stripping down crashed 2000 m900 help

[pitbull]

I've mentioned it in a couple other threads, but I picked up a crashed 2000 m900 a couple days ago as a restoration project. However, I don't have much mechanical experience and my knowledge of such is limited. I've learned enough to do the basic maintenance on my 2001 m900 (oil change, sprockets, chains, ect) and will use it as a guide to get through the 2000 project. I also have some support from some local friends who have some mechanical backgrounds.

Anyhow, I spent most of yesterday stripping down the bike, bagging, tagging and taking pictures along the way. I'm now down to frame, engine, steering head/forks and electrics and have it all resting on a little wooden frame I made. I loosened everything up on the steering head and forks, but nothing is moving and I'm afraid to force anything.

So my question is, what do I need to know to get the steering head and forks off without doing any damage?

sorry if this seems like a basic and silly question, but I would really appreciate any help.
Thanks very much in advance.

[Speeddog]

Loosen each of the 4 clamp bolts on the triples.
The fork legs should nearly fall out on their own, in fact, watch out for that when you loosen the last bolt.

Remove the center bolt on the top of the upper triple.
Loosen the clamp bolt.
Upper triple should then slide up off of the stem.

Remove the spanner nut on the stem, and the lower triple/stem assembly will come out of the bottom of the steering head.

[pitbull]

Loosen each of the 4 clamp bolts on the triples.
The fork legs should nearly fall out on their own, in fact, watch out for that when you loosen the last bolt.

Remove the center bolt on the top of the upper triple.
Loosen the clamp bolt.
Upper triple should then slide up off of the stem.

Remove the spanner nut on the stem, and the lower triple/stem assembly will come out of the bottom of the steering head.

thanks for the quick answer..........much appreciated.

I loosened the clamp bolts on the triples but the forks aren't moving unless I give them a whack with a rubber mallet.............I'm wondering if the forks are bent.........although I can't tell by simply looking at them.

[Speeddog]

Tap a screwdriver or other wedge into the slots of the triples.
You only have to open 'em up a wee bit.
Don't go so far that you doink the fork leg...
Best to have an assistant hold the fork leg so it doesn't fall out.

If you get both forks disengaged from the upper triple, you can visually check to see if they still align with the upper.

[pitbull]

Tap a screwdriver or other wedge into the slots of the triples.
You only have to open 'em up a wee bit.
Don't go so far that you doink the fork leg...
Best to have an assistant hold the fork leg so it doesn't fall out.

If you get both forks disengaged from the upper triple, you can visually check to see if they still align with the upper.

Ok..............thanks for the excellent advice........I will give this a try first thing in the morning.

I really appreciate the help.

[dlearl476]

Tap a screwdriver or other wedge into the slots of the triples.
You only have to open 'em up a wee bit.

+1

Every time I've taken forks off, when they didn't fall right out when I loosened the final bolt, I took a big-assed screwdriver in one hand and wedged it, gently, in the gap, held the fork leg with the other, and gently turned the screwdriver.  As soon as there was the slightest bit of pressure on the slot, the fork leg came right out.

[pitbull]

thanks for the feedback.

I still haven't done it as I'm working day shift over the weekend, but will probably get a couple hours tonight after work.

[pitbull]

finally got to it today.............worked like a charm.

now I just gotta figure out how to get the air box and electrics out

[Jobu]

finally got to it today.............worked like a charm.

now I just gotta figure out how to get the air box and electrics out

That is probably gonna require a lot of choice words if it is your first time removing the airbox.  You may even need to make up a few.  PM me if you need help with these words.   

[pitbull]

Ok...........I'm trying to get the swing arm off.........the shock it out....... all bolts are out and the retaining clips are off what I assume is an axle running through.

before I start pounding out what I believe to be an axle, is there some sort of trick?

[Speeddog]

Have you loosened the pinch bolts on the swingarm?
They come up from the bottom, clamping the pivot shaft.

[pitbull]

Have you loosened the pinch bolts on the swingarm?
They come up from the bottom, clamping the pivot shaft.

Yes, I loosened the pinch bolts and then removed the retainer clips off the each end of the axle. I gave it a couple of light taps and it didn't move. I was about to give it a few good whacks when I thought better of it and decided to post here first before continuing in my normal ham fisted fashion.

[Speeddog]

Try some penetrating oil; PB Blaster or the like.

[pitbull]

Try some penetrating oil; PB Blaster or the like.

will do...............thanks again for the help.....it is very much appreciated

[Speeddog]

If you get in a jam, feel free to call.