Removing rear wheel

[85GL1200I]

Hey guys

Need to pull my rear wheel in a couple weeks to have a new Elite III installed. I won't be mounting the tire, but I want to remove and install the wheel myself. In all the years I've owned this bike, I've always paid to have the rear changed, but it is time to take the bull by the horns. I've read through the manual, does not really look too bad. Are there any tricks or surprises I should expect? I'm a little intimidated by the final drive, exactly how does that separate from the wheel, and how difficult is it to line up to re-install?

Any tips would be appreciated...

Thanks

John

[SIR tricky]

I have done it on the road but it's easier at home.

place on center stand.
I usually remove both rear side bags\boxes. but I think you can get away with just left.
remove lower reflector (two wingnuts)
remove license plate and rear fender
remove rear bumber (4 bolts)
remove axle nut and right lower shock mounting bolt
remove left lower shock mounting bolt
remove axle pinch bolt (left side0
Raise wheel (I use a pice of 2x4 and length of 1x4 to lever up)
to allow axle to clear muffler
remove caliper and hang up out of way (DO NOT PRESS BRAKE)

Remember which way the spacers go, and remove the caliper bracket.

remove wheel (says manual) Hopefully the spider stays in the wheel usually it does.
if not you can pry it back into the wheel and the wheel will drop out.

Install tire at shop (your preference) my preference Dunlop elite III Bias.

Leave rotor on wheel, Most bike shops will use it to face up to when balancing.

If Valve is more than 4 years old replace it.

When tire is on grease spider where it fits into the rubber mounts on wheel and splines liberally with molycote 45 grease.

[85GL1200I]

Thanks Tricky

[Doug]

I did my rear tire this year. They don't tell you to tie up the rear shocks for nothing, that #&*!@^ dropped into it's slot at precisely the wrong time, more times than i care to mention. Can't imagine doing it on the road, at home was ok, but I need to follow directions better!

Hardway Doug

[SIR tricky]

Yes they can be a PITA, tie up the shocks so they dont keep dropping into place while your lifting up the wheel to clear the axle.
Unless you have three arms

[admin]

Caution: do not throw your wheel over on the ground on the rotor because you can bend the rotor and end up with vibrating brakes. Same thing at the shop, don't let some new kid that works there throw your wheel around. Handle gently.

[85GL1200I]

Unless you have three arms

My boss thinks I have 5 :?