Removal, servicing and replacement of the front forks

Note: this was carried out on a 2007 ST1300, make allowances for changes in model years
This procedure begins on page xyzzy of the service manual.

Preparation needed:

• Follow the fairing removal quick guide to remove the lower fairings
• Remove the complete upper fairing, instrument panel and the headlight (for safety, cheaper than breaking it)
• Remove Front Fender and any aftermarket lights, accessories, etc.
• HelibarRemovalQuickGuide to allow clear access to the tops of the forks.

Tools and Supplies

Tools

• 17mm Hex Key - worthwhile investing in one since it is also used on the front axle.
• 12mm wrench or socket for pinch bolts
• 6mm long hex key for lower fork drain bolt
• Fork seal insertion kit
• Trolley or bottle jack to support the front of the bike while the front wheel is removed.
• Workbench with a vice to hold the fork while it is being worked on

Supplies

• 1 large tub of elbow grease
• Rags, paper towels or mechanics wipes to clean up spilled fork oil

Disassembly

• Loosen the upper pinch bolt.
• Loosen slightly the 17mm end cap on each fork, but don't remove it yet. Just break the torque so it can easily be removed after the fork is out.
• Remove the Front Wheel. This comes down here so that you can grip the wheel while cracking the bolts on the end caps without putting stress on the brake lines,
• Loosen the lower pinch bolts on each fork, supporting the fork while doing so.
• Remove the fork.

Procedure

The procedure is exactly as laid out in the You tube video. The only difference in the procedure is that the ST1300 does not have the clip around the top end of the fork to ensure that it seats at the same place, so care is needed to remount the fork flush with the top of the tree.

Reassembly

Reverse the Disassembly procedure.

Post-Service Checkout

• Complete the Front Fork Alignment to ensure that the front wheel and handlebars are on the same page.
  • Best done before the fairings are put back on!
• Replace all of the items removed in the preparation section.

Related Information

Web Address	Detail
www.framestraightsystem.com	TN based frame, forks, wheels and brake disk repair/straightening service
drjohnsmfs.com	CA based frame and fork straightening service

Note: Links are provided for information only, services provided by the linked sites are the responsibility of those sites and are not controlled by STWiki. Use of those services is at the discretion of the reader, STWiki and the author of this article assume no responsibility for the outcome of such use