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    Fork Cap Removal

    I feel like this is really easy but i can't figure out how to remove the end caps on the forks of my bike to add oil. Its an 83 GS 550L, heres a picture.
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    #2
    Uncrew the center core..theres an oring under it that seals the oil from seeping back and will most likely need replaced as well. But first, set a pan under the lower fork and axle and open the drains but taking out the screws there...release any air first from the nipple up above.... if so equipped.

    Now get on the bike and stand on the front pegs ( bike on center stand ) and gently rock forward to pump the forks a little. This will pump more oil out quicker than just letting them drip. Once your satisfied they are sufficiently drained, replace the drain screws and fill from the top with specified amounts of oil. I have a small measuring cup in ounces Im use for measuring the oil.
    MY BIKES..1977 GS 750 B, 1978 GS 1000 C (X2)
    1978 GS 1000 E, 1979 GS 1000 S, 1973 Yamaha TX 750, 1977 Kawasaki KZ 650B1, 1975 Honda GL1000 Goldwing, 1983 CB 650SC Nighthawk, 1972 Honda CB 350K4, 74 Honda CB550

    NEVER SNEAK UP ON A SLEEPING DOG..NOT EVEN YOUR OWN.


    I would rather trust my bike to a "QUACK" that KNOWS how to fix it rather than a book worm that THINKS HE KNOWS how to fix it.

    Comment


      #3
      If you get to taking the entire top parts off, get a board and jack under the engine and lift the front tire just off the ground. This takes the compression out of the springs so the parts dont go flying as you remove them.
      MY BIKES..1977 GS 750 B, 1978 GS 1000 C (X2)
      1978 GS 1000 E, 1979 GS 1000 S, 1973 Yamaha TX 750, 1977 Kawasaki KZ 650B1, 1975 Honda GL1000 Goldwing, 1983 CB 650SC Nighthawk, 1972 Honda CB 350K4, 74 Honda CB550

      NEVER SNEAK UP ON A SLEEPING DOG..NOT EVEN YOUR OWN.


      I would rather trust my bike to a "QUACK" that KNOWS how to fix it rather than a book worm that THINKS HE KNOWS how to fix it.

      Comment


        #4
        And, whatever you do, don't have the bike on the sidestand when you remove the tops.
        Some idiot did that, just the once...
        ---- Dave
        79 GS850N - Might be a trike soon.
        80 GS850T Single HIF38 S.U. SH775, Tow bar, Pantera II. Gnarly workhorse & daily driver.
        79 XS650SE - Pragmatic Ratter - goes better than a manky old twin should.
        92 XJ900F - Fairly Stock, for now.

        Only a dog knows why a motorcyclist sticks his head out of a car window

        Comment


          #5
          I believe these are the ones where you need to contrive to push down on the fork cap, then remove the retaining ring down in there.

          It takes about 3.5 hands, so you might have to take your shoes off or recruit a helper.
          1983 GS850G, Cosmos Blue.
          2005 KLR685, Aztec Pink - Turd II.3, the ReReReTurdening
          2015 Yamaha FJ-09, Magma Red Power Corrupts...
          Eat more venison.

          Please provide details. The GSR Hive Mind is nearly omniscient, but not yet clairvoyant.

          Celeriter equita, converteque saepe.

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          Comment


            #6
            Originally posted by bwringer View Post
            I believe these are the ones where you need to contrive to push down on the fork cap, then remove the retaining ring down in there.

            It takes about 3.5 hands, so you might have to take your shoes off or recruit a helper.
            Yeah that's what it looks like to me to.My 81 650E had those,what a PITA they are to get in or out.

            Comment


              #7
              If you need to remove the cap first remove the air valve because it'll be in the way then find something that you can center on the air valve hole without damaging the threads and you can push on. Push the cap down a bit and with something sharp like an o-ring pick get under the clip and pull it out. I find it easier to do this from the end opposite the gap in the clip and it should just pull right out. Make sure the bike is supported under the engine and there is no weight on the front wheel or you'll be picking yourself up from under the bike when you remove the second cap. Don't ask how I know!!!
              '84 GS750EF (Oct 2015 BOM) '79 GS1000N (June 2007 BOM) My Flickr site http://www.flickr.com/photos/soates50/

              Comment


                #8
                For a simple oil change ( not full on tear down ) is why i suggested just remove he air valve and get new orings. Small funnel and pour oil thru the hole..done. No worries about getting teeth blown out of your face etc etc etc.
                MY BIKES..1977 GS 750 B, 1978 GS 1000 C (X2)
                1978 GS 1000 E, 1979 GS 1000 S, 1973 Yamaha TX 750, 1977 Kawasaki KZ 650B1, 1975 Honda GL1000 Goldwing, 1983 CB 650SC Nighthawk, 1972 Honda CB 350K4, 74 Honda CB550

                NEVER SNEAK UP ON A SLEEPING DOG..NOT EVEN YOUR OWN.


                I would rather trust my bike to a "QUACK" that KNOWS how to fix it rather than a book worm that THINKS HE KNOWS how to fix it.

                Comment


                  #9
                  Originally posted by chuck hahn View Post
                  For a simple oil change ( not full on tear down ) is why i suggested just remove he air valve and get new orings. Small funnel and pour oil thru the hole..done. No worries about getting teeth blown out of your face etc etc etc.
                  Definitely if that's all that's all that needs doing.
                  '84 GS750EF (Oct 2015 BOM) '79 GS1000N (June 2007 BOM) My Flickr site http://www.flickr.com/photos/soates50/

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Thats all he asked about from what I read in the initial post.
                    MY BIKES..1977 GS 750 B, 1978 GS 1000 C (X2)
                    1978 GS 1000 E, 1979 GS 1000 S, 1973 Yamaha TX 750, 1977 Kawasaki KZ 650B1, 1975 Honda GL1000 Goldwing, 1983 CB 650SC Nighthawk, 1972 Honda CB 350K4, 74 Honda CB550

                    NEVER SNEAK UP ON A SLEEPING DOG..NOT EVEN YOUR OWN.


                    I would rather trust my bike to a "QUACK" that KNOWS how to fix it rather than a book worm that THINKS HE KNOWS how to fix it.

                    Comment

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