I have removed the rear wheel before on a harley just not the sportster. The bike has 12k mi on it and the rear wheel has never been off. The bike needs a new tire so i losened up the axel and took the belt off then removed the cotter pin nut and washer. Now the serivce manual says to gently tap the axel until lose then slide it out. This axel aparently likes its home and does not want to leave the bike. Any ideas? I have put some muscle into it and its not moving. Also it was really hard to slide the wheel forward to remove the belt. Its an 02 883c Thanks

 

Nevermind it finaly came out! ......... I don't know why but it was not easy to get out

 

When you re-install use an anti-seize lube on the axle.....will make your life much easier.

 

I've read that the "spacer" is what usually freezes up on the axel.[:@]

 

If you had to "beat" it out you should change the bearings. Clean up the old axle and if it doesn't slid in then time to replace it. I use a multi-marine grease on mine when it is time for reassembly. I apply a thin film to axle and both spacers.

 

I'll bet he already figured this out, seeing as the thread is 4 years old.