Got my rear wheel off :cooldude::

[jimmytee]

  first time having done this. The previous owner said he was faithful with the maintenance and it looks like that's the case. Would it be prudent to change the bearings for peace of mind?

[R J]

If the bearings are not rough, leave them alone.

If they feel rough when you run them around with your finger,
then change them.

[Daniel Meyer]

Stick the axle so it's in one bearing, put a little pressure on it, and turn it. Should be smooooooth. Repeat on other side. If not smooooooooooth change them, but otherwise run it.

Most critical thing...4 nuts on the pumpkin need to be loose when you torque down the axle.

[jimmytee]

Yes,  thanks guys appreciate any advice. While I'm pretty mechanically orientated, this is my first time and can appreciate any advice. I'll also be checking the drive line.

[Jess from VA]

I think I'm seeing a jack stand on the right front........... the bike gets a tad light in back when all that comes off.  Strapped or not, support the front engine guards.   

First time I was up in there, I had rubbed wiring to repair and tack back to the fender, and no car tire had ever been installed.

Look your wheel dampers over.

[jimmytee]

Jess, thanks , already had support under the front . Right now it's a 2 x 6 under the front wheel. But,  I'll be removing that to check I think. I don't have it up real high.

[Chiefy]

Stick the axle so it's in one bearing, put a little pressure on it, and turn it. Should be smooooooth. Repeat on other side. If not smooooooooooth change them, but otherwise run it.

Most critical thing...4 nuts on the pumpkin need to be loose when you torque down the axle.

I recently had a mechanic change my rear splines.  Riding around the first day, I had some vibration in the mirrors that wasn't there before.  I decided to retorque the 4 nuts, axel and rear brake stop bolt.   It felt like everything had been tightened with a pneumatic wrench set to "Moose on steroids."  Torqued it all back to specs, and in order, no more vibration.