Top fork nut size ??
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,602
Likes: 3
From: Southeastern Michigan
Just a standard 1/38 boxed end wrench will take it loose problem is you can't take any torque readings with a boxed end wrench when installing the nut.that being said I know there's plenty of people who will tell ya you don't need torque reading I just think its better if ya can, imo
I think it even uses the wrench supplied in the tool kit?
Like I said you can do it with a boxed end wrench or a axle wrench but if you want it done properly the best method is buy the $7.00 socket and put a reliable torque wrench on it.thats why the repair manual has torque numbers,but if that doesn't get for ya just grab a big wrench and reef on it. Imo
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,602
Likes: 3
From: Southeastern Michigan
Like I said you can do it with a boxed end wrench or a axle wrench but if you want it done properly the best method is buy the $7.00 socket and put a reliable torque wrench on it.thats why the repair manual has torque numbers,but if that doesn't get for ya just grab a big wrench and reef on it. Imo
Otherwise you'll have to remove the handlebar and fairing (inner and outer) to get adequate room to use a socket and torque wrench.
A whole lot of work.
My vote - just reef on it. I've got 60K miles and 4 fork oil changes and lots and lots of twisting roads in between. No ill affects.
Last edited by Scorpion07; Aug 17, 2012 at 01:33 PM.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
I generally believe in torquing bolts when possible but have never torqued the cap, and it doesn't need to be tight. In fact, mine was barely tightened at all from the factory, certainly nowhere near the 50-60 lb-ft spec, and came off very easily. I usually just snug it up, not too tight, and have never had a problem with leakage or anything else. After a few removals it would be advisable to change the seal under the cap.
Last edited by iclick; Aug 17, 2012 at 03:45 PM.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
I used the 36mm wrench in the tool kit the first time I changed the fork oil, but it is a bit too large for the fork caps, which are 1 3/8" (35mm). The second oil change I couldn't remove the caps with that wrench, as I had tightened them more than the factory did. I was concerned that I might damage either the wrench or cap if I forced it since the two weren't an exact size match, so I ordered the 1 3/8" wrench that I now use only for this task.