I change my own tires and on my old 01 Dyna It got to be a PITA to remove the muffler every time I had the back wheel off to pull the axle out so I reversed the axle which took care of that problem. I could pull the axle when needed with the muffler in place and it never effected the rear wheel. Looking at my new to me Softail I see the same situation. I haven't had the rear wheel off yet but out of curiosity Has anyone reversed the direction of the rear axle on their Softail?

 

It's been discussed before. My opinion is the reason the axle is installed rt -lft is IF the cotter pin breaks
the pressure of the hub Might unscrew the axle from the crown nut.
Granted a lot of things would have to happen for this, but **** happens.

 

I have the rear axle reversed on my 2005 fxsti for the same reason no issues here! except when I went to put axle nut covers on I had to make a miner modification to make them work.

 

The axle on my `89 Softail has been reversed for over 30 years without an issue, the dealer installed it this way during the setup of the bike (I bought it new).

The factory installed the axle with the nut on the left side, I think the reasoning was that in case the bearing seized, the axle might turn, and it would be in the tightening direction...

I think it has been proven to be of no issue by the hundreds of thousands of HD`s out there with the axle nuts on the right side.

 

Reversed axle on my 09 Heritage to clear room on the left side for hard bags.
No issues.

 

i have mine reversed too as well as the swingarm thru bolt too.. bolt slides out on left side of bike instead of right, nuts are on muffler side

but as ranger stated the reason, i drilled a hole thru the axle and swingarm bolt (nut side) and installed a cotter pin to be safe.. my axle nut is behind a cover so i have plenty of room in there, but the swingarm bolt was tricky but doable