cant get front tire off...am i just stupid???

OK so I've got a 94 xj600s. I have new tires that were given to me when i purchased the bike about a week ago. Only problem is I can't seem to get the front tire off. Is there a trick to loosening the nut holding it on??? I have tried loosen it up but can't get it to turn at all. Help!

 

Not sure if a 94 is the same as my 81....

Are you talking about the pinch bolt or the axle nut? Axle nut hit with an impact if you've got it or get a longer wrench and try that.

 

I had to use a metric lug wrench from my Volkswagen to get enough torque to turn that bolt. BTW, I'm sure this is a dumb question, but you did loosen the pinch bolt (assuming there is one...), right? If it is like mine, if the pinch bolt is still tight, the axle nut won't turn.

 

I think that axle nut gets something like 65 ft-lbs of torque. Unless you've been popping 'roids and spending your days at the gym you're going to need a longer wrench than comes in most homeowner tool kits. It should be 1/2" drive too.

I wonder if you have the tools to do the job properly. You're going to need a 1/2" torque wrench that goes to 100 or 140 ft lbs, a 3/8" torque wrench in inch pounds and a service manual. Otherwise you can't be sure it's safe on reassembly.

 

My 81 manual says 77ft/lbs on the axle nut.

Make sure your cotter pin is out. If you've twisted that nut with the pin still in it you've probably made quite a mess.

And you don't need to do 'roids or go to the gym to knock it loose or torque it down. I knocked mine off with a 1/2" drive breaker bar. Torqued it with a 1/2 torque wrench. Never done 'roids and haven't seen a gym in 10 years atleast....

Back on topic,

One trick is to push down on it rather than pull up. Use your body weight to help.

 

Ok so I feel dumb....didn't take the pinch bolts out. This is my first bike just got it a week ago so im going with that as my excuss lol. Thanks