SG rear tire change question
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,856
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From: Washington State
SG rear tire change question
I am thinking about changing the tires on my 07 SG but I have never attempted this. I don't see it to be a big project but better safe than sorry. So I am just looking for some advice with the best method to remove the rear tire without some high speed elevation table. Does the rear fender need to come off?
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 455
Likes: 0
From: front door of Glacier NP
You don't need a table. But you do need a lift. I have a Craftsman red lift. Works just fine. No, you need not remove the rear fender. Get a shop manual and do it to it. I just changed the rear tire on my 07 Road King. Did it all for the first time. Won't be the last. it is rather easy but you will need a lift.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 285
Likes: 1
From: Southern Illinois
You don't need a table. But you do need a lift. I have a Craftsman red lift. Works just fine. No, you need not remove the rear fender. Get a shop manual and do it to it. I just changed the rear tire on my 07 Road King. Did it all for the first time. Won't be the last. it is rather easy but you will need a lift.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 455
Likes: 0
From: front door of Glacier NP
The lift is one of those things that scoots up under the frame. Has a hydraulic jack and you just get under the frame and lift 'er up. There are places on the lift frame that allow you to put some ratcheting tie downs so you can stabilize the bike when it is in the air.
Number of them out there on the market. HD markets one that has a hand crank instead of the hydraulic jack. I am sure there are pro's/cons. I scored my lift at a yard sale. I don't know exactly how high it goes but it goes high enough to do the rear tire. And as was pointed out, belt tension is important. There is a tool for that, too. Once you pull the axle, you carefully get the belt off the pulley, drop the wheel down and then to the side. It really is self explanatory once you get going. But having the shop manual is imperative. I had never done it until last week. Then again, I never had a flat rear tire until last week. Neccessity is the mother of invention. I installed a low mileage used hide that I had in the garage to get the bike home (I work 130 miles from home). Wife called...new tire delivered yesterday. Guess what I am doing this weekend?
Number of them out there on the market. HD markets one that has a hand crank instead of the hydraulic jack. I am sure there are pro's/cons. I scored my lift at a yard sale. I don't know exactly how high it goes but it goes high enough to do the rear tire. And as was pointed out, belt tension is important. There is a tool for that, too. Once you pull the axle, you carefully get the belt off the pulley, drop the wheel down and then to the side. It really is self explanatory once you get going. But having the shop manual is imperative. I had never done it until last week. Then again, I never had a flat rear tire until last week. Neccessity is the mother of invention. I installed a low mileage used hide that I had in the garage to get the bike home (I work 130 miles from home). Wife called...new tire delivered yesterday. Guess what I am doing this weekend?
On an 09 and newer touring, make sure you have a big a$$ socket and wrench. I didn't so I said screw it and took the whole bike in (it was cheaper than buying the tools). After you secure the bike on the lift don't raise it. remove the left side muffler (FLHX for sure) and remove the axle. Slide the wheel forward and take the belt off. Then raise the bike and remove the wheel. The tricky part getting it back in is adjusting the belt. It's a fairly simple process if you have the right tools, comon sense, and patience. Good luck...
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 455
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From: front door of Glacier NP
36mm on 07's. I have a 2-1 pipe so no exhaust to take off on the left side. Shop manual. Cannot say that enough.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Central Illinois
The easiest way to adjust the belt when you put the tire back on is to make a mark on the adjuster cam and swingarm, lining them up, before you pull it apart. Then when you put it back together just line up the marks and there you go.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
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From: Bedford UK
You don't need a lift, all you need is a scissor jack, under the frame. Use a piece of rubber or something to stop scratching the paint. The jiffy is quite strong enough to hold the bike. It is only sensible to remove one wheel at a time, although if you support the bike using thick chunks of wood you can get away with taking both out!
Loosen all fasteners while the wheels are on the ground, so you only have to dismantle. You will need to lift the bike quite high, so you can remove the wheel once it is free.
Loosen all fasteners while the wheels are on the ground, so you only have to dismantle. You will need to lift the bike quite high, so you can remove the wheel once it is free.