Topic: 500/550 fork swap questions

[1timduke]

Okay the frame is a '72 500 and the forks I want to put on came off of a '77 550.   I'm switching the forks for four reasons...

1.   The 550 forks are rust free and 5 years younger.

2.   I have to replace the fork gaitors.

3.   I need to change the fork oil.

4.   I just want to take it apart (best reason).

The forks appear to be similar in most respects.   However, I haven't removed the forks from the bike yet to compare length side by side (makes the bike hard to turn ).   Questions are, when removing forks, must you drain the fork oil?   And is it possible to replace the fork oil w/o mounting the forks?   Also, are there any special tools that would help?

Thanks

-Tim

[bryanj]

Forks, as pairs, will change no problem, no you dont have to drain

Its easier to change oil with them in as you have to undo the nut on the top and its easier with the tube clamped in the trees

[1timduke]

Thanks bryanj, I figured it was fairly straightforward.   

-Tim