Need a new rear tire. So I decided to do my own wheel removal and take it in to get a new tire put on and save $70. So what's the best way to do it? It's a 2009 RKC. I have the manual and read that. I don't have the special 36mm axle adaptor wrench but if I have to have it I'll get one. I just think somebody out there figured a better way.

 

A couple of standard wrenches/sockets worked for me.

 

Jack up bike just enough to raise off the ground, remove lower shock bolts, remove axle hardware (being careful not to scratch exhaust), raise bike until wheel comes off. Prolly skipping something but its so easy a caveman could do it.

 

The adapter is nice because you can use a torque wrench without removing the exhaust. I know some guys use a box end or crescent wrench.
I do loosen the rear of the left side pipe and move it enough to get the axle out.
Never touched any bolts on the shocks.
BTW it is also a good time to replace brake pads. Check your bearings and don't forget to anti-sieze the axle.

 

the manual makes it sound like you have to be a rocket scientist...

 

Oh yeah and the manual probably says to disconnect the battery too. Going to replace my rear tire in the next few weeks too. Let us know how it turned out.

 

Yeah man it's not hard at all you just got to clear everything out of the way of the axle nut. I bought a socket for mine so I could get the torque on it. On the left side I just held it with a crescent wrench. Don't know about the shock bolt I never loosened mine. When ya put it back on you can either lower bike down and line axle up or put the tire on a small floor jack and jack the tire up to line it up,I've done it both ways,make sure to use anti seize on axle and like someone said its a good time to change brake pads. On my sg you need to mark the cam so you can put it back where the belt deflection was or get the tool to check your belt.

 

I'll second the note about the belt tension tool.
Make sure the tire is mounted in the correct direction. Look at the arrows on the sidewall for the proper rotation direction.
Check your drive belt for cracks at the base of each nub.

 

While your already torn apart, you should consider replacing your rear brake pads too, even if they still have some life in them. Unless your sure they'll last you until another tire change, no sense in getting it all back together only to have to do another tear down in 3,000 miles.

 

Before jacking the bike up loosen all fasteners, especially the axle nut. I have a 38mm adjustable spanner and a normal 1/2" square drive socket, and take the muffler off to get at the axle. The only special tool you need IMHO is the belt tensioner tool.