This thread shall serve as a "How To" for installation of any hidden axle. A hidden axle is sure to clean up the front end of the bike by eliminating the bulbous ends of the stock axle and/or axle covers which stand out like a sore thumb. If you think like I do clean lines are what you are after, not bulky chrome covers.

Tools needed:
1/2" open end wrench
3/4" open end wrench
10mm 12 point socket or wrench
1/2" and 3/4" socket with ratchet

Remove the brake calipers from the lower legs with the 12 point 10mm socket or wrench.

Step 1. Remove the current axle, making note of axle spacer orientation. Prepare to install the captive nut(splined cap with internal threads) into the left (sitting on the bike left) fork leg. Thread the 1/2 20 nut on the bolt all the way up to its head, then the washer.


Step 2. Insert the bolt through the axle hole from the inside of the fork leg. Thread the captive nut onto the bolt as far as you can by hand.



Step 3. The nut is used as a puller. As you tighten the nut with a 3/4" wrench the captive nut will gradually insert itself into the leg until flush.


Step 4. Once the captive nut is pulled in flush, back out the bolt from the leg. The captive nut is now securely in the lower leg.


Step 5. Install the wheel with the spacers in the correct positions. Apply anti seize to the axle and thread the axle first into the captive nut by hand.

Step 6. Use a 3/4" socket to tighten axle.


Step 7. Use a foot pound torque wrench to tighten the axle to 50-55 ft lbs.


Step 8. Slide the second cap with the o-ring into the lower leg.


Step 9. Install the right lower leg clamp using a 1/2" socket, torque pinch bolts to 11-15 ft. lbs.


Stand back and admire your clean lower legs with the new hidden axle.

 

Just order mines today

 

Darrell, it will be shipping out today.

 

Damn nice cost effective alternative to the smooth legs offered by Ness and PM.

 

yes, it is quite a bit less expensive than a set of Ness Hot Legs or American Suspension smooth bottom lowers. You must consider the fact that those all come with a hidden axle as part of the kit.

If you are going to keep your stock legs this is the way to go. I think the bike looks much cleaner with a hidden axle than with axle covers which tend to stand out like a sore thumb even if they match the legs.

The hidden axle costs a little more but you get a lot in the way of clean looks for the price difference.

 

Installed the hidden axle on my bike and the installation was a breeze.

Except for the captive nut. I got it pulled up flush eventually but it was a beotch to get in there.

Finished product looks great though.

 

How about a pic? It looks like you still have the stock axle with the covers on in the sig pic.

 

The hidden axle is installed on the bike in the sig pic.

A couple more pics attached.

 

I see. I guess the reflection off the glistening chrome threw me off. I'll snap a few pics of what we have here at the shop on bikes when I get a chance.

 

I dig the flush look too. I went with a FatBaggers about a year ago and it was cake to install. Havent had to remove it yet.....we'll see on that one! LOL!!