Ok I ran into this when doing my fork dampers. I didn't look ahead to see that I needed a 12 point socket to remove the front caliper. I used a ratchet wrench but I actually had to hit it with a hammer to break them loose, and that was hard on the wrench. So rather than repeat this down the road, are their any other 12 point tools I will need?

For the record, my regular 10mm wrench was 6 point, so go figure. Any others I need to purchase for, BEFORE I start on a job?

Thanks

 

No , these are the only ones on the bike . They are 12 point 10mm ( Yes metric ) To the very best of my knowledge everything else is imperial . I wouldn't recommend using 12 point sockets for conventional bolts by the way . Less contact could increase the risk of rounding off the corners on stubborn nuts and bolts . Coincidentally I'm just about to remove my callipers this morning ( Roadster ) to give everything a clean and inspection .

 

My o6 the brake caliper pins are 1/4" 12 point

 

The Head Bolts are also 12 point.

 

Ok . Do you know what size ?

 

You're quite right , how did I miss that ? I've just noticed that they are actually long tubular nuts ! What a great idea . I guess that means shorter studs so that the heads can come off with the engine in situ but much more thread length to spread the load . Never seen that on a Japanese bike .

 

Except it seems the norm here that a lot of socket sets are 12 point sockets.

When I was buying tools that was the norm any way. A quick look and I see sets with both 6 and 12 point sockets.

 

Back in the late 60's and early 70's I worked at a transmission shop, before joining the Army. I remember there were a lot of 12 point sockets available then. Mostly 12 point, but it never made sense to me. If it doesn't line up, rotate it a little. A 12 point wrench makes more sense.

Ok so it is the head bolts/nuts that are also 12 point. I knew I had seen something else. Any idea what size? I hate to buy a whole set for 2 sockets.

Midpegs

I would only argue as far as the rounding off part, that only applies with a 12 point wrench/socket when used on a 6 point nut or bolt. When used on a 12 point, it is actually stronger. There is usually a fair amount of slop built into sockets and wrenches to allow them to slip over a bolt, and the 12 points seem to be cut more precise, both the tool and the bolts.

 

The service manual does not state head bolt size.

 

Not sure what year bike you have or if they changed but should be a 12 point 1/2" for headbolts