I already have a front paddock stand but it gets in the way when trying to take the axle nut off and I also cant use it with front R&G bobbins on. Mine is an 03 if it makes any difference, whats everybody else using to get over this problem ?
Is it the type with the two fingers. If so, cut 2x hose pipe to length of finger, split along length and put both over the finger. Tape in place with insulating tape. Repeat for each finger. This gave me enough clearance to remove axle. If you have radial calipers you can put the fingers under the calipers instead of fork bottoms
I used a file to re profile the cut out in the side plate blocking the nut. The solution from chrisw does sound easier.
You can use an FG stand and just put a few washers over the pins to stop the pins preventing the axle from coming out. A very sturdy stand and as supplied to Ducati as a DP item. stand - FG Gubellini
Well as I have just got the bike back for what seems like ages I put some hose on the two prongs of the stand and it works a treat, Cheers
I lifted the bike, put a lump of railway sleeper under the engine, removed stand, removed wheel, put it back on front stand. Used an Abba for stability. @chrisw idea seems better.
I was thinking about doing this, do you think this will compromise the yoke's strength? Mines strickly a track bike and dont fancy crashing at speed again, what size hole did you drill?
Hi hugh, i did this about 2 years ago and its been fine. I believe that early 9 series bike had hole in that plate. Drilled 14mm to take 13mm pin
D sweet im gunna drill mine then. Got a nice harris front yoke stand just sitting there loking at me .
I put mine on a headstock stand by removing the spigot and using a thin ratchet strap through the holes in top yoke and looping it under the bottom yoke and paddock stand horizontal bar, the spigot retaining pin will stop it sliding off the end. Secure enough for wheel removal etc.