Rotor Replacement and Lifting the Bike

[Malkozaine]

My Bike is due for new rotors on the front.  I found the guide to remove the front tire, but was wondering what the torque value is for the bolts holding the rotor down.  My other question is I lack a motorcycle Jack/Lift and was wondering if there is a way to possibly lift the bike with a floor jack.  I have access to one the my GF parents have to lift cars.  It will more then handle the bikes weight.  I want to eventually get a Bike jack/lift, but I have a small apartment and lack the space to store one at the time.  Thanks for any help you can give.

[Chrisj CMA]

The Honda Service guide says. 14 ft lb. you need a service manual if you are going to start learning to work on her.

[sandy]

I would not use a car lift as balance (front to rear) is important. It might be better to rent an engine hoist and raise the bike using the triple trees. The axle torque is 67 ft/lb and the axle pinch bolts is 16 ft/lb.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Get yourself one of these and just leave it at your GF's parents place. (Assuming that's ok with them) You will need to also make a lift adapter out of wood, or buy one from MarkT. I assume you haven't done a front tire yet. You need to read up on the procedure, or get someone familiar to help you.

https://www.harborfreight.com/automotive/lifts-cranes-stands/motorcycle-atv-mower-lifts/1500-lb-steel-atvmotorcycle-lift-60536.html

[Malkozaine]

https://www.amazon.com/Extreme-Max-5001-5047-Motorcycle-Scissors/dp/B0196PAYP0/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=tGEE6&pf_rd_p=798f8dc8-4a99-4f89-8e6b-3358f37cd3b7&pf_rd_r=1Z61ZYG1CTQ0XW1KTF65&pd_rd_r=42ba83f6-25d5-4319-9188-314e4582f0f7&pd_rd_wg=xundU&ref_=pd_gw_ci_mcx_mr_hp_d

Would one of these work to lift it?

[The emperor has no clothes]

https://www.amazon.com/Extreme-Max-5001-5047-Motorcycle-Scissors/dp/B0196PAYP0/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=tGEE6&pf_rd_p=798f8dc8-4a99-4f89-8e6b-3358f37cd3b7&pf_rd_r=1Z61ZYG1CTQ0XW1KTF65&pd_rd_r=42ba83f6-25d5-4319-9188-314e4582f0f7&pd_rd_wg=xundU&ref_=pd_gw_ci_mcx_mr_hp_d

Would one of these work to lift it?

Maybe. It may not go high enough. But you could put a 2x4 block if needed. You would definitely need some jack stands under the crash bars to keep it stable.

[RonW]

it's safe to use the borrowed GF lift. just stack something under the crashbars.

Not my pic. Another forum members' bike.

[Malkozaine]

it's safe to use the borrowed GF lift. just stack something under the crashbars.

Not my pic. Another forum members' bike.

They might have jack stands.....so I can just put those under the crash bars like the picture shows?

[RonW]

use anything.

[Hook#3287]

it's safe to use the borrowed GF lift. just stack something under the crashbars.

Not my pic. Another forum members' bike.

They might have jack stands.....so I can just put those under the crash bars like the picture shows?

Absolutely, you can use those under the crash bars to hold the front up.  But the trick is in the balance part while getting the bike high enough.

If your plan is to lift the bike with the car scissor jack and keep it up with the jack stands, I'd suggest getting help to balance the bike while lifting.

[RonW]

And tie your handlebars so the front wheel don't flop side-to-side. You probably knew that.

[Malkozaine]

it's safe to use the borrowed GF lift. just stack something under the crashbars.

Not my pic. Another forum members' bike.

They might have jack stands.....so I can just put those under the crash bars like the picture shows?

Absolutely, you can use those under the crash bars to hold the front up.  But the trick is in the balance part while getting the bike high enough.

If your plan is to lift the bike with the car scissor jack and keep it up with the jack stands, I'd suggest getting help to balance the bike while lifting.

Using a floor jack or car scissor lift where do I put it?  I see the picture uses a a block of wood.....do I support it on the oil pan?

[Malkozaine]

And tie your handlebars so the front wheel don't flop side-to-side. You probably knew that.

Yeah I figure I would have to do that so it doesn't move around.

[Hook#3287]

Using a floor jack or car scissor lift where do I put it?  I see the picture uses a a block of wood.....do I support it on the oil pan?

When I want to just lift the front end, I use a floor jack with a block of wood between the jack pedestal and the bike oil pan forward.

I set two jack stands near the crash bars, set the floor jack up in place where I can reach it while sitting on the bike, and jack it up while balancing it.

I'm able to reach around and set both jack stands in place and release the floor jack.

Takes some practice.

Been doing it for over 20 years and still am comfortable in the process.

[Malkozaine]

Using a floor jack or car scissor lift where do I put it?  I see the picture uses a a block of wood.....do I support it on the oil pan?

When I want to just lift the front end, I use a floor jack with a block of wood between the jack pedestal and the bike oil pan forward.

I set two jack stands near the crash bars, set the floor jack up in place where I can reach it while sitting on the bike, and jack it up while balancing it.

I'm able to reach around and set both jack stands in place and release the floor jack.

Takes some practice.

Been doing it for over 20 years and still am comfortable in the process.

Awesome, how would you lift it to access the back tire?

[RonW]

2 x 8's for the rear. Many videos on Youtube

[Hook#3287]

Awesome, how would you lift it to access the back tire?

https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.brokenwingcycles.com%2Fassets%2Fimages%2Fpb103_airlift.jpg&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.brokenwingcycles.com%2FPITBULL-Air-Lift_p_119.html&tbnid=Ze9la_lej8p3EM&vet=10CGUQMyiRAWoXChMI8POJwYT_8AIVAAAAAB0AAAAAEAI..i&docid=zCNHeEaWJO3oIM&w=348&h=232&q=Motorcycle%20lifts&ved=0CGUQMyiRAWoXChMI8POJwYT_8AIVAAAAAB0AAAAAEAI

[Malkozaine]

2 x 8's for the rear. Many videos on Youtube

Won't the exhaust be in the way? I believe I have the Cobra Slashcut Drag Pipes 6 into 6.

[CoreyP]

I don't like lifting my Valkyrie, front or back. It always scares me a little until I get it totally stable which isn't easy. I built a wooden jig and that helps a lot. Somewhere there are dimensions for a wood one but this is what the metal version looks like. http://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/CustomLift/lift.htm

[RonW]

He doesn't have a lift jack to put on an lift adapter to begin with.

If you lean the lift jack against a wall it doesn't take up much space in the apt, Malkozaine.

Won't the exhaust be in the way? I believe I have the Cobra Slashcut Drag Pipes 6 into 6.

I didn't think about that.

[pancho]

Man, this is like an accident waiting to happen....  or setting yourself up for a hospital visit!  Just buy a proper lift  and adapter and store it at the GFs place.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Using a floor jack or car scissor lift where do I put it?  I see the picture uses a a block of wood.....do I support it on the oil pan?

When I want to just lift the front end, I use a floor jack with a block of wood between the jack pedestal and the bike oil pan forward.

I set two jack stands near the crash bars, set the floor jack up in place where I can reach it while sitting on the bike, and jack it up while balancing it.

I'm able to reach around and set both jack stands in place and release the floor jack.

Takes some practice.

Been doing it for over 20 years and still am comfortable in the process.

Do you do this so that the rear stays down and is more stable ? I'm not sure I'm that flexible to reach down and pump the jack.

Man, this is like an accident waiting to happen....  or setting yourself up for a hospital visit!  Just buy a proper lift  and adapter and store it at the GFs place.

I agree. $100 isn't that much in the scheme of things.

[RonW]

you better stick to just the front wheel doing it without a lift jack.

Anyways, to pull the rear axle you have to get the rear of the bike above the mufflers. That'll take a stable jack. Or, you'd have to remove the mufflers to pull the axle.

[Malkozaine]

Using a floor jack or car scissor lift where do I put it?  I see the picture uses a a block of wood.....do I support it on the oil pan?

When I want to just lift the front end, I use a floor jack with a block of wood between the jack pedestal and the bike oil pan forward.

I set two jack stands near the crash bars, set the floor jack up in place where I can reach it while sitting on the bike, and jack it up while balancing it.

I'm able to reach around and set both jack stands in place and release the floor jack.

Takes some practice.

Been doing it for over 20 years and still am comfortable in the process.

Do you do this so that the rear stays down and is more stable ? I'm not sure I'm that flexible to reach down and pump the jack.

Man, this is like an accident waiting to happen....  or setting yourself up for a hospital visit!  Just buy a proper lift  and adapter and store it at the GFs place.

I agree. $100 isn't that much in the scheme of things.

What lift is best then?  I see that there are two types.....the I always see stuff about a custom bracket.  Do I need that bracket, will the lifts damage the pipes?

[The emperor has no clothes]

Using a floor jack or car scissor lift where do I put it?  I see the picture uses a a block of wood.....do I support it on the oil pan?

When I want to just lift the front end, I use a floor jack with a block of wood between the jack pedestal and the bike oil pan forward.

I set two jack stands near the crash bars, set the floor jack up in place where I can reach it while sitting on the bike, and jack it up while balancing it.

I'm able to reach around and set both jack stands in place and release the floor jack.

Takes some practice.

Been doing it for over 20 years and still am comfortable in the process.

Do you do this so that the rear stays down and is more stable ? I'm not sure I'm that flexible to reach down and pump the jack.

Man, this is like an accident waiting to happen....  or setting yourself up for a hospital visit!  Just buy a proper lift  and adapter and store it at the GFs place.

I agree. $100 isn't that much in the scheme of things.

What lift is best then?  I see that there are two types.....the I always see stuff about a custom bracket.  Do I need that bracket, will the lifts damage the pipes?

Here is the one for us cheap guys. I used 3/4" plywood for the bottom though. Makes it a little easier to get the jack in. The lift I have is from Sears, I got it a long time ago for 60 or 70 dollars. The one I linked from Harborfreight is basically the same for 100. They may go on sale sometimes.

http://www.herberts.org/wayne/valk/lowtechlift.htm

Sometimes it's better to just get what you need to begin with. Especially if you are going to be working on your bike in the future. (Which you should be doing the rear end service) You might find one of those lifts on Craigslist for $50. They are pretty much all the same.

https://www.harborfreight.com/automotive/lifts-cranes-stands/motorcycle-atv-mower-lifts/1500-lb-steel-atvmotorcycle-lift-60536.html

[The emperor has no clothes]

May I ask why you need new front rotors ? I've got 150k on my Interstate and am still on originals. Probably will get another 50k out of them.

[Malkozaine]

Honestly its my fault.  After my wife passed away a few years ago I picked up my Valkyrie and used that to help deal with the loss.....but in my depression and what not I forgot to keep and eye on the brakes and didn't notice they needed changing until they chewed up the rotors a small bit.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Honestly its my fault.  After my wife passed away a few years ago I picked up my Valkyrie and used that to help deal with the loss.....but in my depression and what not I forgot to keep and eye on the brakes and didn't notice they needed changing until they chewed up the rotors a small bit.

I'm sorry. It was none of my business to begin with. I don't know if you've bought your rotors yet. But some have reported that the GoldWing ones will fit, and they are a little cheaper. Maybe someone will chime in about them. (I'm real sorry about your wife) 

[Malkozaine]

Honestly its my fault.  After my wife passed away a few years ago I picked up my Valkyrie and used that to help deal with the loss.....but in my depression and what not I forgot to keep and eye on the brakes and didn't notice they needed changing until they chewed up the rotors a small bit.

I'm sorry. It was none of my business to begin with. I don't know if you've bought your rotors yet. But some have reported that the GoldWing ones will fit, and they are a little cheaper. Maybe someone will chime in about them. (I'm real sorry about your wife) 

Don't worry about it.  Oh really?  I will have to look into those since i haven't bought them yet.

[sandy]

Honestly its my fault.  After my wife passed away a few years ago I picked up my Valkyrie and used that to help deal with the loss.....but in my depression and what not I forgot to keep and eye on the brakes and didn't notice they needed changing until they chewed up the rotors a small bit.

I'm sorry. It was none of my business to begin with. I don't know if you've bought your rotors yet. But some have reported that the GoldWing ones will fit, and they are a little cheaper. Maybe someone will chime in about them. (I'm real sorry about your wife) 

The rotors that fit are '01 - '10 rotors. GL1800 wing

[Malkozaine]

Honestly its my fault.  After my wife passed away a few years ago I picked up my Valkyrie and used that to help deal with the loss.....but in my depression and what not I forgot to keep and eye on the brakes and didn't notice they needed changing until they chewed up the rotors a small bit.

I'm sorry. It was none of my business to begin with. I don't know if you've bought your rotors yet. But some have reported that the GoldWing ones will fit, and they are a little cheaper. Maybe someone will chime in about them. (I'm real sorry about your wife) 

The rotors that fit are '01 - '10 rotors. GL1800 wing

Something like this work:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/283732951734?fits=Submodel%3AGL1800%7CYear%3A2001%7CModel%3AGoldwing+1800&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item420fcd42b6:g:o1UAAOSw5PleEhBO&amdata=enc%3AAQAFAAACkBaobrjLl8XobRIiIML1V4Imu%252Fn%252BzU5L90Z278x5ickk7PdDazAlGltMLJlUhrWsD5XNC3Jzu%252BMyYHnyWwqP8Vg5yEJLWI0mTp%252BXxLen%252F4k92f7lqaHbLa78%252F0PKpS%252F2lUHanuONJrMPpkcUPKbN6vawgbKOcfE9wHXpsVla0LSpZC3tG3DtOIIYxSNEGH0Lghr7horndjA4TFJ0kT6X5daFPOEHkKDGI9j7lVacmvoVsw2DmNyhf%252BFKAZP%252BwccglCdpPihonQwIiEKbVK84HIgzWFKq9gDWnOyXXLHFTcMeEVFTYjO4WL0J3d5Sord%252FOOku0N5JV89GcH0r5jaMtqjaHKjFmkhvZK228GTUzzkgcVtuPyr6HEMZzs3oAYBxk8PToD5iZ44OHVXYtR%252FBa3k9sIiPAdQYFIrneorjcNd10l3oHOjWJWMpEyLc%252BQ1TGItMM7MZLWLCV8%252B1y8kVn21%252BeTcbGrV1kuiSyzLcIxhhdxwLUglhT0w7S5G52AkjyFZP6227iM20o5r90Pwd1%252BzJIqpw3cZTNWx%252BNDgZTcVd8x%252BiBD19MgifFKl4pBekdzmz9gxZ1%252BJxHWQv%252BfFG5oN7Wwf%252BmxKHWvvHRdGrfClhAcJ5OgsXc1PEII5koX3o3KpHclFrMLV7%252FWIdZ2Shqbkuva8JxzF6pePTVvR1wRkfAPHvq0isJeITCYWyaRgtOlMawlo1ORvHTNE712vQIaBl2Bg4eQGN38ZUHMyZGDU7o%252BNhHkdAJs455%252F32kYgt7bXXHFfLRiFQ5BSs3q9Bv6P8tIIWcK2n%252BSIn5MgwYt%252F1rPwxUSBNefi6aHPKbf3ylucl8LLp5gdbvRHG56jAFqqxyjCWLSf1zZHoH8Ehm1wz%7Ccksum%3A283732951734bac3d5b4f42f498ba623b1e0314ab89d%7Campid%3APL_CLK%7Cclp%3A2334524

[RonW]

I'll trade my brake pads for your rotors?

[Bighead]

As far as jacks I have this one.
https://www.harborfreight.com/1500-lb-steel-atvmotorcycle-lift-60536.html
I had my Interstate on it for about a month straight (lifted it then Put jack stands under the crash bars)
Zero issues stable as a rock.
I even jacked my standard for a year or so before I knew about the adapter just lifted it under the engine. Had no problems but do like the adapter better.
I am now about to purchase a J&S lift (pricey) because the one from HF is not very stable lifting the Goldwing.

[Hook#3287]

Using a floor jack or car scissor lift where do I put it?  I see the picture uses a a block of wood.....do I support it on the oil pan?

When I want to just lift the front end, I use a floor jack with a block of wood between the jack pedestal and the bike oil pan forward.

I set two jack stands near the crash bars, set the floor jack up in place where I can reach it while sitting on the bike, and jack it up while balancing it.

I'm able to reach around and set both jack stands in place and release the floor jack.

Takes some practice.

Been doing it for over 20 years and still am comfortable in the process.

Do you do this so that the rear stays down and is more stable ? I'm not sure I'm that flexible to reach down and pump the jack.

I am slightly taller than you

As stated, I do this with a floor jack when wanting to just lift the front wheel leaving the rear tire on the ground.

3 point.

But, before bike lifts became available, I would lift the front, install jacks, then lift the rear under swing arm with a 4x4 block, install 2 jacks in rear.  Works with tourers or IS.

[..]

Honestly its my fault.  After my wife passed away a few years ago I picked up my Valkyrie and used that to help deal with the loss.....but in my depression and what not I forgot to keep and eye on the brakes and didn't notice they needed changing until they chewed up the rotors a small bit.

I'm sorry. It was none of my business to begin with. I don't know if you've bought your rotors yet. But some have reported that the GoldWing ones will fit, and they are a little cheaper. Maybe someone will chime in about them. (I'm real sorry about your wife) 

The rotors that fit are '01 - '10 rotors. GL1800 wing

Something like this work:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/283732951734?fits=Submodel%3AGL1800%7CYear%3A2001%7CModel%3AGoldwing+1800&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item420fcd42b6:g:o1UAAOSw5PleEhBO&amdata=enc%3AAQAFAAACkBaobrjLl8XobRIiIML1V4Imu%252Fn%252BzU5L90Z278x5ickk7PdDazAlGltMLJlUhrWsD5XNC3Jzu%252BMyYHnyWwqP8Vg5yEJLWI0mTp%252BXxLen%252F4k92f7lqaHbLa78%252F0PKpS%252F2lUHanuONJrMPpkcUPKbN6vawgbKOcfE9wHXpsVla0LSpZC3tG3DtOIIYxSNEGH0Lghr7horndjA4TFJ0kT6X5daFPOEHkKDGI9j7lVacmvoVsw2DmNyhf%252BFKAZP%252BwccglCdpPihonQwIiEKbVK84HIgzWFKq9gDWnOyXXLHFTcMeEVFTYjO4WL0J3d5Sord%252FOOku0N5JV89GcH0r5jaMtqjaHKjFmkhvZK228GTUzzkgcVtuPyr6HEMZzs3oAYBxk8PToD5iZ44OHVXYtR%252FBa3k9sIiPAdQYFIrneorjcNd10l3oHOjWJWMpEyLc%252BQ1TGItMM7MZLWLCV8%252B1y8kVn21%252BeTcbGrV1kuiSyzLcIxhhdxwLUglhT0w7S5G52AkjyFZP6227iM20o5r90Pwd1%252BzJIqpw3cZTNWx%252BNDgZTcVd8x%252BiBD19MgifFKl4pBekdzmz9gxZ1%252BJxHWQv%252BfFG5oN7Wwf%252BmxKHWvvHRdGrfClhAcJ5OgsXc1PEII5koX3o3KpHclFrMLV7%252FWIdZ2Shqbkuva8JxzF6pePTVvR1wRkfAPHvq0isJeITCYWyaRgtOlMawlo1ORvHTNE712vQIaBl2Bg4eQGN38ZUHMyZGDU7o%252BNhHkdAJs455%252F32kYgt7bXXHFfLRiFQ5BSs3q9Bv6P8tIIWcK2n%252BSIn5MgwYt%252F1rPwxUSBNefi6aHPKbf3ylucl8LLp5gdbvRHG56jAFqqxyjCWLSf1zZHoH8Ehm1wz%7Ccksum%3A283732951734bac3d5b4f42f498ba623b1e0314ab89d%7Campid%3APL_CLK%7Cclp%3A2334524

The Goldwing suggestion means using OEM Honda ones.

Print, laminate and keep.

https://www.jkozloski.com/generic_parts.htm

[pancho]

Honestly its my fault.  After my wife passed away a few years ago I picked up my Valkyrie and used that to help deal with the loss.....but in my depression and what not I forgot to keep and eye on the brakes and didn't notice they needed changing until they chewed up the rotors a small bit.

I'm sorry. It was none of my business to begin with. I don't know if you've bought your rotors yet. But some have reported that the GoldWing ones will fit, and they are a little cheaper. Maybe someone will chime in about them. (I'm real sorry about your wife) 

The rotors that fit are '01 - '10 rotors. GL1800 wing

Something like this work:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/283732951734?fits=Submodel%3AGL1800%7CYear%3A2001%7CModel%3AGoldwing+1800&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item420fcd42b6:g:o1UAAOSw5PleEhBO&amdata=enc%3AAQAFAAACkBaobrjLl8XobRIiIML1V4Imu%252Fn%252BzU5L90Z278x5ickk7PdDazAlGltMLJlUhrWsD5XNC3Jzu%252BMyYHnyWwqP8Vg5yEJLWI0mTp%252BXxLen%252F4k92f7lqaHbLa78%252F0PKpS%252F2lUHanuONJrMPpkcUPKbN6vawgbKOcfE9wHXpsVla0LSpZC3tG3DtOIIYxSNEGH0Lghr7horndjA4TFJ0kT6X5daFPOEHkKDGI9j7lVacmvoVsw2DmNyhf%252BFKAZP%252BwccglCdpPihonQwIiEKbVK84HIgzWFKq9gDWnOyXXLHFTcMeEVFTYjO4WL0J3d5Sord%252FOOku0N5JV89GcH0r5jaMtqjaHKjFmkhvZK228GTUzzkgcVtuPyr6HEMZzs3oAYBxk8PToD5iZ44OHVXYtR%252FBa3k9sIiPAdQYFIrneorjcNd10l3oHOjWJWMpEyLc%252BQ1TGItMM7MZLWLCV8%252B1y8kVn21%252BeTcbGrV1kuiSyzLcIxhhdxwLUglhT0w7S5G52AkjyFZP6227iM20o5r90Pwd1%252BzJIqpw3cZTNWx%252BNDgZTcVd8x%252BiBD19MgifFKl4pBekdzmz9gxZ1%252BJxHWQv%252BfFG5oN7Wwf%252BmxKHWvvHRdGrfClhAcJ5OgsXc1PEII5koX3o3KpHclFrMLV7%252FWIdZ2Shqbkuva8JxzF6pePTVvR1wRkfAPHvq0isJeITCYWyaRgtOlMawlo1ORvHTNE712vQIaBl2Bg4eQGN38ZUHMyZGDU7o%252BNhHkdAJs455%252F32kYgt7bXXHFfLRiFQ5BSs3q9Bv6P8tIIWcK2n%252BSIn5MgwYt%252F1rPwxUSBNefi6aHPKbf3ylucl8LLp5gdbvRHG56jAFqqxyjCWLSf1zZHoH8Ehm1wz%7Ccksum%3A283732951734bac3d5b4f42f498ba623b1e0314ab89d%7Campid%3APL_CLK%7Cclp%3A2334524

I used ones like these and have many miles on them,, no problems. Those you found are probably the same thing.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/265115133101?hash=item3dba17e4ad:g:CNgAAOSwb4tgbUJY

[John Schmidt]

you better stick to just the front wheel doing it without a lift jack.

Anyways, to pull the rear axle you have to get the rear of the bike above the mufflers. That'll take a stable jack. Or, you'd have to remove the mufflers to pull the axle.

Nope...only need to lift the rear tire 2-3 inches off the floor to pull the wheel. I used my centerstand to do that but a bike lift will do the same for you. I then slip a floor jack under the swingarm and pull the shocks loose. Then you can lift the swingarm up/down at will. I also remove the back half of the rear fender so when the wheel comes loose you just roll it out, don't have to worry about sliding it sideways and then dropping it 20" or more to floor level. I don't like having all that weight nearly 2' in the air. To reinstall the wheel I just roll it in and only have to lift it an inch or two. Then slip the axle in place clear through to the left side without the spacer and brake mount. Then you don't have to lift and fight the weight of the wheel while meshing the splines...it just slides to the right and into place. Then pull the axle out slightly to insert the spacer and brake mount and bolt it all down in proper order. Never have to touch the exhaust.

[The emperor has no clothes]

you better stick to just the front wheel doing it without a lift jack.

Anyways, to pull the rear axle you have to get the rear of the bike above the mufflers. That'll take a stable jack. Or, you'd have to remove the mufflers to pull the axle.

Nope...only need to lift the rear tire 2-3 inches off the floor to pull the wheel. I used my centerstand to do that but a bike lift will do the same for you. I then slip a floor jack under the swingarm and pull the shocks loose. Then you can lift the swingarm up/down at will. I also remove the back half of the rear fender so when the wheel comes loose you just roll it out, don't have to worry about sliding it sideways and then dropping it 20" or more to floor level. I don't like having all that weight nearly 2' in the air. To reinstall the wheel I just roll it in and only have to lift it an inch or two. Then slip the axle in place clear through to the left side without the spacer and brake mount. Then you don't have to lift and fight the weight of the wheel while meshing the splines...it just slides to the right and into place. Then pull the axle out slightly to insert the spacer and brake mount and bolt it all down in proper order. Never have to touch the exhaust.

Having a trailer hitch, bags, and bag rails on my Interstate makes it a royal pain to reinstall the back fender. I'll stick with jacking it up. The Standard isn't near as bad, but I still do it by jacking it up. They've always felt pretty stable to me.

[Jess from VA]

I believe the fitting Gold Wing rotors are thinner than the Valkyrie rotors, but rated for the same life/wear.

There was a time the GW ones were a lot cheaper than Valk rotors, but that may not still be true.  Or as true. 

[RonW]

Nope...only need to lift the rear tire 2-3 inches off the floor to pull the wheel. I used my centerstand to do that but a bike lift will do the same for you.

• I then slip a floor jack under the swingarm and pull the shocks loose. Then you can lift the swingarm up/down at will.
  
  

Agreed. I wasn't meaning to lift the bike 2-ft in the air. Just state the general idea for Malkozaine's level.

I use a scissors lift under the swingarm. Use to use a ratchet strap.

Anyways, removing the rear wheel has enough of it's own quirks.

Malkozaine, I suggest you start a new thread on lifting the rear wheel ..... with or without using a regular lift jack.