Article [13] ST1300 - Maintenance - Front & Rear Wheel Install and Front Axle Animation

[Andrew Shadow]

To settle the fork lowers in their neutral unstressed position on the axle shaft.

 

[jfheath]

...... removing the front mud-guard (fender) is not required in order to remove or install the front wheel.

It might depend on how high off the ground the front is lifted. My bike is on the centre stand with a scissor platform jack under the sump. It is only just clear of the ground if the back wheel is in. At that height the top of the wheel will not pass under the front of the mudguard. If the back wheel is out then it will jack up a bit higher - but I never bother. It's only a few bolts - and it means I can inspect the bolts and clean them up - the inside of the threads are exposed to some pretty horrible conditions and can rust from the end of the thread. I usually copper grease these.