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Visionary
Posts: 1365
Central Maryland | Looking at the maintenance chart for the Victory Vision; I saw that Ma Vic requires the front fork oil to be replaced...
...every 15,000 miles or 2 years; whichever comes first.
Really?
Why such a short replacement interval on the fork oil? That stuff should be good to go for 50K
Also looks like you need a special Ma Vic fork tool to compress and remove the springs in the fork legs. Chit... can't be a simple task like other bikes...
Edited by willtill 2012-12-14 4:42 AM
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Cruiser
Posts: 169
The Vic Shop - Central Iowa | The forks need oil just like the engine does. I have seen forks actually wear out from lack of proper lubrication . Then you go from a $150-200 oil change to a $1000 replacement.
I get by just fine without the special tool. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 281
| Both of my machines will be coming due pretty soon. Better to be proactive than reactive when it comes to maintenance. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 15
| When i had my two Harleys,I change the fork oil every fall.The oil came out black, Oil is cheap.I will do the same with my vison. |
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Tourer
Posts: 482
Beer Collins, Colorado (there is no fort) | I don't go by mileage or seasons and usually try and combine fork oil replacement with a front tire replacement. Along with preserving your equipment by experimenting with small changes in the viscosity and fluid levels you can fine tune your suspension to your needs. With Victory's I like to go up a bit from 7.5W to 10W or 12.5 (blended) and I like to use synthetic fluids-Red Line, Silkolene, & Amsoil's shock therapy have all worked well for me and can extend service intervals. Nothing special just a home made fluid level tool & a lift. |
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Visionary
Posts: 2027
Brighton, TN | How do you get the spring down? I had to wrap tie down rachet straps to them. Any easier way would be appreciated? |
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Visionary
Posts: 1365
Central Maryland | Vicbuilder - 2012-12-14 7:03 AM
The forks need oil just like the engine does. I have seen forks actually wear out from lack of proper lubrication . Then you go from a $150-200 oil change to a $1000 replacement.
I get by just fine without the special tool.
Tell us your secrets for compressing the fork cap and the springs; pumping the rod on the cartridge; and measuring the oil; without the special Vic tools... Please?
I was thinking about using one of these; for the springs (would have to modify the jaws to hold the spring and bottom of the shock):
http://www.lowes.com/pd_211455-52800-GSCC2.536_0__?productId=105958...
Edited by willtill 2012-12-14 9:43 AM
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Visionary
Posts: 1340
Gainesville Fl Home of the Gators | willtill - 2012-12-14 10:39 AM
Tell us your secrets for compressing the fork cap and the springs; pumping the rod on the cartridge; and measuring the oil; without the special Vic tools... Please?
I was thinking about using one of these; for the springs (would have to modify the jaws to hold the spring and bottom of the shock):
http://www.lowes.com/pd_211455-52800-GSCC2.536_0__?productId=105958...
Only hard part is compressing the spring. The rest just takes common sense
Edited by kevinx 2012-12-14 11:46 AM
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Visionary
Posts: 1365
Central Maryland | kevinx - 2012-12-14 12:45 PM
Only hard part is compressing the spring. The rest just takes common sense
Yea, I have common sense and can do this myself. I've done other fork flushes on other bikes before. But if someone has made a Vision specific home made oil measurer and a rod to attach to the cartidge rod to pump it; I'd like to see it so I can fabricate something similar. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 1066
Peru, IN | kevinx - 2012-12-14 12:45 PM
The rest just takes common sense
Well, shit. So much for me doing my own. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1340
Gainesville Fl Home of the Gators | willtill - 2012-12-14 2:06 PM
kevinx - 2012-12-14 12:45 PM
Only hard part is compressing the spring. The rest just takes common sense
Yea, I have common sense and can do this myself. I've done other fork flushes on other bikes before. But if someone has made a Vision specific home made oil measurer and a rod to attach to the cartidge rod to pump it; I'd like to see it so I can fabricate something similar.
You put a nut on the shaft, and pump it, and use a tepe measure to make a mark as to where to bend a coat hanger. Fill till that level is reached. Don't over think this. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 169
The Vic Shop - Central Iowa | kevinx - 2012-12-14 2:59 PM
willtill - 2012-12-14 2:06 PM
kevinx - 2012-12-14 12:45 PM
Only hard part is compressing the spring. The rest just takes common sense
Yea, I have common sense and can do this myself. I've done other fork flushes on other bikes before. But if someone has made a Vision specific home made oil measurer and a rod to attach to the cartidge rod to pump it; I'd like to see it so I can fabricate something similar.
You put a nut on the shaft, and pump it, and use a tepe measure to make a mark as to where to bend a coat hanger. Fill till that level is reached. Don't over think this.
Well, I stand corrected, I do have "special tools" I spent $3 and welded a nut onto a two foot length of round metal stock found at all hardware stores. Thats how I attach to the cartridge rod.
I use my Kung-Fu Grip to compress the spring.
Lastly after many years of using a ruler, as Kevin stated, I finally coughed up the $20 for a proper oil level gauge:http://www.ebay.com/itm/Motion-Pro-Fork-Oil-Level-Tool-Harley-Davidson-Hyosung-Honda-Yamaha-Suzuki-KTM-/121033458124?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1c2e2801cc&vxp=mtr |
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Visionary
Posts: 1365
Central Maryland | Lol! Thanks Rylan and Kevinx.. not trying to "overthink it" just want to have a discussion about it. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1365
Central Maryland | So went to my dealer today (whom will remain "nameless" for now... since I wanted to return a set of Arlen Ness Rad mirrors (which I couldn't get used to on my Vision).
Ran into the head mechanic and asked him; how much to change the oil in my fork legs if I just brought them in. He said"I can't guarantee my work if you just bring the fork legs in; but it would be around $150.00"
You see; this is why I never bring my bike in to the dealer; they can't even guarantee changing the oil in my front shocks. This is why I do everything myself these days.
Just another bad story about the continuing saga of poor dealership work and experiences. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 825
, WI | This was a good reminder that I should change the fork oil on my Vision. I got the book. Looks easy! 
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Really? Replace every 15,000 miles?