Why is rear axle installed from right side? For me to pull the rear wheel I have to remove my shocks so I can swing the swing arm up enough to clear the exhaust.

 

Next time you have the axle out, put it in from the left side...problem solved.

 

I was tempted to do that, but not understanding why the MC did it that way was reluctant to do so.

 

Harley Tire Change 101.

 

If I had to guess it is so that you have to lower the swing arm to allow clearance to remove the tire. Otherwise when changing the tire people would elevate the bike to get the wheel out and if they didn't support the wheel the axle mount and alignment could get malformed or damaged. This way you have to raise the bike and lower the swingarm so that the wheel is on the ground and supported when the axle is removed.

 

My guess is leverage.

If you have a Breaker bar on the nut to tighten it (tightening is more critical than loosening...safety wise), the force applied is down against the earth to the rear of the bike. Therefore, more clear of interference.

 

It's installed that way for proper tightening of the axle nut. Torque specs are from the nut side. If you reverse your axle then you will need to tighten from the "bolt" side of the axle and your specs won't be right. How many times do you remove your rear tire? Is pulling the shock bolt really that big of a deal?

 

Until I upgrade my exhaust it is a PIA. My shocks are 13.5". The exhaust interferes w/ right lower shock bolt. Have to loosen exhaust and push down to almost get the bolt to clear.

 

If the bolt moves freely in the bearings and sleeves (and you should use anti-sieze on these surfaces), the torque be the same on the nut or bolt, shouldn't it?

 

Another benefit of my RR3... It ends forward of the axle. I have plenty of room on both sides of the swingarm for axle access.