removing the forks

[CB1]

hi all,
I am about to remove my 1998 Valk Tourer forks to change out leaky seals. I have all of the tools to remove the forks but I see that I don't have a socket/wrench large enough for the fork cap.

what size wrench/socket would this be? the Honda service manual does not list sizes, just tool part numbers.

Thanks!
pic of valk...  

[Gryphon Rider]

Do what I would do if my bike were close by: put a tape measure or ruler on it.  By the way, once you get your cap off, there is a nut under the cap of one of the forks that requires a unusually slender wrench to loosen.  The OEM toolkit contains such a wrench.

[Chrisj CMA]

make sure you loosen those cap nut covers before removing the fork tubes.  Much easier that way

[salty1]

I believe a 15/16th socket will work just great. 

[CB1]

thanks guys!

[bentwrench]

I use a good 22mm6pt.with sheet of plastic from a heavy trash bag so it mar the cap.

[sandy]

Loosen the top pinch bolts, loosen the cap before loosening the lower pinch bolts. I use a 15/16 " box end wrench.

[Dusty]

Make sure your bike is well supported before pulling the fork tubes. On my Interstate when I undid the tubes and removed them the bike wanted to tip backwards off the bike lift. Be aware.

Dusty

[CB1]

Got 'er done!
not counting the time the forks were at the dealer for the actual work, (I don't have the time or special tools to do it) it took a total of 45 minutes to remove and install the tubes. The tubes were rebuilt with new seals and bushings.

for the record, the tools needed are
4mm,5mm,6mm,8mm allen head sockets
8mm,12mm, 22mm(axle) and 24mm(fork caps) sockets

pics of forkless Valkyrie


The rebuilt tubes


ready to ride!

[salty1]

Congrats!    Did find anything challenging? ???

[olddog1946]

Those forks look pretty stinkin good. Nice and clean, still got the clear coat in good shape.

Don't know what you paid to have those forks seals and bushings done but you'd only add a half hour to the job if you do your own. Though I would recommend the actual seal installation tool as opposed to the pvc. I did my neighbors on the bike, and was amazed at how easy it was. There is a post in the tech section on doing it..easy peazy...hardest part was measuring the oil to put back in.