Gl 1500 Fork tool

[xfireman]

I need to work on my forks. Does anyone know if I have to use the Honda fork tool on my 1997 Gl 1500 to replace the springs?
Thanks for any help.

[CadtoChrome]

Can't be for sure, however I believe you can simply remove the fork caps and the springs will be next in line for removal.
Watch when you remove the caps as the springs apply pressure to the caps and will cause them to pop out when you unscrew them.
Just apply pressure when removing the caps.

Regards,
Chuck

[Biwing]

I use a 1/2" drive socket to match the cap head and a socket speed wrench with a block of wood at the end of the handle to lean on then remove the cap with preasure on the tool to prevent the cap/spring from flying off and to prevent the deformation of the top thread of the cap. These threads are very fine and damage easily.

The above tool and block will really pay off when replacing the cap as the spring needs to be compressed and the cap installed at the same time. I get up on the front foot pegs and lean onto the board with my shoulder to accomplish this. VERY IMPORTANT - do not cross thread the cap as doing so will require a cap replacement. The cap threads are aluminium and the fork tube is steel so the cap will be damaged first. If everything is ligned up, there should be no problem. If the cap takes considerable force to turn, it's cross threaded.

I've done this procedure several times and have never cross threaded a cap.

PS: I partially drill a hole in the board to the diameter of the speed tool end to prevent it from sliding off the tool when applying preasure.

Hope that this was explained clearly enough. After the first time, will be much easier.

Rich

[John Luciano]

Jack up the front end . Take weight off the front tire . I watched them change min in my 97 and it looked straight forward. They used Auto Tranny fluid to fill ti back up .Use a baby bottle to measure cc of oil amount