Fork nut removal question

[glwilson]

Okay... first of all, I am not knowledgeable about mechanical-issues as many of you here -- so bear with me and my ignorance!

I have to remove the top fork-nut, along with my new risers, so I can put on a chrome triple-tree cover. (I need to cover scratches from the stock risers.)

Question is: Should I make sure the bike is well supported from below before loosening the fork-nut?.. or can I remove it just long enough to put the chrome cover on?

I am assuming as soon as the nut is loose that there becomes a real possibility that the entire fork assembly will want to come apart -- leaving me with a real mess on my hands.

If any of you can give me a few pointers -- I would greatly appreciate it. I will try to do this in about a week from now.

Thanks, Greg

[nighthawk11]

I put one of those chrome covers on too. I just removed the top fork nut and risers, placed the cover on, torqued everything back down. That was a few hundred miles ago and I don't see any issues.

[redjay]

Hi, The whole fork assembly will not fly apart when you remove the top nut. You need to jack up the bike at the front to fully extend the forks and relieve pressure from the fork spring. Do not remove the top nut until you have done this otherwise it might come out under pressure and hurt you. A jack under the frame (on the opposite side to the sidestand) while the bike is on the sidestand is okay but not the greatest. If you have access to a motorcycle jack and position it so that it will lift the bike at the front first is much more desirable.

[glwilson]

Thanks guys. Guess I will be buying a lift this weekend.

Do you know the torque for the fork nut? Don't have a manual that would show this. It is an '04 1500FI in case that makes a difference.

[dogdoc]

why do you need a lift now?

[nighthawk11]

Hmmm, did mine while it was on the floor, sitting on the side stand. I could've sworn there was another nut underneath that big chrome one.

[glwilson]

Well; not sure Doc other than I am getting opposing opinions on whether I should jack the bike up or not.

Anyone have a manual that could look up to see whether there is another nut under the chrome top-nut?

Help appreciated.

[Scoot]

Greg I don't have my book with me here at work. But looking at gadget here is the torque setting

http://www.gadgetjq.com/torquesettings.htm

I looked on Ron Green's fiche section but it doen't show

http://www.rongreenesportscenter.com...2004&fveh=8977

[nighthawk11]

Here's some info from Gadgets site that may be helpful. It mentions a steering stem nut, which requires a special or fabricated tool, under the chrome top steering nut. Check it out...

http://www.gadgetjq.com/steering_stem_adjust.htm

[glwilson]

Yeah... it doesn't show whether it does or not Scoot. Thanks for the torque info; and trying on the other. Appreciate it. And thanks for the chrome cover!!

Maybe someone will come along and speak up.

[Yellow Jacket]

As long as you don't remove or loosen the bolts clamping the fork tubes into the lower and upper triple-trees nothing will come apart when you remove the large chrome nut in the center of the triple-tree. You can do this with the bike just sitting normally on the side stand.

It's not necessary to jack the bike up to do what you want to do.

Refer to the photo below for the locations of the items mentioned next.

Item #5 is the "Steering Stem Head Nut." Remove this nut.

On the 1600's this has a torque value of 65 ft-lbs, it may be different for a 1500.

Beneath this nut is a washer and an o-ring. Don't lose these.

Also, don't remove the large chrome nuts on the tops of the fork tubes.

Items #1 and #2 are the bolts clamping the fork tubes into the triple-tree. Don't loosen them.

Item #6 is the "Steering Stem Nut." This nut is below the upper triple-tree and holds the steering stem to the frame. You won't be able to see this since you're not going to remove the upper triple-tree.

You will also need to remove the risers, of course, along with the handle bar. Put a couple of heavy towels on the tank to rest the handle bar on.

[glwilson]

Really great info guys. I really appreciate how much you guys can put together in such a short time -- I'm impressed.

This doesn't look like it is going to be all that difficult after all which is a relief. (Excluding maybe hassling with the handlebars as I had to before when putting on the new risers in the first place.)

Anyway... to all... I thank you and will let you know how the "adventure" worked out after I am done this weekend.

Greg

[Scoot]

Hey Greg



Be careful with that new Chrome



Brad

[Kawhead]

Dang it! I'm late to another one, but Bob knocked that one out of the park! Couldn't have 'splained it better myself and all I can add is"He's right".

[redjay]

I thought he was talking about the nut that retains the fork springs, oops.