front axle

[maddog]

As bikes get larger and larger front axles, I'm finding it increasingly difficult to find a tool to remove the front wheel. Case in point, I just got an SV1000S that requires about a 24mm hex/allen wrench. I can't find one - and may need to resort to either a special (expensive?) Suzuki tool, or a big bolt head. How you guys deal with these large front axles?

-maddog

[tzracer]

i don't have such an axle, i would buy a bolt and nut with 24 mm hex. put nut on bolt, cut off sny excess bolt. weld nut to bolt. now you can use a 24 mm socket to tighten/loosen the axle.

[MightyDuc Racing]

Check Discount Auto Parts...I think the cheapo set I bought there has one that big in it, but don't hold me to it.  Or when in doubt, try Sears or Northern.  Good luck.

[r6_philly]

one of the cheapo R6 tool is a chisel. I found one that is 19mm at Home Depot. you can cut it and use a 19mm socket, or like me, just put a box wrench around, make it easier to turn too.

just go to a Home Depot or lowes, and grab a 24mm wrench and see if any of the chisel handles fit it. I have seen 19mm's and bigger ones. Cost you $5. And now you have a chisel to fix things when you fall  ;D  :D

[MightyDuc Racing]

Now that's a heck of an idea. :D

[tcchin]

A 5/8" coupling nut typically has 15/16" flats (23.8mm), and is typically ~2" long. Insert coupling nut into axle, then turn the exposed end, no welding required. See McMaster-Carr part number 93525A315 at http://www.mcmaster.com.

[maddog]

Hey those are some great ideas! I was looking at a chisel of mine last night and it looked to be about 19mm (too small). But if I can find a bigger one...
I really like that coupling nut idea. I looked at McMaster-Carr and yup, a 5/8" with 15/16" flats would probably do it. Kinda doubt that I'll find one that size at Home Depot though - may have to order through McMaster-Carr.

[MightyDuc Racing]

You can probably get it at your local construction supply shop.  If they sell threaded rod, they'll have the coupler nuts most likely.

[rsmith]

This should be the same size as the GSXR axles so checkout Circuit 1.  For $12.95 they make a great tool that fits GSXR & R6 axles.

http://www.circuit1.com/img/products/GSXR_R1_axle_tool_small.jpg

http://www.circuit1.com/circuitone_products.html

I bought a bunch of stuff from them this year and was very pleased with the products and service.

[maddog]

Thanks Rob!

That Circuit1 tool is the ticket - I just ordered it. It's 19mm one one end (for Yamahas) and 24mm on the other end (for Suzukis). The coupler nut from McMaster-Carr was $30!. The Circuit1 tool was $13.

[MightyDuc Racing]

Nice...I might buy one for future use.

[spyderchick]

This should be the same size as the GSXR axles so checkout Circuit 1.  For $12.95 they make a great tool that fits GSXR & R6 axles.

Dude, you rock. Just bought an R6 for the street and discovered a need for this tool. $12.95 is a steal! Mucho Grasias!