AboutBill Silver Expertise Need help with vintage Hondas from the 1960s? I am an expert with 250-305cc bikes in particular and most all of the other pre-91 models, in general. I do NOT claim to have a great deal of experience on Gold Wings, Cruisers, ATC/ATVs and dirt bikes.
Experience I have owned/ridden/maintained Honda motorcycles for 35 years. I have written five books on Honda repairs and collecting. I was a service manager for two Honda shops back in the 1980s.
Organizations VJMC (Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club) of North America
Publications VJMC newsletter, as editor for two years and as contributing editor currently.
Expert: Bill Silver Date: 7/6/2008 Subject: CB160 Front shock removal
Question I'm have a heck of a time getting the front shocks and forks off a 1966 CB160. I'm using a Glenn's repair maunual and have removed the two top fork retaining bolts and the two 10mm bolts from the lower bridge. How much force should I use? Is there a trick I'm missing here?
Answer Charlie, there are two versions of the forks.
Flood the bottom fork stem with penetrating oil, lightly insert a flat bladed screwdriver in the slotted area and tap gently to wedge the screwdriver into the slot, which will expand the grip on the fork tubes.
Put the top fork bolts back in a few threads, use a wooden block on top of the fork nut and hit it with a hammer to get it started downwards. Once it moves, continue to keep lubrication on the joints and twist, turn and pull the forks down out of the fork stem/bridge.
