fork cap removal

[Anonymous]

ok, maybe i've been riding the short bus ..... but there has to be better instructions to get to my fork springs than "remove fork cap". NO SH*@.
i have an 81 GS550T. ive removed the forks from the bike and drained the oil. ive even removed the sliders and all the bushings in preparation for seal replacement. but it has been a nightmare trying to remove the fork caps. looking at the cap, it has an indention similar to a funnell. i can push it in about 1/4 in. and turn it, but no threads ever catch and the cap wont raise or lower. i can see a tiny clip in there, but can't get to it. ive ordered a clymer manual and i hope it helps. surely someone here has opened some forks the same as these. yes, i have read every single post on this site about fork cap removal, but its still greek, HAHA. thanks in advance.

[Billy Ricks]

Get the bike on the centerstand with the wheel off the ground. Push the cap down and push the edge of the clip with a small screwdriver to get it out of its groove. Work the screwdriver under the clip then you should be able to work it to the top of the tube. The clip is all that keeps the cap in the tube.

[Anonymous]

good idea

so it would be easier if i re-assembled my front end...or at least put the tubes back in the trees? im thinking that would allow me to use both hands. thanks a bunch.

[Anonymous]

You could put the fork tubes in a padded vice. I used a scribe to pop out the wire clips.

Steve