Rear Tire Removal Help

[lenwindham]

Hello
I need assistance with removing my rear tire so that I can take it to dealer for tire replacement.

I have removed the nuts holding the tire in place, the spacer and the brake assembly. I was told that it should slide straight off, but between the exhaust pipe being in the way and a bolt on the insde of the drive shaft that keeps hitting the rim I haven't quite been able to slide it awy from the bike. Assistance is appreciated.

Leonard
2004 Copper Rockster
Clayton, NC

[MikeCam]

1. Raise the bike higher off the ground to create more clearance. Wiggle it past the bolt.

2. Remove the can. Manual instructions are clear on that point.

3. Remove rear mud flap.

Any or all will work.

[lenwindham]

OK

I will try raising it, not sure how, since its already on the center stand.
The service manager faxed me the page from the tech manual as a guide, but it didn't mention anything about removing the exhaust pipe. He specifically said once I removed the wheel it should slide right off. Of course the dealership is closed today, so I can't get in touch with him yet.

Leonard

[MikeCam]

A jack, 2x4 under the center stand, MC lift each work for raising it higher than the CS alone. The exhaust has two nuts, one to remove, inside the rear foot peg area and one to loosen - at the junction with the Cat. Rotates away from the bike to create space. Mud flap removal is more problematic.

[johnnyjs1]

I've taken my rear tire off without any of Mikes suggestions, doing it his way makes the job easier, but takes longer. Clearance is Very tight, but it can be done with some finesse and plenty of cursing and swearing. The rear wheel may stick to the drive hub, but with a few taps with your hand, it should come loose, just be careful to "tap" the wheel around evenly and not too hard or you might knock the bike sideways on the stand.

[lenwindham]

I'm going to give it a try in about an hour.

The tire is definitely off of the hub, its just that the right insde edge of the rim/wheel is bumping up against a bolt on the inside of the drive shaft. And If I can't seem to slide the tire to the left enough to clear the bolt without hitting the exhaust. I'm a bit mechanically challenged, so that is not helping. Thanks for all of the responses.

[birdmayon]

It is very tight. I just let the air out of the tire, cut a strip of plastic from a milk jug, and place the plastic between the bolt and the rim and slowly work the wheel out. No scratches that way and it is quick.

[Boxerpunk]

Another good reason to get rid of the muffler !!

[moonbandito]

Anybody post pictures or links on their 'no pipe' option(s)? I'd like to see what they look like. I run full size 'bags' with city lids. anybody figure a way to add that 'third point' that the muffler bracket provides for luggage mounting?

[jfslater98]

This is probably the best pic of what I did with an $8 tip from RS Strauss



DJdownunder did something cool with his R, he put an inverted "tang" on the inside of the existing bracket, so either bag could be used. Search around for his posts and you'll find it.

[lenwindham]

Another good reason to get rid of the muffler !!

Thanks to all -- the job finally got done a few weeks ago.
After loosening the nut holding the rear of the muffler I was able to remove the tire. Now need to find out how to remove the "scuff marks" on the wheel. Need a little copper rockster paint to fix it up. Arrgh.

[machrx]

Hi all,
I had the same problem removing the rear tire, scuffed up the rims a bit and tried to find touch up paint, but unsuccessful. if you find some, please let me know. I just order an exhaust tip from headman headers for < $24, part number 17120, see link http://www.summitracing.com/parts/HED-17120