Is there a way to check the fork oil?

[Bonzo]

Front end seems a bit "Mushy". I was thinking of adding some oil. any Thoughts? Amount? Is there a substitute for the honda product?

[Bighead]

You have to take the top cap off of fork them measure. I forget what measurements are but they are different for each fork and the manual tells you how.
But I wouldn't think adding oil would be your fix, unless your forks have been leaking. Usually means it needs changing if it get mushy feeling.

[salty1]

If you remove the fork caps, be sure and loosen the top fork pinch bolts. See Chapter 13 of the Service Manual for more detail. 

[sandy]

You don't say how many miles on the bike or the weight you carry. If none has leaked out, you don't need to add any. If you rebuild, you might install Progressive springs and use 15 wt fork oil. 10 wt is standard.

[Gryphon Rider]

There are only two ways to know if you have the right amount of oil.
1. Remove the springs and measure down per the service manual.
2. Thoroughly drain all the oil and use a graduated cylinder to carefully measure it before putting it back in.  And yes, there should be a different amount in the left and right forks.

From the service manual:

[Bonzo]

It is a 98 with under 25 on the clock, I am 6'1' 365, So it is loaded up. I see a Progressive Spring up grade coming this winter!

[sandy]

It is a 98 with under 25 on the clock, I am 6'1' 365, So it is loaded up. I see a Progressive Spring up grade coming this winter!

You might also consider Progressive HD rear shocks. Works Performance shocks will build custom rear shocks for your weight and riding style. Another option is shocks from a 1500 wing. They're air shocks but you'll have to install the air pump and rig an adjustment switch to add and release air.

[Bonzo]

Thanks, I had 440 hd's on my 97. Definitely need to upgrade the shocks. there are lesser short progressives on it now
 

[sandy]

Thanks, I had 440 hd's on my 97. Definitely need to upgrade the shocks. there are lesser short progressives on it now
 

The longer shocks will give more suspension travel. Less bottoming out on the bumps.

[hubcapsc]

Thanks, I had 440 hd's on my 97. Definitely need to upgrade the shocks. there are lesser short progressives on it now
 

The longer shocks will give more suspension travel. Less bottoming out on the bumps.

And less dragging of hard parts in the turns 

-Mike