I have a XAM gold colored 38T rear sprocket on the way from Japan, courtesy of Mr. T.
I plan to install it this weekend and was wondering if there are any issues, techniques, and/or things to watch for when removing and reinstalling the rear wheel? Is the rear axle easy to remove? What type of greese should I reapply?
Thanks in advance!
First put the bike on the center stand then loosen the axle nut and then move the slack adjusters completely forward. You can now remove the chain by moving onto the swingarm. Next you can remove the axle nut and slide the axle out. You will need to support the wheel either with a block of wood or with your foot to make removal of the axle easier. You can now remove the wheel from the bike, however be careful about the rear caliper. Upon installation you will want to spread the rear pads or you will not be able to get the rotor back into the caliper.
Thanks Popgun - I remember that great thread but for some reason couldn't find it.
Randy - thanks for the quick summary. I'm looking forward to the job.
I had my wife on board as a passenger yesterday for the first time since changing the front sprocket. After the ride, she asked if I had done something to the bike - it seemed smoother to her. 60mph is now aout 3200 rpm instead of 3400 rpm. I'm suprised she noticed. The rear sprocket will bring the rpm down another 100+ rpm in 5th.
Be really careful with the rear caliper. It's extremely easy to ding the finish on the wheel as it comes off. The shop manual actually warns you about it, but I still managed to put a tiny scratch in my wheel. cuss...
Honda says to leave the caliper in place, but if I do it again I'll remove it and hang it off to the side.
The biggest help is supporting the rear tire with the proper thickness of board. It's a small help taking it off, a HUGE help putting everything back on.
The instructions given above by Randy B closely follow the procedure for my Honda CB900F (919 in the US).
The manual also says to leave the caliper in place, but I also chose to remove it out of the way and was careful in doing so. It makes the job much easier.
Supporting the heavy wheel with a block of wood (or whatever) when removing and installing it is a must or it will be a bear to do.
Take your time and work slowly or you'll end up with scratch marks.
On the CB900F, don't ask me how I know this (insert a weeping smiley here).