Hey 999 '03 BP. Took forks out and spotted a hole under the bottom yoke. Are they all like this or has someone drilled a hole for a front stand?
Isn't that a ball-ache? Quick google indicates it has some pretty meaty thread lock holding it in place.
It's to drain any water that gets in thru the top, adjuster cap. If you want to use a front lift, you can get adapter plates that fit. Seen a few drilled for just that and I cringe at what could happen if the casting is weakened...
"Are they all like this or has someone drilled a hole for a front stand?" Certainly a hole for the front stand and used a needle or a 3mm drill bit as fixing point. (sorry could not help myslef) Why not using the under caliper/fork stand? TBH I don't believe drilling a 12mm hole in centre(or even enlarge the existing one with a dremel) would cause any failure...but who knows for certain? Hence I would not drill any hole in there.
just look at any of the sporting yokes they all have a hole even the elitist 749r which is the same ducati casting has a hole in its bottom yoke..