B5 fork oil change

[sparklow]

Simple question - do I have to remove the fork legs to change fork oil on my B5? I expect that I do though I'd rather not. I am spoiled by my old Triumph where removal of the fork legs is not necessary.

[shamelin]

Yes.  The B5 has the same fork setup as the C5.  Scotty has an excellent tutorial on getting it done.

http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/forum/index.php/topic,10813.0.html

It's a great winter project and will significantly improve the feel of your front shocks, so don't be dissuaded by the effort it takes.

[mattsz]

Interesting that this and the G5 fork oil change thread appeared at about the same moment!  Since I have the B5, I'll post here...

In the G5 thread, Ernie wrote:

...I've heard some shocking stories about the quality (and) quanity of the oil used ex factory.

And the comments here lead me to ask:  is a fork oil change something that I should be thinking about this winter, even though the bike is new and the shocks seem to be working fine?  Or should I not worry about it until there's signs the oil is done?

What are the signs?  I don't challenge my bike's suspension, or traction, for that matter...

[Ducati Scotty]

Yes.  Every fork on every bike I've ever owned has too little oil and it's usually crap, thin and funky smelling.  The RE is no exception.  I recommend that everyone do this, even to a brand new bike.  It provides a notable improvement to the front end.

Scott

[GSS]

+1. Reminded me of the thin grey-green stuff that came out of my front shocks. http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/forum/index.php/topic,12379.0.html

[sparklow]

Front forks aren't really too bad if the bike is ridden conservatively. The front fork dive that comes with grabbing a handful of front brake is what I don't like. I do want to change the oil and will probably use ATF as I have good results with this in my other bikes.

[Ducati Scotty]

Filling them with the proper amount of fluid reduces dive noticeably.

Scott