R80 Fork oil Change

[Deleted account 231002001]

Done the valve clearances this morning and next job is change the 36 year old fork oil. I may well get some springs later but for now just want to change oil.

Am I right to think it’s bike on centre stand, weight off front, undo 5mm key on top and simply drain out and then roll off stand, light pump and back up to refill from top?

Seen various measurements but does 320cc and 343mm from top using a dipstick sound right? Not done this before.
1986 R80RT

 

[Mad Hatter]

Depends how far you want to go…….a basic oil change is exactly as you’ve described it. Bit of a messy job but the procedure you’ve described is correct. If it were me though (being a bit OCD on bike maintenance. I’d whip the forks off and strip them down, check the bushes and give them a really thorough clean out before reassembling with fresh oil. That’s just me though

 

[Nin]

Remember to measure oil height with springs out, forks fully compressed.

 

[Deleted account 231002001]

Remember to measure oil height with springs out, forks fully compressed.

Can you remove springs with forks in place?

 

[Deleted account 231002001]

Depends how far you want to go…….a basic oil change is exactly as you’ve described it. Bit of a messy job but the procedure you’ve described is correct. If it were me though (being a bit OCD on bike maintenance. I’d whip the forks off and strip them down, check the bushes and give them a really thorough clean out before reassembling with fresh oil. That’s just me though

Yeah I will take them out and do it properly at some point but just want to do a quick oil change for now.

 

[Nin]

Can you remove springs with forks in place?

Yep, tops of the forks unscrew. Easier with them in situ. You might make it easier if the handlebars are off.

 

[Deleted account 231002001]

On a video I watched the guy used a dipstick to check level after refilling with springs in and on centre stand. Measured down to top of oil.

 

[Nin]

That’s how to do it - but specified levels are with springs out and forks compressed.