T500 Fork Spring Gaiter Project w/picture

[LexPaul]

Riding season is slowing down and once the time change happens, it'll be time for my Fall project. I've got NOS springs, gaiters, and seals ready to be installed on my 1970 T500. My question is this: has anyone actually completed this same project and did they need the special tools identified on page 80/81 of the service manual listed below.

09941-00110 fork inner tube nut tool
09940-30110 fork assembly tool

If these tools are absolutely required, then I'd like to put down an appropriate security deposit and have someone mail them to me. I'll get them right back to you as I do not plan on having this bike apart for more than a week. Our winter rides start Jan 1st. It's the best time to hit the mountains of Tennessee.

Any other thoughts on this project would be appreciated. Thanks LexPaul

[akendall1966]

I have done it in the course of restoring my '70 T500 no special tools needed. Hardest part is unscrewing the seal holders. I used a pipe wrench and some heat. Go carefully so as to not damage the chrome.

[sbaugz]

Did mine recently and didn't require any special tools either. The hardest part for me was also the seal holders on top of the fork lowers. One of them didn't want to come off. Used a large adjustable pliers and put the fork lowers in a vise. I ended up scratching them a little bit, but I didn't care because they were getting re-chromed anyways.