I know this thread is a bit old, but I wanted to add that whenever I am removing a wheel from my bike (front or back), I put the jack down so the wheels are touching the ground. This way when you remove the axle and the weight transfers to the other end the bike, it doesn't scare the crap out of you! Then jack it back up to remove the tire. Thx.

 

sorry, double post

 

I've had my wheel off plenty of times and never even thought about taking the Shock bolt off. Using Anti Seize on the axle before putting it back is a good idea.

 

I loosen the exhaust clamp below the seat and drop the left muffler down out of the way.

 

Not only strapping down--- I use some blocks and a small trolley jack to pack under the front wheel to take a little weight-- to be sure, to be sure.

 

I have had tires and wheels mounted and balanced at metric bike shops for a fraction of what the HD shop would charge for the same service. So give your local honda/yama/suz shop a try and see for yourself, or at least a phone call to inquire. And the best part is...they get it done while you wait with no hassle. If you want to install new valve stems to make it easier to air, that's no problem either. I remove the muffs. Screw removing shock bolts.

 

With the bike on the Handy lift and front wheel clamped, I use a small floor jack to support the rear end of the bike for rear wheel removal. After the axle is pulled, I raise the rear end of the bike with the floor jack and just roll the rear wheel out from under the rear fender. With the bike on the Handy lift, muffler R&R is easy and I don't touch the shock mounting bolts.

 

"Anti seize"? Who makes this? Where does it go on the axle?

 

I just chain mine to a post and rip out of there as fast as I can. Then I push it down to my local indy and he fixes it for me.

 

Any auto store has it. Silver pasty stuff. It goes all over your brake pads. Front and back. They'll never have to get changed again.