SquidBusters Archive - Need help lowering forks

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Need help lowering forks
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Posted by: Crash

Alright, so I finally decided I'm dropping the triple clamps by 5 mm. So, in order to do this, do I need a front stand? If so, do I need a fork-supporting stand or a steering tube support stand? I was planning on picking up one anyway to store the bike and not buldge the front tire. The centerstand should be plenty good to save the back. Dont want to kill the Diablos! Any advice anyone can give me would be appreciated; I'm hoping to do this job this weekend! Thanx guys/gals!

Posted by: 87hurricane

You don't really need a front stand to do this, but it would make life easier. If you get one, get the steering tube support style, otherwise you won't be any better off than you would be with the bike on the ground.

Posted by: ChrisKatana

Like 87 said, you really don't need a front stand, I did mine with just the side stand! jut do one side at a time, it may actaully be more difficult with the front wheel off the ground since then you would have to lift the entire weight of the forks and wheel to get the forks to go up though the clamps. I'd recomend putting it on the centerstand and loosening one side at a time.

Posted by: Crash

Thanks for the info guys. I just wasnt sure if the 1 side at a time approach would work. I'll get to it tomorrow and let you know how it works out! Guess I better go get that torque wrench though...

Posted by: Falcn

If you have a center stand you don't need a front stand.

Tie the back of the bike down to a non-moving object to lift the front wheel off the ground.

Remove the front tire, loosen all the bolts and raise one fork tube at a time.

Reinstall and tighten everything down.....

I see you attempted this over the weekend, how did it work?

Posted by: Crash

I ended up spending the better part of the day cleaning the chain on Saturday, then the missus had plans for us for the rest of the day and Sunday. Of course now the bike is in the shop having the valves re-shimmed and the last of the transit damage repaired (bike fell over in shipping container during transit to Germany) so I'll have to wait until I get it back from the stealers. Cant wait though, even went out and bought a torque wrench!