Forum

[Geoff B in Kent]

2009 350 Classic 4speed k/s. Could anyone confirm that to remove the front fork cover tubes (part no 80106) you need to raise the casquette,(or drop the lower yoke) which means disturbing the steering head bearings. Thanks.

[1950s Bulleteer]

I'm pretty sure it could be done by dropping the fork stanchions out, a little twist of the casquette or lower yoke might be necessary which would put the bearings out of adjustment but at least you would not have the hassle of picking all the ball bearings up off the floor. It's about five years since I had a set apart though, maybe someone who's done it recently could confirm this?

[PeteF]

The fork tubes screw into the casquette from below.
Remove the plug at the top, get a 1/2" hex key and unscrew the leg (clockwise from above)
You need to loosen the bottom yoke pinch bolt and possible wedge the yoke open slightly.
Steering bearings are not disturbed but you need to align the forks when reassembling.

[Geoff B in Kent]

The fork legs are out PeteF it's the cover tubes I was asking about. Looking again 1950'sB I think I can't twist. There are bushes which go through the cover tubes, the lower yokes and into the casquette preventing any twist so I think splitting to free the bushes is the only way. The cover tubes have paintwork damage from my recent accident and I have nice new ones to fit. I think a bit of TCut will do for now until I need to service the steering head bearings. But thanks both. (Not sure how I managed to get this into bikes for sale colours...)

[Adrian]

I guess you ticked the Bikes for Sale box instead of Technical when you posted! A.

[Geoff B in Kent]

Must have Adrian. Did it from my phone and missed the right button. A shame there's no error correct function (are there even any moderators?) but all in all I'm grateful that Mr H has his priorites right!

[PeteF]

Sorry, I see what you mean. They should pull off once the lower yoke pinch bolt is removed.
The only bush I can see is the PLASTIC BUSH, COVER TUBE Code: 143906'
LOOK HERE

[Geoff B in Kent]

Yes, from the parts list it looks like it should pull straight down, but hopefully the photo below will show that part 10 isn't actually split. It has a square hole that the lower yoke passes through. It can't pull off downwards and the bush (part 11) and the rubber cover washer (part 12) which go through the lower yoke and into the casquette stop any twisting. So as I said above, I'll live with the cosmetic damage until steering head bearings need attention.