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[Roger2561]

Any motorcycle guru's on this site?  I'm one who does his own work regardless of device.  I service my car and pickups, and when I had it, i worked on my dozer (changed the steering clutches and rebuilt motor), car brakes, etc...  However, I've never worked on a motorcycle.  There is something about being protected by steel if something goes wrong if I do something incorrect on my car as opposed to the lack of protection if I do something wrong and wheel falls off on my motorcycle.  I know I'm crazy that way.  Anyway, I own a 2006 Kawasaki VN900 Classic LT motorcycle that the rear tire is desperate need of replacing.  Due to lack of funds, I cannot pay to have a service person work on it, so I'm thinking of removing the rear wheel, take it to the service guy and have them dismount old tire, remount new tire and balance for me and when I get it back reassemble the motorcycle.  What kind of trouble can I expect to get myself into if I do this job myself?  Thanks, Roger 

[XJCraver]

Do you have a service manual for the bike, or can you download one online?  Will give you instructions on chain (belt?) tension, etc. 

In simple terms, it's not much different than the bicycles I'm sure you worked on as a kid.  Parts are just bigger, heavier, and more expensive!

Where'd you get your tire?  Most of the time they can be had cheaper on the 'net than in a local shop.

[johnybcold]

It is not that hard there are some great videos on YouTube check them out

[Roger2561]

Thanks for the replies everyone.  Download a service manual, what a novel idea   My biggest concern is the proper torque specs for the nuts and bolts and the tension spec for the drive belt.  As far as dis-assembly and re-assembly is concerned, I figure I can think that through as I go but torque and tension specs are the concern.  Thanks guys.  Roger

[AirForcePOL]

I have removed and installed the rear wheel on my Harley a few times.  It's really not bad.  However, I am not familiar with your motorcycle.  My bike has cams on the axle that make it so that the wheel is always aligned when you put it back in.  You should be able to measure the distance from your swing arm pivot point on each side to each side of the axle to ensure that it is straight. 

They make a belt tension tool that you can use on your belt to make sure that it is set at the right point.  They work by setting it at a set point (10 lbs of pressure or so but read the manual) when you put a certain amount of pressure on the belt it should only move a certain distance.  Kind of hard to explain in text.  But yea, get on youtube you should be able to find a lot of videos to help you out. 

[rick n kristi]

If you did your steering clutches a tire swap should be no problem. Get the book! Below is a picture of me and the 1 I wrench on.

[Roger2561]

If you did your steering clutches a tire swap should be no problem. Get the book! Below is a picture of me and the 1 I wrench on.

Is that your commuter?

[johnybcold]

I was always in to sport bikes but I have been working on turning my Harley into a bobber

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[Roger2561]

I was always in to sport bikes but I have been working on turning my Harley into a bobber

That right there my friend is a sharp looking bike. 

I kinda figured removing the rear wheel assembly couldn't be that difficult.  I found a service manual online and downloaded it.  Been studying the assembly portion to be sure I get the belt tension and alignment correct.  I think I'll invest in a belt tension guage that is specially made for such a task.

Did my taxes today and with part of the refund money I'll be purchasing a mustang seat for it.  The stock seat makes my back hurt too much after only a half hour of riding it.   

[rick n kristi]

If you did your steering clutches a tire swap should be no problem. Get the book! Below is a picture of me and the 1 I wrench on.

Is that your commuter?

Sorry, have not been on for a while. I do commute on this one....very short and quick trips

[Roger2561]

If you did your steering clutches a tire swap should be no problem. Get the book! Below is a picture of me and the 1 I wrench on.

Is that your commuter?

Sorry, have not been on for a while. I do commute on this one....very short and quick trips

Something tells me that you don't make many left and right hand turns with it either. 

[rick n kristi]

No not many, it's a real straight shooter