I am about to remove rear wheel.
My question for you all is can I remove bags and
lower shock bolts and raise rear tire to remove axel?
I have done this on some of my other bikes.
Thanks
Shortleg[Dave]

 

If you raise the bike high enough you shouldn't have to remove the lower shock bolts, support the wheel when you pull the axle completely out and the tire should wiggle out the bottom.

 

If you had a nice 2-1 exhaust you could pull the axle right out. Otherwise you'll have to monkey with the left muffler.
Shock bolt removal not required.

 

I let the lift do all the work effertlessly. no need to remove shock bolt. my bad reread ? pulling left muff of is required ,just spray with wd40 day before and clean and use exhaust pipe lock/seal goop that HD sells....