Removing Wheels

[swader]

I am about to replace my tires so I'm about to remove my wheels, I have looked around a little bit and haven't found anything on how to remove them. If there is a link, could anyone please post it for me? Also, the only thing I have used for a center stand is the two blocks of wood that goes under the side stand and and swing arm, could that work? OR would i need to use and actual lift and stand? Any help would be appreciated.. Oh and has anyone changed their chain to a different setup or is the stock way the best. TIA!!!

[tmds3]

Where are you located?

[swader]

North Richland Hills actually. I am going tomorrow to get tires, any good places around here?

[TLRam1]

I have heard Bikers Bay has good prices, no experience myself.

http://www.mybikersbay.com/index.php?option=com_uhp2&Itemid=&task=viewpage&user_id=657&pageid=70

[tmds3]

I ended up getting my rear tire from the Kawi dealer in Grapevine, got a Dunlop for 93. You also might check with Cycle Gear on 183 for pricing. I finally broke down and got a lift for mine at Northern Tool for 79 on sale makes it a little easier for the front on a Gen 3, but the bike is back heavy so the back doesn't come off the ground on a stock lift. There is a link to how to modify a lift to fix this http://www.magnaownersoftexas.com/tips.htm#A1.20

[tmds3]

Copied from the Tips and Tricks Page of the Main Site

Changing the Front Wheel on 3rd Gen Magna's
by Carl Hubbard MOOT #372 on 2/8/2006:

While replacing the front tire on my 98 Magna, I learned that reinstalling the front wheel is easier if the brake caliper is removed first. The owners manual doesn't mention that.

Two bolts hold the caliper on the left front fork. No need to disconnect the brake line or cable. Just let it all hang there.

After the wheel is in place, the caliper with pads spread apart will slip nicely over the brake rotor for reinstallation. Of course one should never squeeze the brake lever with the wheel dismounted.

Also, when reinstalling the plastic speedometer housing on the left hub of the front wheel, be very careful to just snug up the retaining screw. That plastic housing breaks easily.

[dgc67]

Slip a piece of wood or plastic that is the approximate thickness of your rotor into between the pads on your caliper whenever you remove JUST IN CASE.  Then if you inadvertently grab the brake handle you don't have to worry about it.

[Smoked U]

I may be preaching to the choir, but I have not read anything in this thread about securing the bike while working on it.

Make darn sure you get that thing strapped to the lift securely before you start wrenching on it. A 600# motorcycle rolling over (especially if it rolls on you) makes for one bad day in the garage.

[swader]

So.... Would I HAVE to use the lift, or could I use the blocks? I know it would be a little bit shaky but I dont have a lift, and really want to get back on the road, as my back tire has a hole in it so I cant take the bike anywhere..

[dgc67]

I have never used a lift in my life.  BUT I NEVER do more than one wheel at a time.  To do the rear, I am fortunate to have a center stand.  To do the front I put it on the centerstand and use my floor jack and a 2x4 to under the oil pan just enough to get the front tire off the ground AFTER I have loosened everything.
Is this the safest?  I doubt it, but knock on wood, it has worked so far.

[swader]

okay yeah thats what i was thinking was just to to one wheel at a time.. thanks all for the info....


okay also wondering, chain does anyone change their setup or is stock best way? i would like to add little more pep so any info on that would be great..

[TLRam1]

Some drop the front sprocket to a 15 tooth for added pep, others increase to a 17 tooth for lots of highway use, I don't know many who have been as happy with the latter set-up though or if it helps much in the mileage area.

[swader]

okay i have the bike in the air, any links or how to remove the back wheel? im looking around on it, and kind of have an idea, just want to make sure i dont mess anything up. thank you all so much for this help... Wrench Session coming up anytime soon? lol

[Magna86]

For tires call Cycle Center of Denton. Claim to be the cheapest in the DFW area for tires. I'm getting tires tomorrow there and total for my tires mount and balance will be around $200. Both tires Dunlops Here's the number 1-888-808-1251

[lragan]

I ended up getting my rear tire from the Kawi dealer in Grapevine, got a Dunlop for 93. You also might check with Cycle Gear on 183 for pricing. I finally broke down and got a lift for mine at Northern Tool for 79 on sale makes it a little easier for the front on a Gen 3, but the bike is back heavy so the back doesn't come off the ground on a stock lift. There is a link to how to modify a lift to fix this http://www.magnaownersoftexas.com/tips.htm#A1.20

I built this wooden adapter from the plans.  It may work great with a Larin lift, but the Harbor Freight lift does not collapse low enough to allow it to fit.

I wound up fashioning one from pipe and angle iron.  It works great.  I recall submitting pictures at one time, but they never made it into the tips and tricks section.