Need help on removing caliper from front fork leg. The bolts are torx bolts that have and aluminum color to them. I have tried an 10 mm 6pt torx sockets but it just spun/slipped on the head of the bolt. Do I need a special size/type socket for this? Any help suggestions would be appreciated.

 

use a twelve point 10mm socket. Should fit without problem...unless you rounded it off already.

 

Yup, they're a real PITA. Takes a 12 pt. socket. Just took mine off a couple weeks ago. And I think the post above is correct, 10 mm, and don't ask me why it's metric on our American built bikes.

 

A whole lot of metric fasteners on our late-model American (Harley) bikes - PISSES ME OFF to no end!!! Not only do you have to have every type of fastener removal tool (wrenches, sockets, torx, allens, etc...), you also have to have SAE AND metric!

Sorry for the rant - pet peeve of mine! Regardless, you should also be able to use a 10mm box wrench, as they are also 12 point, if you can get it on the head.

Roger

 

Went out and bought the right torx socket for the bolt and a second tool box just for all of the tools I need to work on this bike.

 

In the shop manual it tells you that the front ends are japanese made shocks. That's why everything is metric.

The bigger bolts should be no problem. The pins that hold the pads are a different animal, however, and they are often so tight you can't get them free with a female torx socket.

I had to drive on a slightly smaller 12 pt. wrench and then I got a Gardner Wescott brake caliper bolt kit that gets rid of the stupid torx head bolts and replaces them with allen head bolts. No more problems.

I have replaced most of the bolts (screws, really) on my bike over the years with chrome allen heads. I keep some q-tips and testor's black enamel paint handy and fill in the bolt heads with black paint so that they don't rust.

C#

 

[QUOTE=tunaman;7817594]A whole lot of metric fasteners on our late-model American (Harley) bikes - PISSES ME OFF to no end!!!


SHOWA... a Japanese company has been making the suspensions for almost all motorcycle manufacturers for some years now... including HD.

 

Sears makes a mew socket set, they fit like 10 different bolt head styles and yes they will get those damn caliper bolts out both big and small. Great investment IMHO.

 

That's fine, but it isn't just the suspension parts that are metric.

Roger

 

SO TRUE! Many parts of our bikes are foreign made. Pistons from Germany, cast wheels from Australia, front forks from Japan, etc. It's a world economy and there's no going back.