[ShenandoahThumper]

I'm trying to remove a fork tube and need to know what size hex wrench is used to hold the tube at top. Comes out in a clockwise rotation as seen from above right? And how tight is it in there?

Is it a 13mm?  And it seems to be in there tight as hell!

07 Bullet classic.

[ShenandoahThumper]

I wish I had the factory tool:



But since I don't I just need an idea of the size of the hex wrench on the end.

By the looks of the tool I will need to apply a lot of torque.

[Anon]

I've got the factory tool and I'm fairly sure (but not 100%) that it's 1/2 inch.  I believe, however,  there is an easy work around available to you.  The two footpegs are attached to a hex bolt that is supposedly the same size as the factory tool.  Unbolt both of your footpegs, pull out the bolt, insert it into the top of the foks, and then just use a big wrench to turn it.

I have had my forks off to put rubber gaiters on them and I don't recall them needing any crazy amount of torque to get them undone.  You wold need more leverage than the short end of an allen wrench though.

Eamon

[ShenandoahThumper]

The hex bolt fit perfectly!!!

BUT.....

We have two wrenches and an extension on one of them to give incredible torque but the fork tube won't budge an inch.. Afraid of putting more torque on it will cause something to fail. I am turning the hex bolt clockwise as the manual says to unscrew the fork tube but no luck. Tried the other fork tube to see if it would break free and still the same.  I wonder if they were installed with an impact gun?

  I am thinking of using an impact gut to remove it. Yea or nay..

I am worried that if somethings gives before the fork tube comes loose I will be in a world of hurt.

[ERC]

If they are that tight you may have to heat them up a bit.   ERC

[baird4444]

Have you removed the pinch bolts that hold that neat ENFIELD logo plate
under the headlight on? These hold the tube from turning...
  I'm assuming you have the wheel off and the lower leg removed...
   you can also use a strap wrench on it.
                - Mike

[ShenandoahThumper]

I am going through all this to replace one lower leg. I have the wheel off and all attachments. I haven't been able to remove the lower leg. I though, by looking at it's replacement, that a cir-clip is holding it on the fork tube. Are you saying that I don't have to remove the fork tube to replace the lower fork leg? I have drained the fork oil and the leg doesn't want to drop down any.

"Have you removed the pinch bolts that hold that neat ENFIELD logo plate
under the headlight on? These hold the tube from turning..."

I have to admit that I haven't. There might by my problem.  I thought they were just to hold the logo on. The manual says nothing about removing them.

[t120rbullet]

Are you saying that I don't have to remove the fork tube to replace the lower fork leg?

No, take the nut off the bottom.
Tap the tube that sticks out the bottom up gently with piece of wood so you don't bugger the threads. Slide the slider up and dow a few times and it should come right off. The circlip holds the dampener into the upper tube.
CJ

[ShenandoahThumper]

Thanks!!!

[baird4444]

let's start at the beginning....

[baird4444]

yea, these forks were a mystery to me for years. It was just this year that I finally got to change my seals...
   I hope this helps- Mike

[ShenandoahThumper]

Thanks..  This is the first time messing with the forks for me. I forgot that I read about tapping the rod using a block of wood. Now it all makes sense. I am waiting for it to warm up a little to finish the job.First time doing almost anything takes forever but forever after it is a snap.

[mbevo1]

When I dropped the upper tubes, I'm glad someone pointed out the obvious... with the hex wrench turning the fork tube from the top, you spin it CLOCKWISE to loosen and COUNTER-CLOCKWISE to tighten... opposite of "lefty-loosey, righty-tighty" 'cause you're working from the other end...

I'll bet I'm not the only one to try and turn them backwards...

Mike and Stumpy in Michigan

[ShenandoahThumper]

All is happy in Bullet land!  Took the leg off and replaced it. The seals were tighter than I believed they would be. All back together with new fork oil and a test run under it's belt. No problems popped up and looking forward for the next project.

Thanks for all the help!  Now my son and I know the ins and outs of front forks.