Changing fork seals - how to lift front end?

[jimmyd]

Any tips on how to get the front of the bike up safely so I can do the fork seals?

I have a front paddock stand but it fits to the bottom of the forks, which isn't going to help if I'm taking them out..!

I don't have a garage/winch/anything, driveway only

[supZ]

if you have no way to pull the front up (rafters in garage or the like) then your only real option is to buy another front stand. - a headstock stand

https://www.ghostbikes.com/products/accessories-bike-stands/10051-biketek-red-front-steering-head-stand-and-pins.html

you could try rigging something up to push the headstock up using wood etc.. but it won't be stable
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CBR954RR - Daily toy
CBR600RR - Trackbike

[Ichy]

What bike?
I assume it doesn't have a center stand?

First offer is axle stands or a pile of bricks under the foot pegs.
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[supZ]

[Islander]

As above, axle stands or concrete blocks under the footpegs makes a good stable stand as a temporary solution. Check to see if the pegs are hinged first though! Someone on here suggested reversing the pegs to lock them if this was the case.

Long term solution? Treat yourself to an ABBA stand - no more paddock stand gymnastics, simple single person operation and it's very very stable. It's good for both front and rear - you can just chock the bike up under the header pipes with blocks of wood or similar if you need the front off the ground.

[barrkel]

Another option is an Abba stand or equivalent, which acts like a centre stand when you don't have one.

Once it's hoisted on that, you can tie down the rear to lift the front.

There is an Abba stand attachment which lifts the front up, but it's not really necessary if you have a luggage strap or similar and a couple of solid points to attach it.
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Bikes: S1000R, SH350; Exes: Vity 125, PS125, YBR125, ER6f, VFR800, Brutale 920, CB600F, SH300x4
Best road ever ridden: www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2MhNxUEYtQ

[mudcow007]

when i did my cg seals, put the bike on center stand an put 3 cases of strongbow on the seat

bike didn't more,

you cant much ghetto than that

[Islander]

[stickybackbob]

I do mine by putting the side stand (none of my bikes has a centre stand) on a brick so the bike stands more upright, then put a trolley or bottle jack under the frame on the opposite side to lift. If I'm not feeling brave, I replace the jack with bricks or an axle stand.

[moppy]

Axle stand under the crash bungs is how I did it.

[andym]

I just used a trolley jack and piece of wood last time I done mine:

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v320/andy36586/forksremoved_zps635ade0e.jpg

[jimmyd]

Thanks all good ideas. Thinking about your suggestions and the things I have, I think i can use the front paddock stand to lift the bike straight (yep, no centre stand), then put bricks under where the engine is, lower it back down and go from there.

Now to read as many guides as I can on replacing the seals themselves....!

[moppy]

If it's all a bit overwhelming, it's usually only an hours labour if you take the legs in to a decent mechanic. Got mine done for 30 quid

[jimmyd]

[stickybackbob]

It's an easy enough job. Just remember to loosen (not remove) the top caps whilst the forks are still in the yokes. You may need to undo the top pinch bolts to allow this.

Next, use a good fitting tool on the damper bolt at the bottom of the forks. You may need to give it a sharp tap but don't round it off.

Getting the seals out shouldn't be difficult but try not to chew them up as you can use them again to knock the new seals into place.

Depending on the type of forks you have, the stanchion may need to be in the fork leg before fitting the new seal. If this is the case, use a bit of a plastic bag over the top of the stanchion so that there are no sharp edges to rip the new seal as you slide it over.

Do the job yourself and you'll be satisfied, have some beer money and you'll know your bike that little bit better

[Ichy]

[Yoyo]

In the garage and used a chain block and strops. Head height piece of piss.
https://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv190/Rocketgt650r/100802_174120_zps36ed1a4e.jpg
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[stickybackbob]

[andym]

I've said it before and I'll say it again, if you know the forks are ok internally there is no need to remove the stanchion.

Remove the forks, remove the spring, tip the whole front wheel and forks upside down to remove the old oil, punch the old seal with a screwdriver and lever it out, use the old seal to push the new one into place, use a measuring tape rather than jug to replace the oil and reassemble.

Rounded bolts = 0
Time to complete = 45 minutes (even if you haven't got a clue what you're doing)

So far I've used this method on all of my bikes (intruder, diversion, GPz, zxr), and I imagine if I was to try it on the VFR it would be just as easy

[janner_10]

I did the Fazers by putting on the centre stand and propping the front end up with 2x 2x4 bits of wood.

Failing that put on centre stand and get someone to sit on the bike.
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Yamaha FZS600 (Now gone to heaven) > CBR600F4i (SOLD) > '99 YZF-R1

[Skudd]

Get a manual for your bike, watch a few videos on you tube, get all the pieces together that you will need, then have a go. The worst that can happen is you end up taking them to the mechanic for £40 a leg.

Mine were a cunt to do as the bottom bolt wouldn't undo and due to corrosion the seals had welded themselves in. Took me a few days to get it done and I did take it to a local guy to get he bottom bolts out (even he struggled) but he cost £20 for both.
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[Raffles]

[janner_10]

[jimbob005]

https://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s267/jimbob005/Photo0137_zpsadb1e4f3.jpg