Triumph Trophy, Fork Oil Change! "Filthiest Oil I've ever seen" !!!

[@andyhutch8262]

If my fork oil was as crap as your bike, I would be stripping them down.

[@Moonfleet41]

Yeah, i was borderline, i don't have the time right now, but ill probably do it in the spring !

[@LS-uv9gg]

I installed a set of cartridge emulators in my forks, and put in fresh new fork oil. Fast forward to a couple years later, when replacing leaking fork seals. Removing the "old" oil, I was aghast at seeing evil blackness, lol. It was only when putting new oil in that was a bright sky blue colour, did I remember the previous oil was the *same* stuff! I had forgotten the colour, and that put into better perspective just how it sure does degrade over time!

[@Moonfleet41]

It sure does mate, it seems to matter none what mileage you do, leave it more than 2yrs, and it just seems to want to turn back in to crude oil!!

[@johnriley8713]

Nifty fork-oil bottle that comes with a pointy spout built-in! No mess, no funnel.

[@Moonfleet41]

Yes mate, same as a gear oil bottle I guess, clever Castrol!

[@donaldsutton1846]

THIS is the video I’ve been needing! I desperately need to change the fork oil in my Trophy, but I’m really nervous about taking the forks out of the bike. Now I have a way to do it!!!!

[@Moonfleet41]

Sure thing buddy, a link to the vacuum fluid extractor in the description below the video!

[@Butterfly07949]

Is that a bit of serendipity there Del in regards to the fork springs (I discovered this word through you a great word learned and I Ioften use now) they are progressive. Have you struck gold and are not factory? Loved the trick with the vacuum device for the air gap! Thats another hot tip for my memory bank 😀 Good work Del x

[@Moonfleet41]

I'm not actually sure mate, I certainly didn't expect to see progressive springs in such a basic bike, and I'm certain they weren't standard from the factory in 1994... but then again, it is designed to be a soft, comfy touring bike and the forks are non-adjustable, so who knows, but certainly happy they're in there! Have a great weekend mate...

[@bobbyboy723]

Hi Del, I have changed the fork oil on my bike a few times but never thought to measure the spring length. You learn something new every day. Cheers. Rob

[@babak4406]

Nice job as always. Cant remember if u ever show us how to make a valve adjustment video. Your channel is so pleasant to watch. With your help ive learnt how to change and service all my bikes. With all that confidence i finally dared to do my own valve adjustment. …Make it or brake it yolo😂

[@Moonfleet41]

I did a valve clearance check on the Triumph legend project, it's pretty much the same procedure on most bikes, glad to hear you got yours done too!

[@randallissimo]

You skimmed over the hardest part, getting those top caps threaded on under spring pressure. Always makes me frustrated.

[@kpowers9017]

That was absolutely rancid. They should have been stripped down properly and cleaned. The residue left will have instantly contaminated it.

[@Moonfleet41]

Yeah I know, I did mention that in the video, but I don't have time, nor the materials, I'll do it in the Spring... I've done a strip and re-build in many videos.

[@PANTYEATR1]

To get the remaining residue on the fork walls, could some brake clean, carb cleaner, wax & grease remover, acetone etc. Be sprayed in the tube and suctioned out? Could that prevent total disassembly to thoroughly clean everything? Good video as customary💪

[@Moonfleet41]

No, I wouldn't do that, as this method doesn't get 100% of the fluid out therefore whatever you spray in will partly remain behind and contaminate your new oil, potentially thinning it out... if you want everything clean, the only way is to strip them... what you maybe could do is add your new oil, change it again after maybe 50-100 miles and any contaminants left behind will have become mixed with the new oil, and it'll come out a lot cleaner than the first time... using fresh oil as a 'flush' is a safe way to do it.

[@PANTYEATR1]

@@Moonfleet41 Roger that, thank you💪

[@elizabethdowden6483]

hi Del, great vid will save me so much time and spannering when I come to change my oil. can I ask where did you get the rigid plastic pipe that you inserted into the forks? many thanks, regards Tony.

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi Tony, I made that from a short length of plastic pipe and the outer shroud from a clutch cable.. then taped the two tightly in to one, gives you a stiff, slim and controllable metal lined tube, works a treat!

[@paulregner5335]

I wish oil was packaged in bottles with handy pop-up spouts here in the United States. Then again, maybe the Castrol is. I used Maxima 10wt when I had to change a weeping fork seal last year and it had no fancy spout.

[@tommylitchfield3450]

I liked that, too! That oil spout was as sexy as boots on a rooster!

[@PaulR387]

Brilliant, love the Ty wrap and oil level measuring, more masterclass from Delboy

[@Bikerbros1987]

This is all good fun, but what about the Sportster project Del? 😅

[@grosbeakmc]

As always, very well done both of you! I was unaware that you could change fork oil without removing and disassembling the forks. Thanks so much the education and for bringing us along for the ride. Take care, be well, ride safe!

[@Moonfleet41]

You're most welcome mate, have a great weekend yourself! D&Px

[@buzzman3200]

Absolutely, really useful info and tools simply presented.

[@tommylitchfield3450]

That oil was pretty terrible, I'll give you that, Del. I think I might have you beat, though. I just rebuilt the forks on my XL1200L Harley for leaky seals and I replaced the internals with a cartridge kit from Progressive Suspension, which I really like. The last guy had drove the seals in with a screwdriver, so the seals didn't seal so well, and the oil in one of the legs looked just like your Triumph, but the OTHER leg looked and smelled like it had been in a swamp for 40 years. It smelled BAD! I replaced the oil with a synthetic, just in hopes of not having to deal with that smell again. Two week old fish laid out on a hot dock might smell as bad, but it would be a close one! By the way, I love that drain tool! Fine work editing, as always, Penn!

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks Tommy, that made me smile... and yes, it's all those smells, drains, rotten fish, a muddy ditch, you name it! Glad to hear you got yours done... have a great weekend mate.

[@tommylitchfield3450]

@@Moonfleet41 You guys enjoy your weekend as well.

[@stuartguillot4172]

Thank you very much for the videos and your expertise. That you share so easily with the rest of us and in a very simple easy to follow & common sense way. That is your superpower…! 😎 I have a question: I have a 2011 Sprint GT with 20,000 miles on it, I’ve put 9,000 on it over the last 2 years. It had sat for almost 4 years before God blessed me with for $280. As far as I know, the fork coil has never been changed…. Can I pop the caps and suck out the old oil and fill with fresh oil like you did with this trophy? Thank You and God Bless you. Stuart from Texas 😇

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi Stuart, yes you can, it's always advisable to change the fork oil at least every 2yrs if the bike's in use and certainly after 4yrs stood still, it won't smell very nice by now! So go ahead, get it sucked out and replaced and you'll notice a difference in performance right away... best of luck with it!

[@loganalomar9919]

I'm happy there isn't smellovision, as that fluid looked horrible! I need to do this service on my Concours 1400, but I'm unsure if it'll mess up the pre- load / dampen settings if all i need is to take off the cap. Any advice?

[@Moonfleet41]

If you're settings are all correct at the moment, then make a note of them, and just re-set to that once you put the caps back on... can't be more specific as never worked on one mate.

[@markbranton1240]

Not a suggestion, but would putting a load of new oil and draining it again be helpful or a waste of good oil. I would like your opinion because I am about to do this on my bike and I know it hasn't been done in 20 years. I know, my bad. Lol

[@Moonfleet41]

Using the new oil as a flushing agent is damn good practice mate, it doesn't leave behind the contamination that flushing solvents can, and I've done this many times myself, specially with gearboxes on cars... but don't put it in and drain it straight out again, put it in, ride it for 50-100 miles, let it properly rinse round all the internals, then suck it out again and re-fill with fresh. Fork oil's not expensive and most bikes don't take much more than a litre! Good luck with it.

[@markbranton1240]

@@Moonfleet41 thank you

[@aarong9127]

The standard for measuring components is 20 degrees C. Does the manual give a tolerance for spring length, if the manual is any good it should have all that info.

[@paulclarke7461]

Another great video

[@nickhellen6303]

I think the suction idea is great.I have used it myself for years. I also like to flush the forks with methylated spirits or some other mild degreaser; and then suck that out.( I leave the springs in place initially) It certainly helps to flush detritus/crap off the internal bits and down to the fork bottom.

[@partyguarder]

Thanks for the video. Clear and easy to understand 👍 I need to do this on my bike (BMW F800ST), but it doesn't have the screw tops like your Triumph does. It uses circlips which are a real pisser to get out of there. Question. Is 10W suitable for my bike? I have heard that a 15W is better.

[@enduromotorradtouren]

Nice video. I've never come across an fork oil extractor. These thing is handy. Much faster change than getting the forks out. Have a great weekend, Günter/Nürnberg

[@Moonfleet41]

There's a link in the description Günter, and enjoy your weekend too!

[@garyplante6429]

Great video,on both my Royal Enfield and Triumph Manuel was talking about removing forks,pump method makes a lot more sense.Thanks!

[@Moonfleet41]

Most welcome Gary, Glad it helped!

[@gearjammer3688]

Thanks for this. Looks pretty easy. So I will give my Versys 1000 some love.

[@steveo7767]

Oh man that fluid is horrid!

[@helimonster3]

I was always scared to do this job. Thought it was really technical and I’d have to take the forks off. Thanks for get great tips :)

[@Moonfleet41]

Glad it helped you mate, it's just an oil change, there's a link to the vacuum pump in the description below the video, why not stick one on the Christmas list!

[@loddude5706]

As Bat Man''s cousin, Bat Fastard, I actually rely on 'organic sag' to hold the back of the tank down. Have a great w/e : )xx

[@Moonfleet41]

You too buddy, be well!

[@pietrovardi9583]

Excellent stuff! Thank you

[@nigelhunter9995]

Hi great video, can I ask does the amount of fork oil change when you swap fork springs to progressive

[@buzzman3200]

If you noticed the tighter wound coils where at the top to have lesser effect on the oil level

[@rickrogers2649]

Love the maintenance videos Del. They are always loaded with great tips and tricks. Good call on changing out that oil. Looks like it might have been the same age as the bike. True confession here....when I saw the thumbnail I thought you were making a cooking video. 😁 Many thanks to you and Penny. God bless and stay well my friends. ❤👍👍

[@Moonfleet41]

Now wouldn't that be a shock for the viewers!... 'Good morning, welcome back, and today we're gonna make Fork Oil Risotto'... I could be the new Fanny Craddock lol Seriously though, thanks so much for your constant kind words, it keep us motivated, have a great weekend, keep well, D&Px

[@tinks43]

And now you have yourself & Pen a pint of Guinness each, enjoy the weekend.

[@Moonfleet41]

Ah, thanks mate, yes that's a nice idea... see ya soon! D&Px

[@mickleblade]

In '98 I bought a 600 bandit, had a soft bouncy front. When I poured the oil out there was 100ml of pale watery grey stuff, instead of the 500 it should. Did the previous owner do that? Then I bought an SV650 with 1760 miles on it, same problem, same reason. Suzuki crap quality. It may be better now.

[@veeken777]

Phook that's never been changed I recon. At least now I can substitute Bisto instead of Silkolene, my Gamma as like that handling wise anyway. 🤣

[@SurreyRider]

Thanks Del and Penny excellent video full of useful information. Hope your both well and getting ready for Christmas 👍

[@Moonfleet41]

Hey buddy, thanks for your kind words, and you too... we hope you're keeping safe and well and getting on with life and hopefully you'll have a nice Christmas and a Happy New Year, keep safe and stay in touch buddy, D&Px

[@garya3056]

Nicely done, Del! Harley Dealers were quoting $200 for this service pre-pandemic. Heavens knows what it might cost now! Hope you both are doing well there! 🏍👍🏍

[@Moonfleet41]

Sure thing buddy, all Harley servicing (or any main dealer for that matter) comes at a price, but for those who can't do it at home, sometimes it's the only option! Have a safe and peaceful week and look after each other, D&Px

[@garya3056]

@@Moonfleet41 yessir. 😎

[@jjrider6758]

I suppose it might be seen as being a little 'anal' but I think it always feels good to know that all the fluids are changed and the bike is properly serviced - not only that, it's doing right by the bike too.

[@chriswest2290]

A"nal" and "fluids". I think I'm on the wrong site 🤣😅

[@allanmason7544]

del i am not trying to teach an old dog new tricks but when i worked for bp in the 60 and 70s on tankers when we took soundings an air gap is called an ulage love your vids both

[@ASeanCurry]

Just bought one of these, but the Haynes manual gives different values depending on 4 numbers on the vin.. does anyone know which bit of the vin these numbers are taken from?

[@Moonfleet41]

Presumably the last four, unless it says otherwise..?

[@ASeanCurry]

@@Moonfleet41 I was thinking that, but the manual doesn't say either way

[@ASeanCurry]

BTW the bike is a '94 M reg, the double of yours

[@Moonfleet41]

@@ASeanCurry How different are the measurements between the options...is it a few mm in height or a few CC's.. or a bigger difference ?

[@buzzman3200]

Del did it make a noticeable difference to the ride quality of the bike? As its your daily it would be interesting to hear your comments. Excellent video as always, fantastic info for the DIY biker.

[@Moonfleet41]

Yes mate, a marked difference, smoother and less bouncy, a lot more control and of course, peace of mind that I now know when to do it next!

[@buzzman3200]

@@Moonfleet41 Cheers Del, you're an inspiration

[@chrispayne1029]

Great Video by the look of that definitely needed changing great job Del 💯👏👌👍

[@alexmacdiver]

First time clicking on a Vid for a while. This is the kinda stuff I'm into. Practical Maintenance. . . . Gives a good bench mark for ones capabilities. " should I put it into shop, or D.I.Y. it " Didn't realize they did handpumps with catcher, thought only electro ones had reservoir. ☕🧁🥇

[@ballerblocks]

Thank you for doing this video. I have the same bike, and it's something I need to get to eventually. Once again, del boy delivers useful information, thank you

[@shaunglendinning]

Great segment on the 'Fork Oil Change' Del. You and P have yourselves a great weekend. Cheers.

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks Shaun, have a great weekend yourself!

[@kaylumnewell]

Great job Del

[@garyjulius995]

Damm good job that looks like shit .Damm I need to do mine I will be over thanks

[@Unedited2022]

Hi Del, do you have any advice for getting the sludge out from the bottom of the forks? I really don’t want to strip the forks etc but I need to replace the oil. Cheers.

[@TechnMoto]

Oil looks like it’s been in there for quite sometime. Didn’t know a tool like that existed. Very useful. As always a job well done 👍

[@Moonfleet41]

Hey Mike, Good to hear from you sir.. and yeah, certainly older then two years, that's for sure. !

[@kwiebje24]

Your tips and tricks are awesome!

[@howder1951]

Ooooh the gross smell of aged fork oil! Nice video del, cheers!

[@TheTaskurapu]

I absolutely love the way you explain things, you make them reasonable and simple. Keep up the good work, Del. Greetings from Finland again!

[@Moonfleet41]

Thank you for your kind support, appreciate you watching!

[@andyhesketh4023]

That was the colour of my diff oil on my wing before I changed it

[@TheWibbo]

"it's swedish.."

[@myz06rocks]

Pretty timely Del. Thanks. I’m going to set about some maintenance on my ZX9 after the ST is done and this was on the list!

[@Moonfleet41]

Good stuff mate, best of luck with it!

[@travisray139]

🤮 Nasty. Love the extractor though.

[@chriswest2290]

I don't get the need to measure the air gap. Surly if the forks are empty of oil and you put in the stated amount. That is the correct amount.

[@Moonfleet41]

OK, so if you measured them, just to be sure, and the level was wrong, what would you do then?

[@chriswest2290]

@Delboy's Garage I am doing the seals on my 390 next week. If the forks are clean of a y oil. A d the manual says to put 450ml in each leg. Wouldn't that suffice? How would the level be wrong? I bow to your superior knowlges. Just trying to learn the best and correct way. Do you mean to measure the air gap as reassuring double check?

[@chriswest2290]

@@Moonfleet41 you mean it's another way, if for instance I spilt so oil going into the forks, I would then be lost. Is that correct? 👍

[@Moonfleet41]

Ok Chris, When you consider that the level is critical mate, it will always be important to check it.. Unless you strip your forks right down to the last component, wash and dry everything, then reassemble them.. then you can be sure there is no oil in there to add to the quantity you pour in... as oil clings to the inside of the fork legs, you will never know exactly how much is in there still after you empty them out! So and as the level is critical, why not make sure it's correct by measuring it mate, the data is on your manual, so why not use it?

[@chriswest2290]

@Delboy's Garage I get you know. I understand. Hope you didn't think I was challenging your knowledge there Del. I was just to understand. I've see a few videos where they just pour the oil in so was getting conflicting instructions. I see what you are saying. Your way is the most accurate way.. now I go to find a vacuum pump🤦👍

[@guyfuller1369]

The old fork oil was . . . despicable. Nice job today. New paint on the scrambler will be fun. Wondering about the Sportster redo-did I miss something? Supply chain issues? I’ll watch anything you post, but I was just wondering. Cheers!

[@Moonfleet41]

Sportster back shortly mate.. saving up for parts, Got some big and very expensive parts to pay for now..! and also after almost a year on a Harley project, we wanted to bring a little variety to break up the routine !

[@Cueballproductions1149]

Fantastic video saved in Delboy save list

[@Moonfleet41]

Cheers buddy, great to hear from you as always!

[@davidmain3]

Could you flush any dregs out with say WD40?

[@Moonfleet41]

No mate, you're better off putting the new oil in, run it for a few miles, then change it again, any solvent left in the forks could contaminate the new oil and thin it out. If in doubt mate, strip them apart and wash everything, and I'll probably do that with this bike in the Spring.

[@innes59]

😮this vacuum oil extractor work upside forks ? ? ?, ps good job on your triumph bike

[@Moonfleet41]

Yes, just unscrew the cap and slide the tube down a little..!

[@springy-2112]

I actually started this video 11 times today! I Finally got to watch it properly. It's always fun to find your forks full of liquid plasticine! Now we know what happened to Morph and his mate.😃 Peas n Loaf to you both! ✌️❤️🤗

[@Moonfleet41]

God bless Morph and Chas! Thanks buddy, have a great weekend and keep safe, D&Px

[@JavierGonzalez-nb5fm]

Hi, can you help with the same service, but it is a Indian scout bobber and there isn’t any other video out there and I don’t know if it is the same procedure. In the dealership, they want to charge me $980. Thanks

[@x-man5056]

I'm putting progressive springs on my '22 Street Scrambler. I'm going to lower the ride height about 3/4". Do I need to do the oil level check because I lowered it?

[@Moonfleet41]

Orientate the close coils of the springs to the top to minimise the oil difference, and set the oil level perhaps 5mm lower, then ride the bike as there's no prescribed different level, if it feels a little stiff reduce the oil level by another 5mm, it's just a matter of fine tuning the ride to taste.

[@x-man5056]

@@Moonfleet41 Excellent. Thanks Del.

[@aka_Locke]

Could you use the same vacuum trick to siphon gas out of a tank? I've no idea how to take the gas out of my 2022 Kawi KLX 300 R and it looks like this would work really well.

[@Moonfleet41]

Use one of these mate ! www.spanner-monkey.co.uk/emergency-fuel-transfer-pump-114311?search=ec97&description=true

[@aka_Locke]

@@Moonfleet41 Thanks bro

[@MintyGusto]

Crackin video as always Del. Nice way to check sag too - hadn't ever thought of doing it that way! Hope you and P are both good? Have a brilliant weekend mate

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks buddy, simple and effective, it gives you a good gauge on the halth of your fork springs and oil... enjoy your weekend too!

[@nickmitton7350]

I don't have a Haynes manual!! I've got a Del's manual. !! Great tutorial again mate.!!😎👍🏍

[@iainduncan2363]

nice one del always like the ones we get to learn something m8 atb iain

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks mate, have a great weekend!

[@mongrelmobuk6930]

Alright mate I have p505 code on my Harley Davidson road king can't figure out what is happening it runs like it's running out of petal any help would be appreciated

[@Moonfleet41]

ADV beat me to it, sound advice mate, many causes for air intake leakage.. start with the most obvious !

[@Nathan2692]

Hi bro, can I use the same way for my Yamaha R3?

[@Moonfleet41]

Yes you can

[@ObsessiveCarDetailer]

what a great video Del, really enjoyed it👍

[@Moonfleet41]

Thank you mate, really appreciate your feedback!

[@ObsessiveCarDetailer]

@@Moonfleet41 as a KZbinr myself, I really appreciate the amount of work you guys do behind the scenes to produce such great content at such a great quality. Ive said it before Del.In my opinion one of the best channels on KZbin mate

[@x-menproductions]

I have watched this channel for years and only got around to subscribing recently. (Shame on me). In a nutshell fabulous as ever. KZbin was invented for channels like Delboys Garage. You have inspired thousands of people all over the world. Keep up the great work.

[@Moonfleet41]

Thank you, we appreciate your support.

[@gerardcullen5131]

I always learn something when I watch your videos Del thank you again

[@renzovc]

Another great video brother! well done ! Im glad you change the fork oil 👍 Will get that vacuum pump soon it seems to work great ! can't wait for the next video ! Keep up the great work brother! stay safe guys cheers from new york !!!🎉🎉

[@Moonfleet41]

Hey brother, great to hear from you, it's a great tool to have, with the slim tube, which is, by the looks of it, made from a motorcycle clutch cable outer shroud, you can actually suck your engine oil out through your car engine dipstick hole, and of course many other uses where you can't drain oil by the normal method. Have a great week both, keep safe and be well, D&Px

[@randyadkins7498]

Thanks Delboy. Job made simple, just wish I had a bike stand. See ya at the next how to as always. Cheers!

[@allenhuling598]

You know I appreciate the maintenance videos....and this is both a great video and good timing for me! Cheers, D & P!

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi Allen, glad you enjoyed, enjoy your weekend D&Px

[@oulupulu]

That's my weekend plans sorted. Cheers mate!

[@alexmorgan3435]

A+++.

[@thomasdabb8393]

Great explanation and video. The front triple and gage arrangement etc reminds me a lot of my current BMW R1100S. Suspension with its tell a lever is different and strange yet works.

[@anchisescaldas3992]

Brother, you really rocks! Send more imfo on this suction Tool! Love your vídeos ❤️

[@Moonfleet41]

Link in the description to the vacuum fluid extractor! Thanks for watching.

[@vazza7504]

Brilliant video again Delboy. Deffo sucking the old oil out is the way to go, not sure if those triumph forks have drain screw's but most forks on larger bikes don't. So much less hassle doing it your way. Thanks, Vinny.

[@Moonfleet41]

Sure thing mate, it's a very purist mentality to strip the forks (but not wrong), but it will also cost you fork seals as well then and as you should do it every 2yrs, it gets expensive in the end... it makes a remarkable difference to the performance as well.

[@leighmarshman3522]

Hello mate hope your both doing well I done mine last weekend and I thought mine was bad 😮🤘🤘

[@wobblysauce]

That is some Turkish coffee

[@rsbharley4766]

Nice video Del & Penny. Excellent how - to mate, job well done. I can see this one helping a lot of people for years to come. Have a great weekend.,take care, Cheers

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks buddy, that would be a great future for the video for it to go on reaching out and helping others to do the same! Have a great weekend there, D&Px

[@nicholasbishop3300]

Nice little service job there Del Great tips Nick Australia

[@Moonfleet41]

Cheers mate, have a great weekend and keep safe!

[@andyjrichie6709]

Very interesting that you know what you know. I good eye opening video. Have a great weekend to you both

[@Moonfleet41]

Enjoy your weekend both, thanks for watching mate!

[@amantek3545]

Would this method work on inverted forks?