Can anyone clarify the oil capacity for these forks?

Why This Matters

Using the correct fork oil capacity is crucial for performance and safety. Too much or too little oil can affect suspension functionality, and we all know how important it is to have our bikes handling correctly.

What I’ve Found So Far

  • Some forums mention it could be around 11-12 oz per leg, but I’m not sure if that applies to all models.
  • Others say it varies depending on whether I’m running a standard setup or something modified.

What I’m Looking For

  • Exact capacity for different 39mm fork setups.
  • Any tips or experiences regarding changing the oil - like what type of oil works best and any specific brands you recommend?

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide!

Let’s keep our Harley’s running smoothly!

Hey everyone! I’m looking for info on the fork oil capacity for my Harley 39mm forks. I want to make sure I’m doing it right. Any advice?

It’s crucial to use the correct capacity; it really affects your ride quality and handling. For 39mm forks, it’s usually around 10-11 oz per leg. Adjusting this can greatly enhance performance!

Absolutely! If you have too little oil, you’ll bottom out more often. Too much, and you could have stiffer handling than usual. Balance is key!

Good point, hamiltonshirley! Ride quality can be a game changer, especially on long rides. Feeling the difference can make or break your trip.

I’ve heard that using a different oil weight can affect the capacity too. Has anyone tried that? Just curious how that turned out.

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I’ve tried 10W vs 15W, and honestly, I saw a noticeable difference in handling. It was firmer, but I prefer the plush feel of 10W for my riding style!

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That’s really helpful, wadams! It’s interesting how certain setups can totally change the ride. What about maintenance, how often do you guys change your fork oil?

I try to change mine every 10,000 miles or so, just to keep everything smooth. What about the rest of you?

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Same here! Just did mine about a month ago, and it’s like riding a new bike! Such a satisfying feeling.

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Is there anything else in particular we should know about fork oil besides capacity? Like maybe what type is best for Harley?

I swear by synthetic oil. It holds up better and provides a smoother ride overall. Definitely worth considering for your Harley maintenance regime.

My buddy said the same! He refused to switch to synthetic, but after a test ride on my bike, he changed his mind.

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Just remember to always check for leaks after changing the oil. Nothing worse than a riding experience ruined by a fork oil leak!

So true, james62! Haha, forks without oil? That’s just asking for trouble! But seriously, always give your bike a good once-over post-maintenance. What a headache that would be!

Right? It’ll end in disaster for sure! Fork oil capacity is pretty forgiving, but that doesn’t mean you can slack on maintenance.

I guess it’s clear now that fork oil capacity is important! Gotta keep our bikes performing at their best. It’s all part of the joy of riding.

Hey there! The fork oil capacity for most Harley 39mm forks is around 11-14 ounces per fork, depending on the model. Always check your manual for specifics!

Great info! When changing the oil, don’t forget to replace the seals as well. It’s the perfect time to do it!

I usually use a pump to extract old oil; it makes the job way easier! Also, consider using a measuring cup to ensure you get the right amount.

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