When removing the swing arm is removal of the exhaust necessary?
How hard is it to remove the swing arm bearings?
Everyone who is telling you that your bearings are probably fine are probably right...
But... I pulled my swingarm off a few months ago (bearings were fine

) ... it was easy,
especially if you have the tool, and if you are taking your wheel off anyway. The pipes don't
need to come off. The bearings come out easy, but there's a tool for getting the old races out,
and another for putting the new ones in.... you probably won't need these tools, because your
bearings are probably fine (did someone mention that already

)...
Here's pictures of some of the tools...

I think Slammer offered to send you the locknut tool, I can be his backup if needed...
-Mike