DIY XB Front Tire Removal

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I was confoozed at first, until you pointed out that you have to remove the calper for 8-piston models. I'm tempted to do that anyway on mine ('07), because it's tight in there getting it back on.

IYAOYAS-others will probably chime in, but I think it'd be mighty tough to do without the forks being able to rotate.
 
i agree baal...by the description about it seems the key is being able to rotate the fork away so you can slide the caliper off backwards.
 
I think without a triple tree front stand you would also run into problems getting the axle out. The fork tubes will be unequally loaded (they are different lengths left to right)...which may make removal more difficult, and installation an absolute bitch!
 
That makes sense, thanks for the input, guess I will install a couple of hooks in the garage ceiling so I can cargo strap it.
 
If you have the stock exhaust, you could jack there; just be sure to stabilize the bike side-to side. OH, and I imagine you need to put something under the rear tire so the bike can't tip backwards (off the jack) when you remove the front wheel.

I'm guessing, 'cause I never used the muffler to jack.
 
Thats exactly how they did mine this weekend. He didnt have a triple tree stand so he jacked under the front strap on the exhaust just high enough to get the tire off the the lift then i instructed him how to do the remainder of the procedure based on what is outlined above. The rear wheel was strapped down to the lift to prevent tipping. He also used straps to stabilize the bike up front.


I am sure glad I didn't try it myself this time around as this dude was about 350lbs and was cursing and bitching at how hard nuts/axles/bolts were to crack. I'm 140lbs and there is no way I would have done it lol. He said the factory must have used the red thread sealant instead of the blue. Def going to get my stands for the next time around as it really isnt that hard after all. Especially since he used the blue one on everything he put back in.

Quick note for anyone trying this. The rear axle comes out as you would imagine, counter clockwise. The front axle however is the opposite and comes out clockwise. Why? I have no idea, ask Erik Buell.

Lastly, the rear caliper can slide off the rotor by simply removing the 2 allen bolts in the swingarm on the left side. He insisted on pulling it apart despite me telling him that only to find out it is not possible as one of the bolts can not back out far enough. With that said the back really is a cinch. Crack the pinch bolt on the bottom right side of the swingarm and back it out a tad. Go to the other side and remove the 2 allen bolts I just mentioned. Slide caliper off the rotor and store properly as to not strain the brake line. Go back to the right side and use your lug tool thing to crack the axle and then spin it out. Once this is done u can freely remove the wheel and slide the belt off.

Follow the procedure at the top of this post for the front and you are good to go.
 
I just changed my front tire and ended up needing a new axle/bearings because they corroded together or something. I'm still not exactly sure what happened but that axle lost the fight when challenged by a 4' breaker bar.
29mrifp.jpg

(sorry for the crappy cellphone picture)
 
hey Rpower. Did you loosen the pinch bolts??? Anyway, good write up. Best part is it'll save ya about 60$ at most shops W/ a carry in wheel as oposed to dropin the whole bike.
 
TooFst: Yeah, I loosened up the pinch bolts, pulled both the caliper and fender. Removing the rear was a bear too, I was afraid I was going to break something back there too. I'm assuming it had something to do with either not properly being stored in horrific Minnesota winters or something the previous owner did.

Great timing on the write up too. With allot of us putting our bikes away for winter, it's a prime time to change tires!
 
Can someone post a pic of the left and right side of an XB12R 09 front wheel. I should have taken pictures before removing the tire, but I didn't like a dumbazz. I seem to have a little space on the right when looking at the bike and none on the left. I'll have to get a picture later.. little pissed that I rolled over a nail on my rear tire right after changing the front. [mad] Stupid tire is only a few months old. [sad]

Thank you
KG
 
cool thanks. I'll get some pictures taken today to show the angle and space on the right side front view that I'm talking about.

KG
 
Thanks for the posts! I was saved some time and hassle for sure, especially trying to find something to accomodate for the axle nut until I read it's in my under seat tool kit!
 
Thanks for the posts! I was saved some time and hassle for sure, especially trying to find something to accomodate for the axle nut until I read it's in my under seat tool kit!
 

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