916 Bottom Yoke Mod

Yeah

 

As above, yes just need to drill a hole in the bottom yoke - there is a drain hole which is not central so don't use it as a guide!

I would advise removing it to drill rather than use a hand drill lying down under the front end.

Some aftermarket yokes (Ohlins) are bored right through - be aware that the ID of the stem is quite large (28mm IIRC) and so if you drill the yoke out fully you'll need a big pin for your stand.

 

Buy one of these and then never have to worry about it.

Stand is not cheap but made to last a life time.

FS11/D Motorcycle Front (headstock) Paddock Stand

 

Remove the stem, to get an accurate centre.

 

The best way.

FYI the bottom yoke without stem looks like this;



See how the drain hole is to the rear



Ohlins yoke is already through bored;

 

Looks like a worthy mod.
I've had a few 'moments' with the under caliper ones, especially with the wheel out! :Arghh:

 

Makes things like adjusting fork height, changing clipons and the like really easy with headstock lift. A must imo for track/race bike

 

If you have access to or know someone who can weld, you could make a plate with the ends bent up that "cups" the underside of the yoke and weld on a suitable adapter ring to suit the pin of the stand you want to use.

 

I have carried this mod out to my yokes . Very, very easy to drill with a battery hand drill as the cast ali material is very soft.
Start small, then worked up to 15mm reduced shank drill...

 

Anybody have the distance from the drain hole to the center of the stem socket?

 

If you have a stepped or cone drill as they are known, that is the easiest method of slowly opening up a hole to get the right size.

 

On the one pictured in my above post ('98, 916) it is 15mm centre to centre.

 

Sounds easy enough. I'm sure it wouldn't be though!! Plenty of scope for cocking up!!

 

Send it to me Simon. I'll drill it for you if you want.

 

nah let him use the drill bit,.........