Trying to remove upper triple on 03 636

Kuro

Kuro

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I am having trouble removing the upper triple on my 03 636.

Removed stem nut, undid the pinch bolts. I can't see anything else holding it down.
I tapped(eventually kept hitting it really hard) each side upwards with the back of a wrench and could get the sides to lift up a bit, but thats about it. I tried PB Blaster in the stem to no avail.

Any tips before I completely rage and destroy the flippin thing?
 
Stock handlebars? There's a screw going up from the bottom through the handlebar into the bottom of the upper triple clamp on each side.
 
phil_si said:
try spreading the triple with a screwdriver where the pinch bolts go.
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I tried this. It seems to open but middle is stuck at the stem.

BNKN said:
pull the forks down?
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Not sure what you mean by this.

Brian P said:
Stock handlebars? There's a screw going up from the bottom through the handlebar into the bottom of the upper triple clamp on each side.
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Screws are undone. The handlebars can swivel all the way around.
 
What are you trying to do? Just remove the upper triples with forks in place?
 
Kuro said:
Not sure what you mean by this.
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Sorry. Assuming all pertinent nuts and bolts are off or loose. The upper clamp must be seized on 1,2 or 3 locations (forks and stem). Remove the wheel and try to drop both legs down thru the clamp. Then you can rotate the upper clamp a bit.
 
frekeyguy said:
What are you trying to do? Just remove the upper triples with forks in place?
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Gonna flip the clip ons

BNKN said:
Sorry. Assuming all pertinent nuts and bolts are off or loose. The upper clamp must be seized on 1,2 or 3 locations (forks and stem). Remove the wheel and try to drop both legs down thru the clamp. Then you can rotate the upper clamp a bit.
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I guess this'll be a last resort. Dont really wanna remove the wheel. Frekey suggested something I'm gonna try tomorrow, which is to wedge in a screwdriver on each side of the pinch bolt recess while tugging upwards.

Will report outcome if anyones interested.
Thanks all.
 
Why flip the clipons? Are you trying to get a raise? You know the 636 clipons have a downward angle which will translate into an upward angle once flipped right? Makes for a really akward grip.

On alot of bikes you have to turn the steering all the way to the right (sometimes left) in order for the ignition barrel to clear the steering lock block on the frame. So try turning your bars all the way to the right (usuaslly the case with Kawasakis) then pulling up.
 
Yes, trying to get a raise. Its very commonly done on the 03-06 636. People sing praise about how much more comfy it is and how much easier it is to do slow manoeuvres. Just wanted to give it a shot. Worst case I flip it back.

I looked for things obstructing the ignition column, didn't notice anything on first inspection but will look again. Thanks.
 
Is the front wheel on the ground or off the ground? If it's off the ground, then the weight of the wheel may be putting a side load on the steering stem and causing the triple to hang up on the threads. Like someone mentioned, try taking the front wheel off, or put it back on the ground. That should make things easier. If that doesn't work, then drop the fork tubes then you've got all the access you need and you'll know where the problem is.
 
sixstring said:
Why flip the clipons? Are you trying to get a raise? You know the 636 clipons have a downward angle which will translate into an upward angle once flipped right? Makes for a really akward grip.

On alot of bikes you have to turn the steering all the way to the right (sometimes left) in order for the ignition barrel to clear the steering lock block on the frame. So try turning your bars all the way to the right (usuaslly the case with Kawasakis) then pulling up.
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Have you tired it? Well then dont knock it till your try it....It takes a day or so to get used too, but once you do 99% of people love it.....Its not a track junkie mod, but for stunt riders or street riders its makes for a very comfortable riding position...
wii
And yes the bars have about 9 degress of down angle, but you have to take into account the angle on your forks. That will make them sit almost straight when mounted upside down, not 9 degress upward..

I mean look doens't this guy look comfortable and relaxed?
328711_10150875645930324_1662097875_o.jpg
 
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JohnnyP636 said:
Have you tired it? Well then dont knock it till your try it....
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Yes I've tried it. On the first gen 636 too. Despite the angle of the forks, there is still a slight upward angle to the bars that I find unnatural. Your definately more upright but I feel like your angling your wrists the wrong way.... anyways OP will decide if its comfortable or not for him.
 
JohnnyP636 said:
Have you tired it? Well then dont knock it till your try it....It takes a day or so to get used too, but once you do 99% of people love it.....Its not a track junkie mod, but for stunt riders or street riders its makes for a very comfortable riding position...
wii
And yes the bars have about 9 degress of down angle, but you have to take into account the angle on your forks. That will make them sit almost straight when mounted upside down, not 9 degress upward..

I mean look doens't this guy look comfortable and relaxed?
328711_10150875645930324_1662097875_o.jpg
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lol... There's something about that bike that looks familiar, can't really put my finger on it...
 
sixstring said:
Yes I've tried it. On the first gen 636 too. Despite the angle of the forks, there is still a slight upward angle to the bars that I find unnatural.
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So its not your cup of tea, then again I don't think you like stunt riding correct? 90% of people I do this for love it, but most are into stunt riding or trying to get into it....In fact the new trend is riser clipons where we go much much higher, still with upward angle...

Just look at my freinds new stunt bike I am building, he has like 4" of rise, upward angle and even more weird he pushes them out forward so they angle out towards the front....You would probably think how can he ride like that , but he does a really good job at it trust me..
IMG_1985_zpsf8e66a62.jpg
 
No, I try to keep both wheels on the ground whenever possible lol.

I tried the bar flipping trick on my ZX7 which I think has a bit more steering head angle to mask the upward slope of the triples than my buddy's 636... I was initially pleased with the raise but after a week of commuting and riding the back roads my wrists started to hurt form the angle. I got LSL raisers afterwards and it was better but I couldn't put them as high as I'd like because the bars would hit the fairing and/or gas tank. Back to standard bars now.
 
sixstring said:
No, I try to keep both wheels on the ground whenever possible lol.

I tried the bar flipping trick on my ZX7 which I think has a bit more steering head angle to mask the upward slope of the triples than my buddy's 636... I was initially pleased with the raise but after a week of commuting and riding the back roads my wrists started to hurt form the angle. I got LSL raisers afterwards and it was better but I couldn't put them as high as I'd like because the bars would hit the fairing and/or gas tank. Back to standard bars now.
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It really depends on your riding style, I wouldnt take my bike setup like that to the track thats for sure....
 
Success. Thanks all for suggestions.

I managed to stick these allen keys in and try to open up some space... then I pivot each side up at a time until it came off.

IMG_20130513_205541_zpsc2a53485.jpg
 
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