Fork Oil Change at 12k

[The ModFather]

I've found differing opinions on this forum and I'm trying to decide if I should have the fork oil changed on my 2005 620 as part of the 12k service. I've heard "if its not broke leave it alone" & I have no issues with my front suspension but I've also heard its a must. What's the skinny?

[WTSDS]

Sounds that you'll be getting the service done at a dealer/workshop, in which case they will have the stand to get the front end up in the air - that makes the fork removal and oil change a very simple job.

I would change it, your oil is 8 years old, gets smelly after a few years regardless of distance travelled.

Maybe get a price for the job with and without the fork oil change, then you decide.

[ducpainter]

I'd wait 6K.

[caperix]

With the age of the bike the oil is prob getting pretty nasty.  If you are going to have the forks opened up it would be a good time to look into springs if needed.

[J5]

well the bike isnt broke so why do any service

change it

i would look at suspension specialists for advice on what else could be done and would
look at a specialist to do the work as they will do a proper strip and clean rather than just change the oil
that a dealer would likely do

would also be worthwhile changing the fork seals while they are at it as it wouldnt add much extra cost

[IdZer0]

Change it. I changed my fork fluid after 2 years and I felt the difference (I did change the seals as well though, so not sure I was feeling the difference in fluids or seals to be honest)

[brad black]

I don't understand why people change fork seals that aren't leaking.

but for the op, certainly respring it if you do change the oil and make it worthwhile.

[The ModFather]

I don't understand why people change fork seals that aren't leaking.

but for the op, certainly respring it if you do change the oil and make it worthwhile.

I have no issues with the front suspension but it sounds like changing the fork oil is generally considered required maintenance at some interval. With regards to respringing the forks, I've never had a tank slapper but I do worry that modifying the front suspension could increase the possibility of one occurring. True?

[caperix]

The forks on your bike are sprung for a rider around 140 lbs.  To get the fork oil set to the correct air gap the springs have to be removed.  So it would not be any extra labor time to put the correct springs in the forks while having the oil changed.  Correct sag on the front forks will not increase the chance of a tank slapper occuring, it would more likley decrease the chance as you will be less likley to bottom out the forks, I know I was bottoming out mine on a regular basis during normal riding.

[Slide Panda]

I have no issues with the front suspension but it sounds like changing the fork oil is generally considered required maintenance at some interval.

Yes, changing out the fork and shock oil should be a regular maintenance item. it doesn't last forever

This photo is from forks with about 3500 miles on them. Granted they had done off road duty, but still. So I drained off the oil, and this was left in the bottom of the bucket.



Forks and shocks do generate heat as part of their normal operation and internal parts do rub. The heat will break down the oil over time, and that mechanical action leads to crud. Your fork oil will be something pretty gross when it comes out at this point.

[ducpainter]

Why is it that everyone worries about fork oil and you rarely hear anyone bringing up the fact that the rear shock does twice the work of each fork leg with less than half the oil, can frequently by design be subjected to exhaust heat, and a that a service interval isn't even mentioned in the manual?

Hmmmm?

[IdZer0]

I don't understand why people change fork seals that aren't leaking.

but for the op, certainly respring it if you do change the oil and make it worthwhile.

Might as well replace the seals as they don't cost that much and the work is already 90% done. Would be a shame when the seals blow right after an oil change. That being said, if you do change the oil every year, the (unnecessary) costs add up and maybe it makes more sense to wait until they leak.

Why is it that everyone worries about fork oil and you rarely hear anyone bringing up the fact that the rear shock does twice the work of each fork leg with less than half the oil, can frequently by design be subjected to exhaust heat, and a that a service interval isn't even mentioned in the manual?

Hmmmm?

Very true, but they forks have more wear then a shock and therefor a shock lasts longer (probably longer than most ducatisti keep their bike, and that why Ducati doesn't give an interval 

[brad black]

Why is it that everyone worries about fork oil and you rarely hear anyone bringing up the fact that the rear shock does twice the work of each fork leg with less than half the oil, can frequently by design be subjected to exhaust heat, and a that a service interval isn't even mentioned in the manual?

Hmmmm?

can't see it, must be ok.

suspension work of any sort is the hardest thing to get people to agree to.  and, generally once they do, they get all born again and insist everyone else does it too.

[ducpainter]

can't see it, must be ok.

suspension work of any sort is the hardest thing to get people to agree to.  and, generally once they do, they get all born again and insist everyone else does it too.

Kind of like a new set of tires when there is still tread left? 

Yet the most pleasant gains are right there.

I decided at the start that the only real flaw in the early gen Monsters was suspension.

I spent my money there.

My Ohlins is due for a refresh...My Race-tech forks are close.

[J5]

I don't understand why people change fork seals that aren't leaking.

well since the bike is 8 years old and has never had forks serviced and he is paying for the labour it woulld
be sensible for preventative maintenance

rather than if it starts leaking next year and having to cought up the labour again to do the job

if you were doing fork oils every 6-12months then i wouldnt bother changing the seals until needed