Suzuki GT750 – Front Wheel Removal (and Installation)

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oldbob
Still in the Driveway
Posts: 3
Joined: Sun Aug 05, 2012 8:17 pm
Country: usa
Suzuki 2-Strokes: GT750, GT550 (long gone)

Suzuki GT750 – Front Wheel Removal (and Installation)

Post by oldbob »

When removing my GT750's front wheel, I have been endlessly frustrated by the choices that Suzuki's Engineers made. The front tire will NOT fit between the brake hoses and their sheet-metal guards, and the front fender extends downward too far to allow the wheel and tire assembly to be pulled out even when the guards have been laboriously removed and the hoses re-routed. I have worked out a method to eliminate all of the frustration.

I have often wondered why the left fork slider had one through-bolt. Now, I understand the thinking behind that.

The primary idea here is that on removal, the wheel comes out while leaving all (but one) fender bolts in place.

To address the issue of the fender's shape preventing wheel extrication, I raised the front end. Of course, that required lowering the bike's back end. I built a rolling platform to ease maintenance, and the platform has two eye-bolts, to which a "ratchet strap" attaches. Although the platform is handy, it's not entirely necessary. A patient helper willing to sit on the back of the seat would probably be enough. Let the air out of the rear tire so the back end can lower farther. To keep the ratchet strap from damaging the mufflers, they need to be removed.

Undo the axle clamps at the bottom of the legs (14mm), and remove the calipers' bolts (17mm). Also remove the ONE through-bolt (12mm) on the left fork slider that can be easily accessed. After removing that one bolt, the left brake hose's guard can also be removed. Pull the calipers off of the brake discs and drape them away from the wheel. Now, raise the bike's front end.

Under each hose guard, there is a thick rubber/neoprene section that further protects the brake hose. Inconveniently, these thick sections come between the fork legs and the tires when attempting to remove the wheel and tire. Don't worry about the hose and guard on the right side. On the left side, squirt some WD-40 under the thick section and slide the thick section toward the caliper. Once that has been moved, there will be enough clearance to pull the tire and wheel between the fork legs. Depending upon your front tire's width, you might also need to let out its air.
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Madbuffalo
To the on ramp
Posts: 463
Joined: Thu Feb 17, 2011 8:55 pm
Country: USA
Suzuki 2-Strokes: GT750
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA

Re: Suzuki GT750 – Front Wheel Removal (and Installation)

Post by Madbuffalo »

Having had my front wheel off many times over the years it is the one thing I wish the engineers would have designed differently on a machine that is otherwise wonderful to work on. I usually raise the front end, unbolt everything and bungee the fender up to the steering stem. Your way sounds simpler and I'll try that next time. Thanks for sharing your method :up:
No really... it's supposed to smoke.

1974 Suzuki Nomad 340
1975 Suzuki GT750 Waterbuffalo
2018 Kawasaki Z900rs
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