I'm planning ahead for the time I need to remove the front wheel by the roadside - probably when I get a puncture.
Do I need some kind of big hexagon key to take the axle out?
It looks a "*******" size of 15mm hex socket on the axle.
Any advice appreciated.
Rumplestilts

It's 14mm.

There's nothing in the Yamaha toolkit for this...


http://www.amazon.co.uk/Teng-M121514...dp/B0001P0WMK/

This'll do the trick.

There are cheaper options (such as sump drain tool) but I always trust Teng tools.

(assuming that you carry a 1/2" tool around with you)



Just taken mine off today for winter prep / greasing and copper slip.

Brake calipers (2 x M8 / 13mm Socket) [40NM torque]

Axle Pinch bolts (2 x 6mm Hex) [18NM torque]

Axle Bolt (14mm Hex) [60NM torque]



Also, when your wheel comes off and both spacers fall out and roll away, the long spacer goes on the left hand side (if you're sitting on the bike)

__________________
Bike: 2013 XT660Z, TKC70 tyres

Mods:
Barkbusters, Scottoiler, DIY Tail Mod, DNA Stage 3, Power Commander V & O2 Eliminator, Exan X-Black Stainless exhaust, Tool tube, Ohlins linear front fork springs, Nitron rear shock, JT front and Supersprox rear sprockets, D.I.D. VX 520 chain, Adventure Spec bashplate, DIY USB Outlet, DIY chain guide, Kev's Throttle mod

http://www.facebook.com/onemooseonemotorbike

Halfords, sold as drain plug sockets (for car gearboxes). Few quid.

__________________
I spent a lot of money on travel and racing motorcycles - the rest I just squandered.

XT660Z - Commuter, Adventurer...Racer?

www.dashmoto.net

Other bikes >> MT-03 / CG125BR-J / ER-6F
Departed >> ZXR400L3 / EC300 / DR-Z400E / DR800S / GPZ500S / GS400

Hi mate,

few questions:

1) which parts of the front wheel do you apply copper slip to? Only the axle's thread?
2) do you need a special tool to take out the bearings to re-grease?
3) do you need to apply grease to the collars? in the inner and outer side? what other parts do you apply grease to?

Thanks on advance!

Used Lithium grease on the axle and collars (inside and out)

Copper grease inside the axle thread housing on left fork leg

Copper grease the pinch bolts

Copper grease the caliper bolts


Haven't done the bearings, but there is a thread for that:

http://www.xt660.com/showthread.php?t=19728

__________________
Bike: 2013 XT660Z, TKC70 tyres

Mods:
Barkbusters, Scottoiler, DIY Tail Mod, DNA Stage 3, Power Commander V & O2 Eliminator, Exan X-Black Stainless exhaust, Tool tube, Ohlins linear front fork springs, Nitron rear shock, JT front and Supersprox rear sprockets, D.I.D. VX 520 chain, Adventure Spec bashplate, DIY USB Outlet, DIY chain guide, Kev's Throttle mod

http://www.facebook.com/onemooseonemotorbike

Great. Thanks!

Thanks guys - what a thorough response!
Just by co-incidence I received the Motion Pro 16mm spark plug removal tool today.
The drive adapter has a 14mm hexagon milled on one end. Winner!
Check www.adventurespec.com for details.