Removing 696 front wheel - special tool really necessary?

[mstevens]

I dented the rim on my front wheel, so I want to take it off and drive it over to M C Wheel to see if they can straighten it. While they offer fast service to local customers, they say they need the wheel off the bike.

So, I went out and bought a front stand and fired up my service manual. Lo and behold, there's a special tool that's said to be needed for re-mounting the wheel. Apart from that it appears that even a mechanical dolt such as myself should be able to do it.

Can anyone confirm whether this special tool is really needed? What am I getting myself into if I remove the wheel and don't have the tool?

[pennyrobber]

The special tool holds the axle in place while you tighten the axle nut. Some use an allen wrench of the proper size to do the job. So the tool isn't necessary if you don't mind the quick and dirty.

[mstevens]

The special tool holds the axle in place while you tighten the axle nut. Some use an allen wrench of the proper size to do the job. So the tool isn't necessary if you don't mind the quick and dirty.

Excellent. Thanks.

[DarkStaR]

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=10276.msg174420#msg174420

[Raux]

what no story about how you bent it? 

[mstevens]

what no story about how you bent it? 

Pothole. Nothing interesting.

[mstevens]

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=10276.msg174420#msg174420

Thanks - my search-fu was weak last night.

[KG4KGL]

Pothole. Nothing interesting.

Have you tried to get the local DOT to pay for replacement or repair? I had a 95 BMW R1100RS. Those 3 spoke rims were real soft.. I hit a pothole and dented it. I filed a claim with the SC DOT and they paid for new rim, tire and labor.


Robert

[mstevens]

Have you tried to get the local DOT to pay for replacement or repair? I had a 95 BMW R1100RS. Those 3 spoke rims were real soft.. I hit a pothole and dented it. I filed a claim with the SC DOT and they paid for new rim, tire and labor.

I'm guessing you've never been to rural New Hampshire.

The roads are absolute crap in the spring due to frost heaves. It's a question of which of the many potholes hit on a given ride caused the actual damage.

Add to that NH's famous Live Free or Die attitude and abhorrence of taxation (which translates to a horror of spending money) and the best I think I could hope for might be to provide some amusement for someone in Concord.

If I tried to bill the town's Road Department my fellow townspeople would crucify me at Town Meeting next March, which is when anything like that would have to be voted on.