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I just removed the front forks from my 1997 M900 and thought I might list the steps here, in case anyone else can't figure it out.
First off, you need hex wrenches (allen wrenches) in 14, 8, 6, and 4mm, and a large wrench or breaker bar for the 14mm axle to get enough leverage. If you can't find 14mm wrench, try AutoZone. You'll also need a good stand that holds the bike up by the steering stem, or some way to hold the front of the bike from above, using ropes or tiedown straps. My new Pitbull stand does an excellent job.
After the front end is suspended and before doing anything else, disconnect the speedometer drive so that there is no chance of spinning the axle and breaking it. Then loosen the two 8mm screws on the bottom of the right fork leg, but leave the ones on the left tight. Use the 14mm hex wrench and a breaker bar to loosen the axle. Screw it out part way, but not all the way yet.
Take the 4mm allen wrench and remove the four screws holding on the front fender, then put it somewhere safe. You'll have time to clean it good later.
Use the 8mm hex wrench to disconnect the brake calipers. Two big screws per side need to be removed. You can remove the calipers without taking the brake disks off of the wheel if you pry the pads back a little, then twist the caliper outward when it gets up against the rim. Use some string or wire to hold the calipers up out of the way.
Unscrew the front axle the rest of the way, hold the tire and wheel with your right hand and pull the axle out with your left hand. Be sure not to lose the parts that go to the speedometer drive.
Now all you have left to do is drop the forks out and you're done. Measure how much fork leg is sticking up above the triple clamp so you can put it back how it was. Mine has 3/4" of fork leg, not counting the cap, above the triple clamp, and it has never been modified since the day it was new.
Loosen the top two 6mm screws, loosen one of the bottom 6mm screws, then get a good hold on the fork leg when you loosen the last one. If you don't it will drop out by itself (I'm embarrassed to explain how I know this. :-[ ) Repeat for the other fork leg and you're set.
Any screws that don't attach directly to the fork leg should be put back where they came from so they can't be lost. Put the others somewhere safe.
First off, you need hex wrenches (allen wrenches) in 14, 8, 6, and 4mm, and a large wrench or breaker bar for the 14mm axle to get enough leverage. If you can't find 14mm wrench, try AutoZone. You'll also need a good stand that holds the bike up by the steering stem, or some way to hold the front of the bike from above, using ropes or tiedown straps. My new Pitbull stand does an excellent job.
After the front end is suspended and before doing anything else, disconnect the speedometer drive so that there is no chance of spinning the axle and breaking it. Then loosen the two 8mm screws on the bottom of the right fork leg, but leave the ones on the left tight. Use the 14mm hex wrench and a breaker bar to loosen the axle. Screw it out part way, but not all the way yet.
Take the 4mm allen wrench and remove the four screws holding on the front fender, then put it somewhere safe. You'll have time to clean it good later.
Use the 8mm hex wrench to disconnect the brake calipers. Two big screws per side need to be removed. You can remove the calipers without taking the brake disks off of the wheel if you pry the pads back a little, then twist the caliper outward when it gets up against the rim. Use some string or wire to hold the calipers up out of the way.
Unscrew the front axle the rest of the way, hold the tire and wheel with your right hand and pull the axle out with your left hand. Be sure not to lose the parts that go to the speedometer drive.
Now all you have left to do is drop the forks out and you're done. Measure how much fork leg is sticking up above the triple clamp so you can put it back how it was. Mine has 3/4" of fork leg, not counting the cap, above the triple clamp, and it has never been modified since the day it was new.
Loosen the top two 6mm screws, loosen one of the bottom 6mm screws, then get a good hold on the fork leg when you loosen the last one. If you don't it will drop out by itself (I'm embarrassed to explain how I know this. :-[ ) Repeat for the other fork leg and you're set.
Any screws that don't attach directly to the fork leg should be put back where they came from so they can't be lost. Put the others somewhere safe.