Fork caps are "buggered"

[salty1]

I noticed today that the fork caps on my new ride look like somebody used a pipe wrench on them.    I didn't see this right away because they are not that visual below and behind the Interstate fairing. A little unsettling as to why they are "buggered".?     The bike handles fine so I'm thinking about replacing these costly little devils. My question is, if I extend the forks by lifting the bike, will there be much pressure on the cap as it is removed? I'm not looking forward to removing the fairing and would like to avoid it for this small task.

Thanks for your input, it's much appreciated! 

[Raverez]

You can remove the forks with out removing the fairing on an Interstate. I did when I had the fork seals changed. You got to remove the wheel and fender first. Then the four bolts that hold the fork to the triple tree. Forks slide out. install in opposite order.

[salty1]

You can remove the forks with out removing the fairing on an Interstate. I did when I had the fork seals changed.

I would prefer not to remove the forks rather I would prefer to just unscrew the old caps and replace them with the new ones.

[Bugslayer]

If it's riding fine, not leaking and not that easy to see, (if it were me) I'd leave em be. Just have new caps on hand when the forks need service. ...... Just saying. 

[The emperor has no clothes]

If it's riding fine, not leaking and not that easy to see, (if it were me) I'd leave em be. Just have new caps on hand when the forks need service. ...... Just saying. 

+1

[N8171S]

Just add chrome fork caps to cover them up.  Easy to install and not to expensive.

[Jess from VA]

I covered mine with these. (no longer available) (pretty hidden under the fairing).


There's these.  http://www.amazon.com/Show-Chrome-Fork-Cap-Covers/dp/B000GTTMCC/ref=au_as_r?ie=UTF8&Make=Honda|59&Model=GL1500CF%20Valkyrie%20Interstate|17894&Year=1999|1999&carId=001&n=15684181&newCar=1&s=automotive&vehicleType=motorcycle

And these.  http://www.cruisercustomizing.com/domed-fork-cap-covers-honda-vtx1800-valkyrie-and-suzuki-marauder-1600-m95/part/BBP-55-128

[Ricky-D]

The damage was done by not realizing that you must first

loosen the pinch bolts on that upper portion of the triple

tree before trying to loosen the caps.

Simple and intuitive for those that look first.

***

[Hook#3287]

The damage was done by not realizing that you must first

loosen the pinch bolts on that upper portion of the triple

tree before trying to loosen the caps.

Simple and intuitive for those that look first.

***

Except when they won't come loose.

I've rebuilt at least 10 sets of forks and I had two caps that would not come off.   I did loosen the top pinch bolts first.

One I used vice grips on after the socket stripped the bolt head and one I had to use a hammer and chisel to get it loose because the vise grips wouldn't do it.   That one got replaced.

Can't explain why they wouldn't budge, but I suspect the harder one had never been removed since factory.  The other looked like it had been over tightened.

[salty1]

Thanks for the input Hook and others! Hook if I unscrew the cap with the bike on a lift extending the forks, what's going to happen?

[Ken Tarver]

with a bit of mod and some silicone, stock grip end caps will do the dress-up trick. There's probably plenty of them around since so many put on the ISO grips.

Ken

[Hook#3287]

Thanks for the input Hook and others! Hook if I unscrew the cap with the bike on a lift extending the forks, what's going to happen?

Salty1  check this out, should answer your questions.
http://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/forksprings.htm

with a bit of mod and some silicone, stock grip end caps will do the dress-up trick. There's probably plenty of them around since so many put on the ISO grips.

Ken

Ken, that's a great tip 

Over the past 10+ years, I've lost two of the "Hockey Puck" chrome billet cap covers.  Hit a big bump and there she goes.  Now, I grab them during each ride and every once and a while one will come off with very little effort.  Not good.

My plan is to drill small holes in the OEM caps for the set screws to pinch into.  When I get round to it.