The 2012 650 has a front axle that needs a 12 mm Allen key to undo it and there isn't one in the toolkit so I am getting one from a bolt shop should be under $10. Even if you don't work on your bike it would be handy to have one just in case . I hadn't even noticed until Brettstrom pointed it out

I have a 12mm hex head bolt with two nuts on it. The two nuts are to be able to lock them together. The head of the bolt goes into the axle and I use a spanner on the nuts. Cheap - like me.

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2007 Suzuki DL650 K7 (With a few farkles)

RIP Bucko - Riding on forever

No Wee or Glee has ever had a 12mm hex key for the front axle it's a strange omission on Suzukis part. I have one under the seat just tucked into the rubber band that holds the tool kit in place, wouldn't leave home without it.

Auto Zone usually has a socket drive 12mm as part of a three piece set. $15 or so.

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Rich Desmond
'07 DL650, '01 DR-Z400S, '99 SV650 (race bike), '80 GS1000S, '85 RZ350, '08 Ducati 848

Bought a set of three today for $12.99

1/2" drive is what they come in at Autozone

I dug up an old thread I started 2 years ago.........offer still stands.......$7 shipped (USA) for a 12mm Hex Wrench. I work at an R&D Power Plant Facility and can get these wrenches in "bulk".

http://www.stromtrooper.com/sale/484...-wrenches.html

PM me if you want one.......let's not clutter up this thread if you are needing one??

(ha ha........I just saw this is an Aussie thread.........sorry about that "Mates")

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Current Rides: 2008 Yeller Wee + 2000 ZRX1100
I'm so ugly I stuck my head out the window and got arrested for mooning.
Apparel Security Cables... http://www.stromtrooper.com/group-bu...m-apparel.html

local (Brisbane) TradeTools has 12mm hex socket 1/2 drive for $10 - or $40 for a set which goes all the way to 16mm from 3mm

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Finally a bike like Strom i could have as a concubine and my wife doesnt object!

I'll clutter up the thread with "Kudos Mark!!!" for providing such a nice tool for 1/3 the price of a store-bought unit.

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"Adidas has officially unveiled the Adidas Bystander, the first shoe designed for running away from a mass public shooting."

I wonder how many Aussie riders have something to remove the front and or rear wheel from their DL. Also I believe the rear requires a 24mm hex. If you have a service manual for your bike have a read sometime. even tho a majority of riders would have a bike mechanic do the maintenance for them, some form of axle tool is and should be a part of your tool kit, specially if you are riding alone or off the beaten track or even do your own maintenance at home. Dont say you'll never need it, as there will be 1 time when you least expect it.

I am not a mechanically minded person, I do some maintenance my self. I would like to know more about my bike and how to do things and not pay a fortune to someelse. I am sure their are others out there of the same mind.

We dont mind getting together to go for a ride at times, so what about those in your area getting together with someone that has the mechanical knowledge to teach others how to do emergency repairs etc and learn more about your bike and how to fit things when and if the time arises. It could also be a social day having a BBQ etc. Just a thought.

I think with what Steve C initiated with the Novice Dirt riders was fantastic and this could just be an addition.

Cheers

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“Life - Live it, breath it and bloody enjoy it. You only have 1 opportunity, take it.

Maybe in the USA but this thread is in the Australia section. I can buy a suitable tool for Aus$8-10 five minutes walk from where I work. They are available at any tool shop in this country.