I got a flat the other night and had my bike towed home. I ordered a new tire and need to remove the rear wheel so that I can take just the wheel into the shop where they will install the new tire.
I have not yet tried to take the rear wheel off but once I do try, what things should I consider? Exactly, how should I go about removing the wheel? Is it a very tricky process, I did notice that I will have to work around the chain?
Thank you very much!
Remove Rear Tire
It's a piece of cake. Just start by loosening the adjustment screws on the end of the swing arm. Then, remove the cotter pin from the castle nut on the axle rod. Pull the axle rod out and move the wheel forward so you have enough slack on the chain to remove it. After that, just slide the wheel out.
FWIW, I would recommend that everyone change at least one motorcycle tire. (Its easy, I've been doing it since the 1970's. Maybe not really well, but still been doing it. ) I once changed the front tire on an Electraglide I had in 15 (thats fifteen) minutes from start to finish. ( I was younger then) Its not hard. You do need tire irons, although the accepted tools here in Indiana are large screwdrivers. Everyone has 2 large screwdrivers. Not every one has tire irons. Its also accepted that in addition to the screwdrivers, you need a spare innertube. Only the real experts will change a tire with screwdrivers and only 1 innertube. The tire can be balanced reasonably well using the axle supported at each end on something large enough to keep it off the ground. Pony kegs are used in some of the more rural areas. There's usually a pair of empty ones in any country garage or farm machine shed. If not, by the time the wheel and tire are off, there is a pair of empty pony kegs, since changing tires is a social occasion, and what are friends for, after all ?
Balancing the tires is generally considered to be a sort of superfluous touch in my area of the state. After all how well does a tire have to be balanced to run on gravel roads ? ( not very, particularly after emptying the pony kegs.) But I do highly recommend it since one does occasionally encounter a paved road, and I hear it does wonders for the high speed handling on such roads. All of our roads in Indiana (except for the southern part) are straight as strings, so this is actually a moot point. Changing your own tires also gives you an appreciation for the newest employee in the bike shop that you frequent. He is the youngest and the most inexperienced member of the team and as such gets the crappiest jobs. Namely changing tires. Mikeyrx ( its been a really long hard day in the drugstore, and I just needed some levity.) "a free motorcycle is a bottomless hole intended solely for money"
66 CB 77 76 BMW R75/6 99 GL 1500 trike 75 & 79 XS 650's
tiresMike,
My feelings exactly. Kind of also reminds me of a recent comedy scene. If you've ever changed a motorcycle tire with two screwdrivers,,,,,,,,,,,,,,you might be a redneck!!!!!!!!!! Can't tell ya how many I've done that way or even how many tubes I've pinched in the process. But at least I finally learned how and then got smart and invested in irons. RW New tubes are a must and a spare one is a good idea. last month I had to swap two tires on a TD that had been professionally mounted back to front and then I replaced the old tires on my CB77 race bike with fresh rubber. Even with irons I managed to nick two tubes.
Take your time and there's nothing complicated. On the CB, the axle is really close to the mufflers, and you may have to remove one or both to get enough room to work. Awesome you guys! I just got the back wheel off with no problem. (Boy that tool kit the bike came with is priceless). I appreciate the responses and while I am a little weary of attempting to change and balance the tire myself, youtube is a powerful tool and I just may see what I can't learn from there and perhaps do it all myself.
I always appreciate the advise. I am a new rider and this is my first bike. I also do not really have any bikers in my family, so I guess for the part of my life that is my motorcycle, I am starting to feel that THIS is my family. Thanks again and Ill be in touch!!
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