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What the fork?
#597685 07/24/2019 4:33 PM
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chy Offline OP
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Finally decided after all these years to change my fork oil.. with some assist from my favorite helper Chy (grandson) we managed to accomplish said task .. just one thing though. My manual says 487 cc of oil in each shock tube.. I only got 300cc or so from each side and no leaks evident so I went against my better judgement ( I always measure what i take out and replace with the same amount) and put 475cc's in each side.
The test ride was okay I guess but it seems I just don't have much suspension travel and the ride is pretty rough.

I'm wondering if my manual has some bad info since I got with the bike years ago.. anyone have a similar experience?

Re: What the fork?
chy #597686 07/24/2019 5:34 PM
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did you take the forks off and drain them? I always take them off and clean them out


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Re: What the fork?
roadworthy #597687 07/25/2019 8:59 AM
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Nope.. used my Fork tool and handheld vaccuum pump. Much simpler way to get it done.

Re: What the fork?
chy #597688 07/25/2019 12:30 PM
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Yeah it might be easier but that's probably why you have a fluid level discrepancy. I put in the exact amount specified when doing a fork off fluid change and have no problems


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Re: What the fork?
chy #597689 07/25/2019 1:07 PM
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Chy, I see you tackled this after we talked about it at the rally.
Page 11.11 of the service manual calls for 548 cc or 18.5 ounces for the early model America and Speedmaster.

Here's my set up and my suspension is very good. No dive and no jarring or bounce.
I'm running progressive springs for several years. If I remember the Progressives call for a bit less fluid due to a larger top spacer.

I'm using a 50/50 mixture of 10w and 15w. 532cc or 18 ounces.

Loosen top cap, lift bike and remove the caps, springs, washer and spacers. Lower the bike,Drain fluid ( I use a pneumatic bleeder, sucks it all out)
Add fluid to the correct level.
Additionally I measure with a metal yard stick, the fluid level is 6.5 " from the top of the fork.

Raise the bike, install the springs and spacers. Install the caps. Works every time.
Hope this helps.

Last edited by mikemm03; 07/25/2019 6:34 PM.

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Re: What the fork?
mikemm03 #597690 09/12/2019 4:44 PM
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Quote:

Page 11.11 of the service manual calls for 548 cc or 18.5 ounces for the early model America and Speedmaster.





What years are referred to as early?


'06 America, Raask foot controls, the bike use to be Graphite and Silver, now its Red and Black.
Re: What the fork?
Bruce #597691 09/12/2019 6:16 PM
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Quote:

Quote:

Page 11.11 of the service manual calls for 548 cc or 18.5 ounces for the early model America and Speedmaster.





What years are referred to as early?




The ones made before 10 AM


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Re: What the fork?
Bruce #597692 09/12/2019 6:32 PM
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Quote:

Quote:

Page 11.11 of the service manual calls for 548 cc or 18.5 ounces for the early model America and Speedmaster.





What years are referred to as early?


That's a good question, my service manual was printed in 2002. My America is a 2003. I believe the Americas suspension remained unchanged until 2007/2008. At least that's what I recall.


It's not speeding till you get pulled over.
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Re: What the fork?
chy #602948 08/31/2023 9:25 AM
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Originally Posted by chy
Finally decided after all these years to change my fork oil.. with some assist from my favorite helper Chy (grandson) we managed to accomplish said task .. just one thing though. My manual says 487 cc of oil in each shock tube.. I only got 300cc or so from each side and no leaks evident so I went against my better judgement ( I always measure what i take out and replace with the same amount) and put 475cc's in each side.
The test ride was okay I guess but it seems I just don't have much suspension travel and the ride is pretty rough.

I'm wondering if my manual has some bad info since I got with the bike years ago.. anyone have a similar experience?

Reading my manual issue 1, 09.2001
page 1.15
Oil column dry fill is listed as 484 cc for both the bonneville and the bonneville America

HOWEVER, same manual, page 11.11
Bonneville fork oil capacity 484 cc
Bonneville America fork oil capacity 548 cc

What we have here is a misprint.


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Re: What the fork?
chy #602970 09/12/2023 5:09 PM
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Well we figured the forker out... We put in 548cc of oil after we replaced the seals. We will see how that works out for us.

Re: What the fork?
chy #603107 05/15/2024 11:02 AM
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So what was the final outcome?

Re: What the fork?
Haddon1 #603108 05/21/2024 12:11 PM
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chy Offline OP
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548 cc's seemed to work for me.


Moderated by  bennybmn, chy, mert 

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