Is there anyway to replace the fork fluid on these forks without completely dismantling them? (don't have all the tools or patience)

 

Yes can can buy huge syringes for emptying sumps from Autostores.

But a fair bit gets caught up under the damper.

Just cowboy up and dismantle the whole lot.

 

Normally I wouldn't have an issue dismantling anything on my bike, but the suspension bits scare me a little. That, and I'm taking it out to one of the most twisty roads in the US next week and don't want to screw anything up before I leave.

 

How are you going to set the air gap if you don't take the shocks apart ?

The air gap is measured with the damper and fork tubes fully pushed in and no spring
fitted.

The oil capacity quoted is just a guideline for initial filling.

 

It's quite easy to drain the fork oil using the drain holes that are at the lower outside of the fork legs for just that purpose!. You will need to remove the top fork cap, allow the weight if the bike to then push them up a few inches so you can remove the fork cap from the damper rod. I would use a jack underneath the sump to prevent the bike from completely falling on it's knees, of course. Then remove the springs and spacers ( noting the original fitment for re- installation); remove the drain bolts and pump the forks a couple times to completely drain; replace the drain bolts and washers, add a little less than the recommended amount of fork oil and pump the foks up and down a couple times; then use a jack; block of wood or any other method to elevate the front wheel so that the fork is at the minimum travel limit; check the fork oil level, add to the recommeneded level. If you over- fill (and probably will!)I use a 'mighty- vac' brake bleeder with a length of clear hose marked at the appropriate level, stuff it in the fork to theaforementioned mark and simply suck the oil out to the exact level desired. Install springs/ spacers/ fork cap, etc., then lower the fork down so you can screw the fork cap into the fork leg and you're off!
:note; the damper rods will probably fall down into the fork, no big deal; you can pull them back up using a long set of needle nose pliers. That may damage the threads a little; I use a telescoping magnetic device designed to retrieve bolts and nuts from crevices.