In attempting to get the front fender off for painting, I've hit an obstacle. What's the best way to get this fender off. I don't have the right size hex wrench. Are there other methods?
You'll need to buy a set of metric hex head wrenches. Then you'll have all the sizes you need. Get the ones with the ball end on the long piece. This will let you use the wrench at an angle from the bolt if you can't fit it straight on.
Orchard Supply has sets in a handy plastic holder.
I'm guessing you already have the front wheel off. There are nuts under the fender that need to be removed. So you'll have to use the hex head to hold the bolt and a socket or wrench for the nut (8mm).
I just painted my GS and I took the fender off the tricky way. I used a foot long extension with an 8 or 9mm socket that meets up with the four hex key bolts that hold the aluminum plate onto the fender. Remove the bolts and washers then remove the four bolts holding the plate to the forks. after that just remove the plate and slide the fender forward. Hope that helps.
Mick
Oh i forgot, I left the tire on because I didnt want the hassle with taking it off. its pretty easy to get the 4 bolts off, on the aluminum plate, but getting them back on is a little bit harder. After I had my fender painted I used some silicone on the washers to stick them to the fender. Let that dry a little so they wont come loose, then use the long ratchet extension to put the nuts back on the bolts and you should be set.
Mick