GSX1400 Owners .org

Technically Speaking => Suspension => Topic started by: DGK5 on Saturday, 07 May 2022, 07:18 PM

Title: Changing Fork Oil only??
Post by: DGK5 on Saturday, 07 May 2022, 07:18 PM
I have a new to me K5 that has done 46000 klms .
I have been right over the Bike and also done a full service on the Bike.
About the only thing that I have not done is service the Front Forks.
Is it possible to leave the Forks on the Bike and just Drain the Old Fork Oil out, that's without removing the Forks ????.
The Forks are NOT Leaking and seem to be working ok
but after 46000 k the existing Fork Oil must be pretty shitty by now and really needs replacing I would think
PLEASE advise what you think about just changing the Oil only if that is possible  ??
thanks for your help
Title: Re: Changing Fork Oil only??
Post by: Mick_J on Saturday, 07 May 2022, 07:22 PM
Unfortunately the fork have to be removed to drain the oil out.  Plus you should slosh a bit of cleaner around the inside which can't be done on the bike (unless you are incredibly strong).
Title: Re: Changing Fork Oil only??
Post by: gsxbarmy on Sunday, 08 May 2022, 01:37 AM
As mgt says, you have to remove the fork legs to change the fork oil, there is no drain plug

https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/index.php?topic=188.0
Title: Re: Changing Fork Oil only??
Post by: grog on Sunday, 08 May 2022, 06:12 PM
Have always wanted to create a drain in forks. Drill, tap n plug. Worked fine in the old bikes. Might look into a spare set to experiment.
Title: Re: Changing Fork Oil only??
Post by: lil4399 on Monday, 09 May 2022, 06:12 AM
Certainly worth doing, I did mine at 54k the oil was rancid and the top bush really worn.

(Can't upload a photo for some reason)
Title: Re: Changing Fork Oil only??
Post by: Hooli on Monday, 09 May 2022, 06:16 AM
It takes about twenty mins to lift the front on two axle stands & drop the forks out, it's hardly an all day task without drain screws.

I always drop the yokes out too & check, regrease the bearings. Suzuki didn't grease them properly & the bottom one always goes rusty. So it's worth doing while you're at it.