Ya gotta lay all your weight into getting those fork caps screwed back in. Actually after getting the cap threads just started a couple turns then it gets easy, just be careful to not cross thread.

 

Thanks, 35mm socket, long extension and ratchet and push down from top?

Once I get a socket I can do this next weekend.

I can't think any other reason why the forks would be soft other than oil degradation?

 

You didn't post what year or miles your Sportster is but springs get weak over time.

 

2001, with around 18,000 on the clock.

 

You can get stiffer springs for your bike too, Progressive sells them thru J&P Cycles. The heavier oil will slow the fork reaction time but won't make the forks stiffer.
The old school way to stiffen hydraulic forks was to put 'slugs' on top of the springs. That would really make the caps more difficult to screw back in.

 

I would use the shortest extension possible. Longer gives more chance of misaligning & cross thread. When installing the fork caps, I push down and turn the caps as if I were removing them. You can feel a tiny click when the thread is straight, then carefully start to tighten the cap. Do it without the spring a couple of times so you know the feeling. Also while you have the spring out, get some mineral spirits or other mild solvent and use to clean the gunk out of the tubes. You'll be surprised at the stuff that comes out.

 

I think you will notice the front end feeling a bit tighter, stiffening up, all depends on what your looking for. I changed the oil on my King no big deal, did seem to tighten it up a bit and reduce brake dive. Take your time, you'll be fine.

 

This video is not a sportster however, it does give you a very good idea of exactly what your up against..

Good luck and take it slow!

 

Ok thank for the info. I got myself a 35mm socket and will do them at the weekend and will see if a slightly heavier oil helps with the softness otherwise I will look at spring replacement.

They are very soft. I can quite easily push down on the front end and bottom them out. Every speed bump, every time I front brake I hear the clunk. I know they bottom out as I put tie wraps on the forks and they got pushed right to the top.

 

I'm from INDIANA - so - the HILLBIILY fix (temporary / or / permanent) is:
to get a short piece of schedule-40 PVC Pipe in an appropriate size
One that will fit inside your FORK TUBE(s) from the TOP ...
& will rest on top of your old "weak" Spring ...
PVC Pipe is cheap --- try several length pieces
1/2 "
3/4"
1"
etc Etc ETC until you find a comfortable STIFFNESS

I have never had any problem with OIL Loss removing the top CAPS to swap PVC inserts

So start SHORT & do NOT go overboard

Let me know if anyone has heard or ... or ... HAD a problem with this cheap solution
( I do not want to put anyone in jeopardy - but - it has worked for me )

 

I use a cordless drill fitted with the socket to get the caps on.

 

Putting spacers on top of springs, will make the springs firmer, but also reduces the fork travel. Thicker oil, will not make the forks firmer, but will increase the damping, making the forks appear to be firmer. The increased damping maight be enough that firmer springs will not be needed. If you use PVC as spacers, put a steel washer on each end of the pvc so that the springs do not abrade the PVC and contaminate the fork oil.

 

Tip for installing the fork cap . . .