Those springs are under a lot of tension and definitely cause the top fork screws to shoot a long way.

 

When working on ANYTHING that is under pressure, rule #1 is to release the pressure, or lock it down.
I had a friend who was a heavy equipment apprentice and was working on the rear shock from a 125 ton HaulPak (that's a dump truck in a mine) and the cylinder was pressured up with Nitrogen to a few thousand pounds/sq.in. He never let the pressure off and proceeded to remove one of the end caps. Needless to say, he ended up holding his guts in so they wouldn't spill all over the floor, the medi-vac plane arrived and they pumped all the plasma in they could before reaching the hospital over 400 miles away. They were literally pumping the last bag into him as they landed the plane. He barely survived.
So....

 

Ok you have used #1 of your 9 lives...you have 8 left

 

Always have an understanding how something works and is put together before you start. It will save you money and possible injury. Telescopic forks have been around since the 1930's (BMW). The technology is not new. Always research your project and you can have the correct parts and tools on hand. It will save a lot of grief. Research will help you decide if you have the skills to tackle the job too.

 

.....and you should never use a match to check your fuel level.

Manual or not, what did you think was gonna happen when that nut came off?

 

And it is why they make manuals and the forum has this

 

Always cover you fuel tank with a double folded towel when working above the tank. Another one to remember.

 

I learned a long time ago when all else FAILS..

 

I shot a nut once. it was pretty funny cause it got all in her eye.

 

Makes em kinda pissy though, they say it really burns