Removing The Front Wheel / 6th Gen.

I am about to replace my factory OEM tires with Dunlop RoadSmarts. The back wheel seems simple to take off; just four bolts and it's off. But the front wheel might be somewhat of a challenge b/c I'm not exactly sure what the process is for removing it and getting it off the ground to begin with?

Danimal mentioned that he rests his oil pan on some 4 x 4 timbers or something like that. But in the meantime, regarding getting the front wheel off, I was wondering if some of you could or would share your process for removing the front wheel on your 6th Gen. VFR?

 

The four pinch bolts need to be loosened AFTER getting the axle lug loose. If the axle spins you can put a phillips screw driver through the holes on the opposite side to hold it. Once the axle is loose and the pinch bolts are loose you need to remove the brake calipers from the disc. There are 2 bolts on each caliper. The wheel will slide out once the axle is removed. There are different sized spacers on either side of the wheel-do not lose them or mix them up.

If this makes no sense let me know. Also, all of those bolts will need to be torqued to spec when replaced so you don't lose your front wheel. The idea of using a solid footed stand for the bike is a good idea. The headers or the pan will support it.

 

Drew, thanks a million! This makes total sense. I'm going to get that wheel removed in the morning.

Thanks again!

 

Further to what Drewl said: Bear in mind that the bolt head on the right hand fork is not a part of the axle, but screws into the axle. Had I known this I would not have spent half an hour belting the living crap out of the axle trying to push the bolt out without knowing that the axle goes the other way.

 

To complicate life even more, the brake caliper bolts are considered "single use" on the 6th Gen, as in you are supposed to buy new ones.

 

Only thing I can add is that I hoisted mine in the air by the triple tree with soft chokers, didn't like the balance on the headers.

 

All good points. The axle bolt comes all the way out and the axle slides out to the left of the bike-the phillips trick comes in handy here.
I had no idea the caliper bolts were 'single-use', weird. You may check with a dealer and see what they say.
The hoist idea is an excellent one if you have exposed rafters or a way of mounting a hoist to the ceiling, I do not have that luxury.

 

You’re right, but after replacement of two sets of tires on my bike by my dealer, they never replace those bolts. :unsure: