Hey Captains, how hard is it to re-install the rear wheel after taking it off for a tire change? Is it hard to mate it back up with the drive shaft or to make sure that it turns true? I have got to start doing this myself as I already need a new rear tire at just under 14,000 miles. I can't take these ass rapings anymore. The new Avon tire at my local dealer cost $350 and the Metz is $300 plus installment ($100) so I need to mail order from somewhere. Thanks for the help in advance. Where can you get a shop manuel that tells you more than "see your dealer" for this or that service?

I have not done this yet on the Rocket, but I plan on removing my own wheel next time. I have removed wheels on dozens of other shaft drive bikes and the Rocket is the same as the rest of them, the only thing different is the huge rear wheel/tire. Because of the weight of the rear wheel/tire, the bike will need to be secured well to your jack and it will most likely be a two person job to have someone to help steady the bike as needed.

I intend on securing the bike to my jack with some tie down straps, removing the rear brake caliper, and loosening the axle. Then lifting the bike enough to take the weight off the rear wheel so the axle will slide out easily and the spacers will be out of the way. The rear wheel should then be able to be moved to the right far enough to clear the shaft drive hub. Then lift the bike higher to be able to roll the rear wheel out from under the rear fender.

I hope to have a helper (Dawn.. where are you?) to help steady the bike as needed.

Last year I installed an IR air operated overhead hoist in my shop with a trolley so it can run the length of the shop. I lift the whole bike using a pair of nylon machinery slings for oil changes and fiddling around underneath. I have a hydraulic lift like Tomo has but I'm always aprehensive about the bike tipping toward the front or rear. The hoist and slings eliminate the tipping.

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its super easy....

unless you can't lift or manuevcer the tire I guess..

I strapped the front end down solid, used a craftsman jack to levitate the rear...

popped the tire off and took to car shop to have them pop on new metz I paid 200 ish delivered to the house..

another advantage of DIY is you can take your time getting back together and actually clean it up

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I had mine off to do surgery on the rear light wiring harness. Aside from being heavy, it's not a bad job. The wheel stays in place without the axle so once you have the axle out you judt need so shimmy the wheel over to the right so it drops to the ground. Some people smarter than I use a small jack under the rear tire but I use my legs to support it.........

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Dave
Bel Air, MD

USA

• 2005 Yamaha Royal Star Tour Deluxe
• SOLD 2005 Triumph Rocket III (Cardinal Red)
• SOLD 2005 Suzuki Burgman (Silver)

Thanks for the input, guess I'll give'r a try

Like Reg said, just strap the front end down good and lift the rear with the cycle jack. Make sure you get the back end high enough to get the tire out from under the fender. Putting it back on I rolled the tire into place and then rolled it back onto my feet. I was able to lift just enough to slide the axle through. Once the axle is holding it, you can rotate it until it slides left onto the gears. You'll be kicking yourself for not doing this earlier.

Cooper Zeon 2XS 225/50HR16 @ $110 delivered. 0.59" less fat and 0.29" less tall. It's has a 280 tire wear factor rating which should be as soft as a Metz.

You got 14,000 out of a single back skin??? That sounds like a record!

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Nope, I'm on my 2nd tire and it's worn out, I think I'm going to give the Avon a try. Is that a car tire that you mentioned? How's it handle on the twisty's.

it feels like it weighs a ton when you are lining everything up but it is easy to do I have done all 4 of my tire changes myself.