If you have NEVER pulled & inspected your rear axle, on a newer bike, it's a VERY wise thing to do, even if you are not ready for a new tire. Often rear axles are poorly lubed from the factory (imagine that!). It really does suck, driving out a dry axle with a punch....clean it up & lube it with some anti-sieze axle lube, and have the piece of mind knowing that it will easily slide out when you really need it to. Check the wheel bearings as well....same goes for the front!

 

Do they lube them when you change tires?

 

Techs are known to take short cuts!

 

That would cost ya an extra $100

 

I changed the wheels on my '07 SG for a set of spun aluminum wheels off of a Screaming Eagle Road King and noticed that my rear axle was DRY as could be. I was curious if it was a common issue. My bike only had around 80 miles or so, so it wasn't bad to remove the axle but I have dealt with axles in the past that have seized themself to the wheel. I am glad I didn't wait much longer to remove the rear wheel, that would have pissed me off royally. That is one reason I don't pressure wash bikes now, too many dirt bikes with dry axles that were a pain to remove.

 

This advice applies equally to the swingarm pivot shaft where it passes through the trans case. I had to have one milled out of '86 FXR.

 

Isn't that what HD means??? Hunderd dollars

 

Thanks for t he tip.

Irion Horse