Yes the bike needs to be off the ground, the dealer will tell you exactly how much you need when you purchase the oil. You will need the socket to remove the nut on top of the fork tube. It's a special socket, 1-3/8s", of a soft metal so you don't mar up the chrome. $20 @ J&P cycles. You'll also need 2 new Brass crush washers that are at the fork bottom when you drain the old fluid out. IMHO, if you ride aggressively, or the bike "wallows" front to rear.....usually when you enter onto a bridge going down hill, you may want to add a thicker, performance oil. For really getting a good road feel/feedback I added Progressive springs for about $75 on Ebay. Also, when removing that top nut, once it is finger loose, place a rag over it and hang on tight because it is under tension, even off the ground. I'd hate to see the spring pop it into the air, and you KNOW it will land on & scratch you paint up! I commend you for doing this much needed, unglamorous and seldom done task. Good luck. Contact me if you have any more Qs.