VStrom Owners Thread

That's what I had heard. I'll give it the old DIY college try. But for $40 (I think that's what he was charging), I'd gladly save the time and aggravation.

That's exactly what I said. They came out well enough. used a blow torch to heat. Spare parts at local hardware store.

What is the preferred method for front wheel removal for a DL1000? I have a center stand, so I’ll be making use of that for the rear wheel removal. Thank you.

Up on the centerstand, remove fork brace, fender, brake calipers. Loosen the lower pinch bolts and the axle. Then a jack under the engine block to get the tire off the ground, and pull the axle out.

While the front is off the ground, gently swing the bars left/right past center. If there is a "detent" of any kind, replace your steering head bearings.

Are you using an automotive jack or a motorcycle/ATV jack?

Wanting to make sure that it’s secure enough that I feel comfortable leaving it like that for a couple hours.

I unloaded both of my jacks (one automotive and one motorcycle/ATV) not long before I got my DL1000, so I’ll get to make that purchase all over again.

I'm using an automotive / floor jack, but you could use anything; even stack up a bunch of wood blocks while somebody pushes down on the back of the bike. Of course, safety first.

The bottom of the motor isn't flat, so you'll need to take a look under it and see exactly how to position a jack, but...I've left mine like that for weeks while replacing my steering head bearings. Just don't let your kid jump up on your bike while the front tire is off.

You only need to remove one brake caliper, and not the fender. Obviously do all the removal / loosening prior to jacking.

I use a floor jack with a block of wood 4x4x4" on top and lift on the bottom center of the engine crash bars, right behind the front wheel. Once the wheel is out I set jack stands under each fork. You have to remove them to get the wheel back on though...

Before you take apart

You prob should mention the year of DL1000.

If you have a newer DL1000 with abs don't forget to remove the ABS sensor. I'm also pretty sure you need to remove both brake calipers.

I put something heavy in the topcase (ie bag of water softener salt) to keep the back wheel on the ground and some blocks under the engine for safety. Long as you don't have any kids around it can stay the way as long as you want.

..Tom

I have a ‘19 (ABS). I was planning on removing both calipers.

I should have been more specific...I’m planning on removing both wheels at the same time to get new tires installed.

Unless you don't plan on doing any other motorcycle maintenance ever, not buying a front stand is penny wise and pound foolish...

And yes, you want to remove both calipers, it's a lot easier to remove and reinstall the wheel that way.

Gustavo

I was looking at them today. Any other options for a bottom of fork lift/hybrid than Pitbull?

Ah...I only have experience with Gen1.

Some good suggestions but consider using a center stand and hanging the front of the bike by the handlebars from a rafter, or even a really tall ladder if you've got one.

Barbaby’sDad,
If you’re paying a shop to change the tires consider buying a tire machine. I bought a HF unit years ago, paid for itself on the third wheel I mounted a tire on. It breaks down and stores out of sight.
Jathkajoe

I put a tire down strap on the center stand and hook it to the front of my bash plate, just as insurance that the stand doesn’t fold while the wheels are off.

Remove rear wheel, put a jack stand at rear to prevent tipping too far. Remove pinch bolt, one caliper, slide out axle and lift front of bike with a jack to roll tire out. Then I put the axle back in, wrap it with a towel and rest it down on two closely positions jack stands.

I used the center stand and a front fork/lift stand thingy from Cycle Gear. No issues with both wheels removed.

There are other manufacturers that make similar stands. Yes, PitBull makes nice stands (I have a set), but it's not necessary to spend that much money to get a very good alternative. Vortex is not a lot cheaper, but makes good stuff too. Try TrackSide, Venom or Unit are some brands off the top of my head. In Europe, ABBA stands makes a very handy lift that could replace both front and rear stands. But I am not aware of anybody selling them in the US. I Googled it, and it looks like they do have a US rep now:

https://abbastandsusa.com/product-detail.asp?item=superbike-stand&pid=1

This may come in even more handy than a set of paddock stands in the long run.

Damn, I have been thinking I needed a Sky Lift ever since I saw some buddies in Europe use one. Now you can buy it in the US w/o paying astronomical shipping fees. Damn you @Barnaby'sDad, this late night web surfing is going to be expensive...



Gustavo

I may go that route eventually. For the first tire change, I’ll just pay the $60 to have it done.

$60? Each? Wheel off bike?

Is that a lot? I pay $50 Canadian$ for tire change with wheel on the bike. I ride in and he does the work while I wait. (Not my Suzuki dealer.)

..Tom