Rear Wheel Removal ...Best Way?
#31
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.
#33
#34
#35
Good point. I have a lift and a jack. But I'm not sure how high it needs to go to get the wheel out. Haven't decided whether to remove the left side muffler or to detatch the shocks and drop the swing arm to get at the axle nut. Either way. I think I'll strap the bike down on the lift just in case the balance gets a little dicey. Found a 36mm socket at pep boys for under $10. My big torque wrench takes 1/2".
#36
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.
#37
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.
#40