TOPIC:

Well, I have a new adventure I'm about to embark on- replacing the fork seals on my KZ1300. It's been a LONG time since I've done one of the these, and while the manual is pretty straightforward about the process, I am still going to need a tool to prevent the inside of the fork from spinning when I remove and replace the bolt on the bottom.

Back when I did this on my XS1100, you could improvise a tool with a nut welded to a rod. I'm guessing a similar thing can be done with the KZ1300- I just need to know what size nut to use.

Anyone have any suggestions?

leave the forks on the bike but drain the air out, then use a powerful impact gun (18 volt snapon does me) on the bolt and buzz it out.
9 times out of 10 it works..

Ian

Well, my issue is that I'm going to need to tighten it down back together too, so I'd really like something to jam in there.

I've heard tell of a boom handle cut at a 45° stuck into the fork works as well. Can anyone confirm?

If the thread is good and free turning then you should only need at most an impact gun but usually they will tighten easily with a normal socket fitting on a 3/8 drive And Yes on the broom handle but the impact wrench is the best way and the broom stick if it is stubborn.

Hi Lucien,

I welded two 5/8" bolts into a piece of EMT that's 42" long. The heads of the bolts are 7/8" hexes. It worked great.

Bill

KZQ wrote: Hi Lucien,

I welded two 5/8" bolts into a piece of EMT that's 42" long. The heads of the bolts are 7/8" hexes. It worked great.

Bill

i was going to suggest that once you have used the impact gun to remove the bolt you can then take the forks to pieces for cleaning
and while your at it measure the hole for a bolt but as you can see Bill has beaten me to it.
spot on Bill..