1999 Tourer - Rear Wheel Removal Question(s)

[Jim Moore]

Hi Guys,

I have to change a rear tire. Last time was a huge PITA. After watching a few videos I plan to leave the exhaust in place this time. I'm wondering about the bag rails. I took them off last time, but I'm wondering if there is enough clearance to slide the wheel to the left to clear the differential without removing the bag rails. Anyone know off the top of his head?

Thanks,

Jim Moore

[sandy]

I believe it is possible, but do remove the cross pieces behind the wheel. I have a bag drop kit so I remove the bags and bag brackets.

[Jim Moore]

Thanks. I'll take a look at that. It seemed unreasonably hard to get those rails back on the bike last time. Maybe I was doing something wrong.

[Chrisj CMA]

You do not have to remove the rails but like mentioned remove the crossmember and if I remember right, I had to loosen the rear left fender rail bolt to give me enough room to pull the caliper/plate out.

[Jim Moore]

I just took the bags off to ponder this issue. It doesn't look like I can lower the bike so the axle clears the exhaust with the rails in place. Can I raise the bike and take the axle out underneath the pipes?

[Chrisj CMA]

I just took the bags off to ponder this issue. It doesn't look like I can lower the bike so the axle clears the exhaust with the rails in place. Can I raise the bike and take the axle out underneath the pipes?

With the bike on the lift you don't lower the bike to get the axle above the exhaust. You RAISE the swing arm. Remove the shocks and use a ratchet strap connected to the left side lower shock mount. It's a stress on the u-joint to lower the swing arm to get the axle out under the exhaust