Ah Crap! Frustrating rear end assembly..

[mike72903]

Thanks for everyone holding my hand to this point.  Got the new tire on and the wheel  mounted up a lot easier than I thought it would go. Used the axle to get things lined up and had plenty of clearance for the wheel to clear the pumpkin. Pushed the wheel onto the pumpkin, installed the spacer/brakes and tightened everything to specs. Then tightened the 4 bolts that hold the final drive. I was so proud of myself. Put her in neutral and the wheel will not turn. Ahhhhhhh!  Everything looks good outwardly but moving the wheel back and forth I can hear and feel gear teeth hitting. Obviously,  something is locked up.  So before I take it apart does any one have suggestions for what I did wrong so I don't repeat it?  I did confirm the bike is in neutral

[Chrisj CMA]

put the shocks on!

[Jess from VA]

By putting the shocks on, you have the swing arm straight and level.  You should never turn the wheel with the swingarm hanging down, because it can kink and maybe damage the ujoint (it's already kinked with the swingarm hanging down).  I generally leave the bike in gear during this procedure to ensure I do not turn the wheel.  Get the swingarm level (with or without the shocks), then give it a gentle turn.

[Daniel Meyer]

What they said!

[mike72903]

  Lol thanks. Wish I had read this before I went out and took things apart. Oh well, like they say, "practice makes perfect." Also "live and learn" and this has been a real learning experience. Makes me wish I could have attended the latest wrench party down around Dallas. Thanks once again.

[Brian]

Lol thanks. Wish I had read this before I went out and took things apart. Oh well, like they say, "practice makes perfect." Also "live and learn" and this has been a real learning experience. Makes me wish I could have attended the latest wrench party down around Dallas. Thanks once again.

Ya gotta love all the little tricks we learn along the way. My problem is remembering them from year to year. I started making notes and keeping them in the manual.

[Bighead]

put the shocks on!

Simple and to the point. I Like It