Installing Clipons

[spydah]

I've never messed with the front end of a bike and aren't sure what to expect. Do I need to take apart the tripple to install aftermarket clipons? Should I expect it to be a PITA and take up time?

Thanks!

[BLACK SQUIRREL]

Depends what the clipons in question are.

Woodcraft No, The clamp is split in two pieces so you don not have to remove the Top triple.

Most others Yes, its not a big big deal But it sucks

[spydah]

Vortex. They don't split. Regarless I'd need to take the tripple off to get the stock ones off anyway I think.

[Boston Moto]

You'll need to either remove the top triple or drop the forks to get the OEM clipons off.

[GixerJockey]

Suspent the bike from it's tripples. (garage rafters and a strap work quite nicely) Drop the fork legs down out of the tripple. It's MUCH easier than disassembling the tripples.

[keeena]

I would think removing the top triple is the easier route. You're gonna have to remove all controls anyways, so line slack isn't an issue when lifting triple & clipon assembly up off the steering stem. Only 1 nut and 4 pinch bolts...off she comes. Should be enough slack in the ignition key wiring and any cable routing thru guides bolted on the triple...but if there isn't, then that would be a reason for dropping forks.

Dropping forks may be more difficult because:
- may be difficult to access the lower triple clamp pinch bolts (assuming faired bike). And even then, you have to deal w/ spreading more pinch points at once.
- may be a pain to remove the bolt which holds the clipon to the bottom of the top triple. If removing triple, can flip triple over to get at these bolts.
- if you drop the forks, you're gonna have to get their height set again; not an issue if you leave the lower clamped and remove top triple only.
- you'll need a steering stem stand and/or suspend bike

FWIW.