Front wheel removal on '03?

ChazzyB · #1 (**permalink**) 1 Week Ago

I need to remove the front wheel for a new tyre. What techniques are recommended for getting and holding the front end off the ground for the duration. I'm sure jacking under the exhaust is a no-no? What do YOU do?

graeme · #2 (**permalink**) 1 Week Ago

Hi,

I take it from your reply you don't have a centre stand ?

If you do, it's a case of slackening all the relevent wheel nuts off first, putting the bike on the centre stand, putting enough weight on the rear seat & grab rail (couple of bags of cement for example) so that the front end is lifted off the ground. Then slip the axle bolt out and remove the wheel.

If you don't have a centre stand, you need to use a trolly jack to raise the front. Put the bike level with a wall and get a mate to raise the bike upright, put a block of wood under the front of the engine in a "suitable" place, jack it up on the wood to raise the front end, then rest it against the wall (in 1st gear) and remove the wheel.

The reason you slacken the axle nuts off first is because the leverage necessary to loosen them can pull the bike off the stand.

Good luck, and let us know how you get on.

ChazzyB · #3 (**permalink**) 1 Week Ago

Originally Posted by graeme

I take it from your reply you don't have a centre stand ?

My reply? Er, my question, I think ;-)! And, yes, I have a centre stand.

Well, as I needed to get on with it, I made it up as I went along. Having experimented with places to jack the bike under the engine, I came to the conclusion that: a) I could end up damaging the exhaust (as it seems to be in the way of the engine everywhere) and b) it was unstable, as being so close to the centre stand, I could see that one leg of the stand was lifting as I jacked, as well as the front end. So, what I've done is take a handy length of 2 by 2 and cut a shallow notch at the upper end. This fits between the lower fork yoke and my trolley jack. Before jacking, got the spindle nut undone. Oh, and lever the calipers off the disks, as the bloody things are so badly worn below minimum (I bought the bike only two months ago from A South London Triumph Dealer), that they wouldn't slide off at all. I have a set of floating EBCs and pads on order... Pull spindle out and remove wheel. Place thick wooden plank under fork bottoms supported on axle stands. Let trolley jack down a bit so plank takes weight and stablises the plot. Pray nothing breaks overnight as picking a Tiger with no wheels back or front off the ground doesn't appeal. A pair of Michelin Pilot Sports are on order for fitment Sat morning first thing. Oh, and having ordered the Michelins, I found that Metzeler now do their Z6 Roadtecs in big trailee/Tiger size. Grrrr.

kneepad · #4 (**permalink**) 1 Week Ago

Good luck ChazzyB. I once had the entire machine jacked up, both wheels removed and the whole setup fell right over me. Luckily my body took the damage and no scratch on the bike - sometimes you praise the Lord...ooouch. Please let us know how you like the Pilot Roads - as can be followed on my nearby thread questions "Tires for the track".

ChazzyB · #5 (**permalink**) 1 Week Ago

Originally Posted by kneepad

Please let us know how you like the Pilot Roads

You must be a mind reader! I wrote about Pilot Sports being fitted but I meant Pilot Roads...

Silverstripes · #6 (**permalink**) 6 Days Ago

In terms of lifting the beast off the ground in safety. Have a look at my solution on my blog site:

http://silver-stripes.blogspot.com/

This is where I post all my modifications. With the lift you will need a standard bike lift which I had. Macro were selling these for £38 recently.

If all fails I place an axle stand under the protection plate for the pipes.

graeme · #7 (**permalink**) 6 Days Ago

I take it from your reply you don't have a centre stand ? - whoops, sorey four my badd grama !

Still think it's easier to put a heavy weight on the back, or better still use a ratchet strap from the rear grab rail to an anchor point on the floor.

Silverstripes · #8 (**permalink**) 4 Days Ago

Yes I have a centre stand, but at times it nice to have the bike higher to work on it. Also the lift keeps it level and secure with both wheels with 12 inches clearance under them.

I would not dream od moving the bike on the lift, even though it has wheels.

I do not want to join the dropped it club

Oh no you know what will happen now I've mentioned it