AJS & Matchless Owners Club

Hi - I'm in the midst of stripping down my 1960 G5 for restoration. But I'm struggling like hell to remove the top and lower yokes. I've undone all the bolts and top nuts, should the top yoke come of easily or does it need some "persuasion". Any advice on this would be gratefully received. Thanks.

The fork tubes can rust up and get stuck in the yoke.

Bodger's method: with everything slackened off and the bike supported, partially screw in a fork cap bolt and give it a whack with a soft mallet. The fork tube should free up from the yokes so you can lift the top yoke off...

Try also belting a wedge (cold chisel or screwdriver into the pinch slot of the bottom yolk, this'll help relieve the compression around the fork tube.

Check the condition of the front mudguard, has it been filled? a sure sign of a front ender. They could be slightly bent like mine (one of mine) were, a bit of brute force got them out, careful with the wedge idea, the yokes are cast and liable to snap if you push it too far.

Thanks guys for the help, much appreciated. Looks like it needed plenty of WD and some gentle persuasion

Remember, don't force it, use a bigger hammer! Andy