How to: Remove & Install a Rear Tire on a Harley Davidson Touring Motorcycle

Hey Guys! Welcome back to the channel. Today I am removing my rear wheel/tire, the reason being... I have a flat:( So come along as I go step by step showing my fellow DIYers how to remove and install the rear wheel on your Harley Davidson Touring bike. The process will be very similar for many other models.
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[@MotoHeadKyle]

Thanks for watching! How many of you guys ever gotten a flat tire on your bike?

[@thatsickrg2307]

Never! 🤞

[@scottrowe8723]

Attempting to replace the punctured rear tire now, hoping watching your video will make doing it a breeze

[@BT-ih6kr]

I got a hole in the rear tire one time while going down the highway on a bike trip. the hole was too big for the tire repair kit. must have been some kind of bolt or something. this happened 5 hours from home, but right in front of a guy's place who had a harley and was heading to the HOG meeting that night. he said he would make arrangements with the dealer for me. i left my bike at his place, went to a hotel for the night 10 miles away, and went to the harley dealership in the morning. by 11:30 am, the dealer had gone and picked up my bike, brought it to the shop and had the tire replaced and i was back on the road.

[@MotoHeadKyle]

@@BT-ih6kr damn that sucks! luckily you had some help from a Good Samaritan. That’s what it’s all about👍🏻

[@jerseybigestboss]

I have one right now 🥲

[@jobeta22]

Happy New Year 2023. Thank you for sharing this critical procedure. That rubber piece on the sprocket is a rubber isolator and it needs to be inspected any time the wheel is removed and replaced if it is dry rotted or cracked. Also, check the sprocket for any unusual wear from the belt that would indicate misalignment or improper tension. Next, check all bearings for wear and replace them if necessary. Be aware that the ABS bearing has a different seal color and if you do not install it on the right place, you will get an ABS DTC, but only after the bike has got to above 20mph. It would be a frustrating thing to have to remove the tire again. Your procedure was very detailed, but I wanted to cover these important points. Thank you

[@jayonez137]

You definitely don’t have to remove your slip Ons. Just remove the lower shock bolt and jack it up or lower it and your axle will slide right out.

[@MotoHeadKyle]

Yeah I have since realized that. Thanks!

[@rsanchez5676]

Wow! He realized it.

[@tomchristian4304]

LOL I came here to say that.

[@thatsickrg2307]

Awesome video thanks for showing us step by step! I usually let the shop handle it, but I might give it a try now! Thanks Kyle. U Rock!!

[@MotoHeadKyle]

Anytime! Glad to help! Thanks for watching🤘🏻

[@seankinnaman2388]

@@MotoHeadKylefor the rear wheel next time take out the bottom bolt on both rear shocks and lower the bike on the small scissor jack and you don’t have to take off the the slip ons and etc big time saver

[@1961fireplug]

Always great videos and now i know how to change wheels and tires, thanks again

[@AJTStuff]

Great video BTY. Helped me figure out what tools I need and the general procedure to do the job.

[@Steve-yu9ri]

That was a operation but fun to watch it’s nice to have the extra hands say hi to Fiona for me another great video

[@kylehardman6139]

Thanks for the video one PA Kyle to another! I was gonna let a shop do it but watching your vid I saved about $100 and learned something thanks!

[@mathewshackelford8037]

Good video. Not sure what year your bike is but my 2019 RG Service manual calls for 90-105 lb/ft for the final torque on the rear axle.

[@bikersoncall]

lol, answered the question I've been asking myself for a few weeks. Buy my new tires, remove the wheels, which I can do, throw tires and rims into Car, take to any tire shop and they will take care of R n R, and balance. Done. 😄

[@CryptoArmagedon]

Going to replace my rear brake disk soon on my Road Glide Ultra CVO as it is pretty darn warped. This was helpful as the belt alignment and tension was my only concern. Thanks man!

[@MotoHeadKyle]

Thank you!

[@ericroadking7564]

good job Kyle!! Have had a few flats over the years!!

[@MotoHeadKyle]

Oh no! Hopefully never too far from a repair shop lol thanks as always, Eric!

[@tchogworks1987]

Very informative video. After watching a couple videos before this one I’d definitely give this guy and A . Would of given him a A+ if he replaced the pulley and rotor bolts and checked the bearings . Usually if I’m in there that deep I’ll check the brake pads. 1/2 or less I replace the pads. That’s personal preference though. And he may have done those things. But overall this is by far the best video on rear tire replacement I’ve watched. The last video before this one I guarantee that guy is responsible for people’s axles being damaged from watching his video and thinking he had a clue about what he was doing. We aren’t supposed to beat the axles out and then back in. I was taught if you can’t remove it by hand after a light tap or two there’s a problem. He claimed it’s ok if you scuff the tops of mufflers while beating out your axle Because nobody can see them after the bags are on😂I’m convinced just anyone can post videos. A big Thanks You to the producer of this video for taking the time to put the correct factual information out

[@MotoHeadKyle]

Thank you sir! I really appreciate that. It is definitely hard while filming to mention everything and to not forget things or habits that you do automatically. Definitely makes every project 3x longer lol

[@eddiec7671]

Great video. Without the full tech manual, how can I find the torques for my 17 ultra limited?

[@hpo3409]

I have the same lift table you do. Did you add that stretch metal along the edges yourself?

[@rodneyhanbaum697]

Nice job..what and how did you use to Install your side extension tables on your HF LIFT?

[@MotoHeadKyle]

Just some pipe, U-Bolts and HF motorcycle ramps

[@johnvanzelm2307]

@@MotoHeadKyle Could you kindly make a short video on that for dummies like me?

[@davidbradley9204]

What kind of tire did you go back with? The tire looked good and pin hole in the tread that you really couldn't detect with the eye. Could you have used a tube and save the tire?

[@bikersoncall]

:shrugs: I have tubeless, had failed with one of those magic screw in plugs, put the nail back in for a while, held pretty well. Then just used the standard butter and jam goup that comes with standard plug kit, and it's held well for weeks. I don't consider it safe at 100mph + but I don't need those speeds right now.

[@LAT1972]

Just an fyi, the correct torque for the rear wheel axle on a 2021 Road Glide is 135 - 145 ft-lbs, not 60 - 70 ft-lbs.

[@MotoHeadKyle]

Thank you, did you get this from the service manual?

[@LAT1972]

@@MotoHeadKyle Yes, the 135 - 145 ft-lbs is listed in the H-D Service Manual in Chapter 2 - Maintenance, in the section titled Inspect and Adjust Drive Belt and Sprockets.

[@MotoHeadKyle]

@@LAT1972 that seems extremely high. I’d expect 100 maybe 🤔 I know sometimes they list the newton meters which would be in that range. But anyhow thanks for the correction

[@nickricholetti754]

yea my 2016 is 90-105

[@nickricholetti754]

@@MotoHeadKyle he’s right. the old axel pre 2020 was 105 ft lbs .. 2020 and later got a new axle and it’s 135-145 dr lbs

[@debbieschlier7531]

Great video and information!

[@erwinroman4217]

I have the same harbor freight lift I've used for bikes up to 600lbs. Just bought a Road Glide Ultra and might have to test it at low lift before I trust it. The RGU is 930lbs. Where did you get your lifts side extensions and how did you fasten them? Thanks.

[@MotoHeadKyle]

It works perfectly fine with ultra’s! ive used mine for a buddy’s ultra. Had no issues. The ramps are harbor freight, hole sawed holes into the sides of the ramps inserted pipe through the ramps and used and u-bolts to mount to the lift, so that way the ramps can come on and off easily. It’s an absolute game changer for getting baggers on and off the lift.

[@Antonstolk]

I Saw a video where he only removed the two bottom bolts of the shocks. After this you can move the wheel up and down more easily. Great job anyway, thanks for the specs.😅

[@1969cheff]

How to you fix the foot extension on your mechanic table

[@stevebaker1986]

Could you add a statement regarding the flat area on the axle adjusts the belt tensioner cam, therefore remove the nut and push the axle out. I was not aware of this and destroyed my axle... my bad.

[@adisatria551]

Very helpful.. keep it up. 👌

[@harryhowell5644]

Had a nail in my rear tire the other day. Was able to jack it up , pull out the nail. Plugged it up real quick and filled it with air. Lucky I have a small air compressor. Let it set for 24 hours. Took it on a good ride and it's holding up well. Nail was in the center on the thick part of the tread. 17 k on these Dunlop tires and still plenty of tread left, I hate to get a new tire. Got lucky I guess. Plugged many a tire and haven't had one go flat yet 😮

[@MotoHeadKyle]

Yeah! I plugged many of car tires and never had an issue, I’m sure it’s fine, I just don’t want to get into a habit of that on a motorcycle if god forbid there was a blowout or something

[@charlesfatz7521]

You showed slipping the axle back in but how did you align your marks on the belt tensioner before you tightened the nuts on the outer threads?

[@MotoHeadKyle]

By rotating the axel until the lines met up with the spur on the swingarm

[@charlesfatz7521]

@@MotoHeadKyle thank you.

[@hmuong]

My right belt tensioner move when I go to tighten the bolt. How did you prevent yours from moving? Thanks

[@GusMoore-j7r]

Thank You for your insight and instruction Brother

[@pyro707]

Got it done thanks for this. 🤙🏾

[@MotoHeadKyle]

You’re welcome! Glad I could help

[@RoyaleWitCheese04]

How did you get the axle nut off? I’ve been running all over the place trying to find a 3/4 driver for the 1 7/16 socket but it looks like you didn’t hardly have to turn it at all???

[@MotoHeadKyle]

I broke it free first, before I picked back up recording

[@RoyaleWitCheese04]

@@MotoHeadKyle ohhhhhh. Man I got the lift today but when I started getting the tools together….bruh good lord these things are expensive and hard to find

[@MotoHeadKyle]

@@RoyaleWitCheese04 I hear ya man! Tools aren’t cheap lol Congrats on the lift!

[@charlesramosjr.1904]

Thanks 😎

[@pandsrock]

The first shot with you riding your bike? Is that the Roth bridge here in Delaware?

[@jacobogutierrez6740]

Thank you very good video 👍🏼👍🏼

[@jimmydong9123]

Did you upgrade the tires ? You live close to Dv right

[@MotoHeadKyle]

Yes! I went with the Dunlop American Elites. So far so good. Haven’t ridden in any inclement weather yet though

[@malan828]

My service manual says the rear axel torque spec is 135-145ftlb for a 2021 road glide special

[@Speedy_Delgado]

Great video very helpful 👍🏽

[@MotoHeadKyle]

Thank YOU for watching! Glad it was helpful 🤘🏻

[@mikecrowe3164]

Beautiful Color

[@MotoHeadKyle]

Thanks Mike!

[@JuanOrtiz-xm8du]

What do you charge for that?

[@MotoHeadKyle]

It’s my bike, so nothing🤣

[@HrDKnockLife]

8:00 hilarious because I didn’t see your helper below the lift but I saw your rear tire slowly moving down.

[@MotoHeadKyle]

🤣🤣

[@ralphlewis539]

Remove shock/spring assembly from swingarm first, then the bike's suspension can be lowered to get the axle out without removing the mufflers :)

[@electricjed]

Ty!

[@AJTStuff]

Be sure to check your own sources for torque. Per the HD Service Manual for my '22 Road King, the rear axle initial torque is set to 15-20 ft-lb. Then the belt tension can be checked and/or adjusted, then the final torque of 135-145 ft-lb is applied. The presenter doesn't say what year his bike is, but it does look like an M8 Touring model and the the torque he stated at 14:26 is WAY too low. I'm sure he's right for his bike, my point is though that the number varies and, since it's kind of important, anyone doing this needs to double-check the spec for the actual bike they are working on. The caliper torque he stated also disagrees with my manual, but you'll can look it up. Same message applies. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR GETTING THE RIGHT TORQUE VALUES FOR YOUR OWN RIDE!

[@MotoHeadKyle]

Always refer to the service manual for your specific bike!

[@levievans9311]

Thank you for the positive content.Next time be clear on content.No tire was removed or installed in video that states tire removal and install.

[@MotoHeadKyle]

Negative, never once did the caption say how to “unmount and balance a tire”

[@timnevitt2993]

just put new tires on front and rear. commander 3s tires are real expensive right now i paid 650 for front and rear just for the tires

[@MotoHeadKyle]

Let me know how you like those! I went with the American Elite’s got them for a steal

[@timnevitt2993]

@@MotoHeadKyle i love them but dont have the bike no more traded bike in for a new road glide st

[@timnevitt2993]

nothing like putting new tire and trading

[@MotoHeadKyle]

@@timnevitt2993 ahhhh I gotcha. Yeah always seems to work out that way 😂 solid trade though!

[@Sweetchilliheat18]

I don't know how people get so far on a tire I need a new back tire every year Two tops If I go easy at stoplights But where's the fun in that

[@mikegarcia2685]

Every time I torqued camber moved on right side

[@MotoHeadKyle]

That should happen both cams should be in the same position on both sides

[@mikegarcia2685]

@@MotoHeadKyle I have play on right side not a lot but a little

[@MarkP-p3s]

Please do not ever allow someone to lay under one of those lifts. But other than that it's a great video.

[@brenphoto8213]

hey... I recognized that bridge!

[@justinlayman440]

Video is of no help if you’re also trying to learn correct orientation of abs sensor as he had his quiet helper do it without explanation.

[@MotoHeadKyle]

Did I not note in the video to TAKE PICTURES?

[@roberttaylor2086]

Why did you do the video from the easy side. You should have recorded the ABS side-that’s the hard part.

[@MotoHeadKyle]

What’s so hard about the ABS side? It’s super simple.

[@larryhager7109]

Anybody ever had that spacer not want to come off? I spent 2 hrs before I called my brorther tolled him what's going on. We spent another hour repeating everything I did and less. Ended up using a GFH and 2x4 tomotivate it to move it moved but by the time it did. the washer destroyed the threads on the axle hammering it off.

[@MotoHeadKyle]

No, but anything is possible, my assumption is either the axel was way too tight from beforehand and it might’ve seized it up or there wasn’t any axel lubricant from previously and it seized up. That sucks, but shit happens, just glad you were able to still get it off

[@tonylittle1370]

Lot easier to take bottom shock bolts out.

[@PatYep-vb9jz]

U didn't say anything about spacers/sensor until u put back together, maybe I missed it.

[@earljamsithard]

I specifically asked for the process of removing the rubber from the rim. I don't know why you would even skip this part but whatever

[@garymorgan7554]

what is never sieze

[@MotoHeadKyle]

Anti-Seize Lubricant I use the permatex brand

[@kendallsierakowski6784]

Remove bottom shock bolt and jack bike down. No need to remove exhaust.

[@MotoHeadKyle]

I’m aware of that now, thanks for your input

[@kendallsierakowski6784]

@@MotoHeadKyle 15 road glide. dunlop elite, Metzler or commander?

[@MotoHeadKyle]

I’m running the Dunlop elite’s now, so far so good!

[@عبدالطيفخضير]

😊👍👍

[@jayonez137]

OK guys does anyone know what the torque value is for a rear axle on a 2014 street glide. Info I am getting 95-105 ft lbs. Can someone chime in?

[@MotoHeadKyle]

I believe that’s correct unless someone upgraded your axel to the newer design

[@Mouthy_Trucker]

YOU DO NOT have to run the same brand of tire front and rear that is 100% an old wives tale! good lord the internet is full of misinformation... the only thing that matters is that they are both bias ply or whatever but brand couldn't possibly matter less ! ain't nobody pushing their fuckin bagger to the point that matching tread patterns matters 🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️🙄🙄🙄

[@sdmascar8905]

Great video! Thank you!

[@MotoHeadKyle]

Thank you!

[@trenttaylor6823]

So I have ripped apart my bike numerous times and I’m still learning and I am trying to put my rear tire on and that bracket brace fell off for the calliper and it just seems really weird of how tight it is to the rotor. My suggestion to you is go slower. Your camera work is back here over there over here up here and then you’re so close that you’re not really pointing out what we need to be looking at, I’m not the dumbest guy out there but I’m just saying you’re telling everybody that this guy is doing something and your camera is just everywhere. You need to slow it down and show exactly what somebody should be looking at specially space and place and stuff like that.

[@Mouthy_Trucker]

lol if THAT'S what you have a problem with you really shouldn't be working on your own bike either

[@MrNetnut]

HaHa Try 1 Person & No Plate To Drop Out Putting Back In Is The Hard Part . Drop Plate Or Not . Peace/;-))

[@kevinsteele2525]

Most complicated part you completely skip any directions… Totally skip the right side assebly…