Got a problem

[Mongoose]

And no its not myself(well not totally)

Trying to take the front forks of the Guzzi (Cali 111) but things are a bit on the tight side. The reason for taking the forks off, is to get the guard off, because them allen headed bolts are stuck fast. So, i can not "screw" the forks off and I am having problems wedging the bottom clam to open it enough to slide the forks thru.Top ones are piece of piss.
Any hints, thoughts, ideas to make it happen?

[DingDong]

normally this wouldnt be a problem... Id hate to ask the obvious but have you lifted the wieght off the front? ie suspended the front from the roof or summit...
or have you taken the front wheel off... probly help a bit.

[Mongoose]

I have the bike jacked uo, under the sump, and the front wheel is off. One problem is lack of space to give the gap(the one that closes when you clamp) a mighty smite to wedge it open.

[DingDong]

Try this:
put the wheel back on (if its off)
lower it down & tap some small screw drives in the gaps (even just a fraction)
grab the front break and rock the bike.
The leverage may loosen them up (CRC wont hurt either)

Otherwise you may have to get a stilsons (sp?) and a rag (so you dont damage the chrome) to turn the forks out.

Thats all I can think of... hope it works out for ya

[Mongoose]

Yep, appreciate all that BUT, the reason for removal is the front guard is still attached, thus no "scewing" of the forks to release.
Awkward cuss, huh?

[JMemonic]

If you have not had any luck by the time you read this here is a suggestion. Lube it up wit CRC or any light oil. leave it for as ling as you can. get a decent broom handle to cut up and use as a drift and apply reasnoble downward force with a moderate tap-ometer (hammer) a little on each side, that is of course if you have somewhere to apply the force.

[T.W.R]

if the tops of your forks are free of the top clamps vertical gravity takes over & the forks are pulling down against the angle of the rake on the bottom clamps.
try chocking the clamps open with wedges & drizzle some oil around the clamps so it seeps down between the fork & clamp leave it for a while then have another go.

or with the allen bolts on the guards load up pressure on the allen key & start tapping the key with a hammer ( same principle as an impact driver) they'll be fused in place by vibration, heat, & crud & only need a bit of encouragement to break the bind on them.

[Mongoose]

Ahh, tis one of those thing, I probabley knew what has to be done but lived in hope that some one else would have a magic cure.Back to patience Grasshopper for me

[scumdog]

Make sure you use a brass drift or sommat similar when hammering on any alloy etc.
Speak to local bike shop for ideas.
And keep the CRC flowing.