Tools needed to remove front wheel

[Staffan]

I need to remove the front wheel and am wondering what tools I need. I'm going to have the tyre replaced (not going to do that part myself).

In the manual, they recommend placing the motorcycle on the side stand, and using a jack under the engine, as well as an accessory service stand or equivalent under the swing arm.

It also mentions that I need a special tool to loosen the shaft. But it looks like I could use a normal hex key. Not sure why I need a special tool for this?

My motorcycle has a centre stand. I'm wondering if I could use the centre stand, and maybe a jack or something to stabilise. What would you recommend? I would need the motorcycle quite stable, so that I can safely leave it for a few hours, while I get the tyre replaced and the wheel balanced.

I don't have a concrete floor to work on, so will do this either outdoors, on gravel, or in the garage, which is an old barn with wood floor (that is not completely flat and moves when you walk on it).

[mobytrip]

you have identified the right way to do it, the 'special' tool is just a hex bit.

Put bike on centre stand and support under engine to ensure wheel off the ground
undo pinch bolt on right fork leg
undo axle using hex drive

Torque for axle install is 65Nm (47 lb-ft)

[Gert]

If memory serves me, you need a 12mm allenkey. To lift the fornt end, hang the handlebars via a ratchet strap from the rafters in the barn. Same principle as in the DIY stand that I use, https://www.vstrom.info/vsri-gallery/gallery/d/95919-2/Fork+Seal+lift.jpg
You may require someone to assist you, but if you have a centre stand then it is a one-man operation. Note the jack (in the pix) for support and to lower the front end once the wheel is back on again. See http://www.v-strom.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=34926.0

[Staffan]

Thanks! That's a good idea I hadn't thought of! I will try this. 

[UK_Vstrom650]

Also, if you have a thick board of wood, put it  under the centre stand to give additional height for the tyre to clear the front mudguard.

Don't forget to remove your brake calipers and ABS sensor if fitted. Also loosen the axle before jacking it up. Once the front wheel is off the weight will be at the rear of the bike.
Good luck 

[Gert]

Another idea is shown in the pix of this single post https://www.stromtrooper.com/4580610-post51.html.

[Asmith61]

Hi this is the tool you need to do the job

[Gert]

The early DL650 (K4-L1) needs a 12mm, while the older DL1000 use a 3/4" or 19mm. Sizes confirmed: https://www.vstrom.info/Smf/index.php/topic,2870.0.html, see posts #7 & #14. Not sure of the newer gen 2 and gen 3 models

[Rusty Nuts]

Speaking of clearance and mudguards,if the K8 has the same mudguard fixing system as the L2 I would definitely try to leave it in situ if at all possible. Those bolts and nuts are a pain.

[Gassoon]

there's no absolute 'need' for the special tool, as long as you have the right sizes of hex anyway.

I don't have a concrete floor to work on, so will do this either outdoors, on gravel, or in the garage, which is an old barn with wood floor (that is not completely flat and moves when you walk on it).

  That bouncy floor won't make it easy, mate

get yourself one of these? https://www.amazon.co.uk/Premier-Waterproof-Pop-up-Protective-Marquee/dp/B07CGC931T/ref=lp_4245832031_1_22?s=outdoors&ie=UTF8&qid=1534435169&sr=1-22

[Gert]

If you are considering to remove the front mudguard to give yourself more clearance, it is not worth the effort: http://www.v-strom.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=34440.msg344500#msg344500. If you do, be aware of the two mudguard bolts (one either side) that attach to a tab on the forks. The nut section on the inside of the mudguard, is not a nut that one can grip with a spanner. It is molded into the mudguard and often fixed with loctite in place. Recommend to have a look inside the mudguard in this area to see how it is fastened. A hot soldering iron for a few seconds on the nut may help break the loctite bond and help with ease of removal. The wheel can be removed without removing the mudguard.

[Loz]

My special tool is a bolt (that is the same size as the hex) with two nuts on it.

[Asmith61]

  that is what I used the first time I done the job before I bought the tool, and it done the job fine

[Staffan]

My bike has 12 mm bolts. So, I'll just buy a standard bit for my torque wrench