How to Install a Rear Wheel on a 1200 Goldwing
- 1). Remove the left saddlebag from the motorcycle. Open the saddlebag's lid and remove the mounting screws from the bag's inside wall, using a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the saddlebag away from the frame slightly, then reach around the saddlebag and unplug its electrical connector from the motorcycle's wiring harness. Remove the fender's mounting bolts with a 10 mm socket, then pull the rear fender away from the frame.
- 2). Lift the motorcycle onto its center stand to raise the rear wheel off of the ground. Support the rear wheel with a jack placed under the swing arm. Unscrew both rear shock absorbers' lower mounting bolts with a 14 mm socket and socket wrench, then rotate the shock absorbers out of the way and tie them to the frame with bungee cords.
- 3). Raise the rear wheel with the jack until the rear axle is above the right muffler. Unscrew the rear axle's lock nut with an 18 mm socket. Loosen the axle pinch bolt on the left side of the swing arm with a 12 mm socket. Place a screwdriver into the hole on the left side of the rear axle, then pull the axle out of the swing arm, rear wheel and brake caliper bracket. Pull the collar out from between the swing arm and the caliper bracket.
- 4). Lift the brake caliper and its bracket off of the rear wheel and brake rotor. Support the caliper's bracket to the frame with a bungee cord to avoid damaging the brake line. Pull the wheel away from the final drive gear on the right side of the swing arm and lower it to the ground.
- 5). Pull the collar out from the left side of the wheel. Spread a coat of Moly 60 grease to the bearings on both sides of the rear wheel. Reinstall the wheel collar into the wheel. Clean off the motorcycle's final drive gear splines, positioned on the right side of the swing arm, with a parts cleaning spray. Wipe dry with a shop towel, then coat the splines with Moly 60 grease.
- 6). Reinstall the rear wheel, brake caliper and rear axle onto the swing arm, following the reverse method of removal. Tighten the rear axle's nut to 69 foot-pounds with a torque wrench. Tighten the pinch bolt on the left side of the swing arm to 20 foot-pounds with a 12 mm socket and a torque wrench
- 7). Lift the rear swing arm and wheel with a jack until the rear shock absorbers' lower mounts can be secured against the swing arm. Insert the shock absorber mounting bolts with a 14 mm socket. Tighten the left bolt to 51 foot-pounds and the right bolt to 17 foot-pounds, using a torque wrench.
- 8). Reinstall the rear fender onto the frame. Tighten the fender's mounting bolts with a 10 mm socket. Hold the left saddlebag against the motorcycle's frame. Screw the saddlebag's mounting screws through the bag's inside wall and into the frame with a Phillips screwdriver. Plug the saddlebag's electrical connector into the motorcycle's wiring harness, then close the saddlebag's lid.
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