Keep those old tool kits

[Yroundrdn]

Having purchased my used FJR recently, I've been going through the bike. The last part was removing the front wheel, inspecting everything and replacing.

The first thing I noticed was I didn't have a hex took big enough for the axle. Strange because I've owned many Yamaha bikes and never needed one before. Anyway, while looking through my tools I discovered a very lightweight tool from my KTM took kit fit perfectly. It also came with another tool for removing the key bolt. Now I have a very lightweight small took I can bring on long trips for removing the axle if needed.

 

[Fred W]

FYI.. that is a 19mm (aka 3/4") hex in the end of the axle, which happens to be the size hex on the bottom of many spark plug sockets.

Why does that help, you ask?

Well, if you stick the 3/4" hex end of the spark plug socket into the axle and insert an extension in backwards, you have a nifty dual purpose tool that you can use a torque wrench on.

 

[garyahouse]

Yup. I recall reading that on this forum about a year ago (or so).

Amazing how MUCH info is on this forum if ya go back into the archives a little.

Just for fun, I did a Google search for : site:fjrforum.com front axle tool

I found a bunch of links, like here for example: CLICKY or here CLICKY 2

Good grief. Seems like more and more, there's nothing new under the FJR sun.

Google is your friend.

Gary

darksider #44

 

[2fjr]

FYI.. that is a 19mm (aka 3/4") hex in the end of the axle, which happens to be the size hex on the bottom of many spark plug sockets.
Why does that help, you ask?

Well, if you stick the 3/4" hex end of the spark plug socket into the axle and insert an extension in backwards, you have a nifty dual purpose tool that you can use a torque wrench on.

Now THAT is cool tip! Thanks!!

 

[Bustanut joker]

Yup. I recall reading that on this forum about a year ago (or so).Amazing how MUCH info is on this forum if ya go back into the archives a little.

Just for fun, I did a Google search for : site:fjrforum.com front axle tool

I found a bunch of links, like here for example: CLICKY or here CLICKY 2

Good grief. Seems like more and more, there's nothing new under the FJR sun.

Google is your friend.

Gary

darksider #44

But If you mention search to a noob yer ass is as good as screwed. You come across as an insensitive azz..

But yer a teacher Gary, you've dealt with the new world sensitivity fer years eh?

 

[wfooshee]

Doesn't the end of the spark plug wrench fit in the front axle? I'm not sure it would be strong enough to turn it..... I can't be bothered to actually go out and dig it out and try it, you see.

 

[majicmaker]

Doesn't the end of the spark plug wrench fit in the front axle? I'm not sure it would be strong enough to turn it..... I can't be bothered to actually go out and dig it out and try it, you see.

Yeah! That might involve a little work.... Huh Walt?

 

[Bustanut joker]

It worked one time Walt... Then it was useless for anything but tossing at the hooligan neighbor kids.

 

[Fred W]

Doesn't the end of the spark plug wrench fit in the front axle? I'm not sure it would be strong enough to turn it..... I can't be bothered to actually go out and dig it out and try it, you see.

Yes, in the front axle. It is plenty strong enough. We're only talking 52 ft-lbs on a first gen front axle. I've used mine on every wheel removal and it's still in perfect shape. If your spark plug socket and 3/8" extension can't handle 52 ft-lbs you are buying your tools at the wrong place.

On 2nd & 3rd gens you are just holding the axle while you tighten the bolt on the left side end, which you don't even need the socket to do if you just leave the right side pinch bolts tight.

 

[wfooshee]

Fred, I was talking about the plug wrench that came with the bike. The cheap stamped and rolled tube folding thingie with 10mm at one end and spark plug at the other.

It seems like the first time I went for it I had the thing in there and said, "There's no way that's actually going to turn that axle out of there!" and made the "correct" tool with a real socket backwards, as above.

 

[Fred W]

Ooooh... that plug wrench. [forehead slap]

I've never actually used that one before and sort of forgot it was even in there.

 

[jmgrif]

This is small can be used with a torque wrench doesn't cost very much!

https://s1029.photobucket.com/user/marliv55/media/photo_zps2b79062c.jpg.html

 

[Fred W]

This is small can be used with a torque wrench doesn't cost very much!

Yabbut, can you take out a spark plug with it?

Just kidding. I love home made tools. My garage is littered with them.

 

[jmgrif]

Hey Fred, I don't know if you saw I Thanked you for the Iphone 4 advice! It worked!

Mark By the way how did you get the image to show? I tried all links to Photobucket and some weren't allowed?

 

[kamal]

Like this Mark. Just ignore the 'You are not allowed to use that image extension on this community' warning.

Al.

 

[Patriot]

helpful sights...these specifically are for Gen I

but lots of it apply to Gen II as well

https://www.fjrtech.net/maint.cfm

ttp://www.fjr1300.info/

 

[Yroundrdn]

Great links Thx. Think I will go through this forum and see about putting together the ultimate touring tool and parts kit.

 

[Fred W]

Hey Fred, I don't know if you saw I Thanked you for the Iphone 4 advice! It worked!Mark By the way how did you get the image to show? I tried all links to Photobucket and some weren't allowed?

Glad the tip worked out for you. I think it was more of a starcom thing than anything to do with your phone.

The way to insert images into your post is to start out using any browser besides Windows Explorer.

Next copy the direct link to the image from Photobucket ( or wherever the images are hosted) not the "IMG" link.

Click the little picture icon in the tool bar of the post editing window, paste your image link into that pop-up and Bob's your Uncle!

For those who prefer to type in the BB code, the code for images has changed to:

open bracket, "img" = "direct link to image" close bracket (with no spaces or quotation marks)

 

[RadioHowie]

Hey, using a spark plug tool is NOT in keeping with FJR Forum standards, where money MUST be spent, no matter how much, no matter how often.

You guys bitch about spending $20 on a Vista Cruise, then drop $1200 on a goddamn shock absorber!!!

Get off your damn wallets and go buy one of these from Motion Pro...