Honda CX500 & GL500 Forum

Search Sort Posts:  Oldest to newest Newest to oldest

04-09-2009, 12:05 AM Abes_CW Joined on 04-17-2007 saskatoon Posts 3,036 removing the rear wheel: A how to for GL I swapped my rims tonight, and took the opportunity to take some photos while I went. This is for a GL Interstate, very similar to the CX.  Rob Davis' page is CX specific so I figured this could be informative. 1.  Remove luggage and rear seat or trunk.  There are two 10 mm bolts to be removed from inside the rear fender area, accessable only with the seat off. Unlock your rear helmet/seat locks with the key and rotate the handles forward.  This pic shows the handles almost to the release position. Push them both forward, and the seat will release.  Here is a pic of the mechanisms. These are the bolts to remove, each side, 10 mm.  Removing these allows the back of the rear fender to pivot up and out of the way, giving clearance for the tire to be removed.  Rob's site mentions losening rear drive bolts, this is not necessary if you do this. Here I am lifting the fender.  Note for the interstate, there is a cross bracket that goes from left to right that needs to be removed to allow the fender to pivot That done, now we get to the wheel.  You need to remove the brake actuator nut, and the brake holding arm (not technical terms, so sue me lol)   Note 14 mm There should be a cotter pin on this, which you need to remove, and preferably replace.  Don't ride without it (put a safety pin in or something if you have to).  Mine was 13 mm.  Wierd size, may not be original. Loosen the pinch bolt on the left side of the swing arm.  No need to take it all the way out.  12mm Remove nut from right side.  19mm Drift out the axle from right side to left.  Not location and orientation of spacer on the left side, between axle and hub. you should now be able to pull, wriggle the axle free from the left side. Note that the brake drum will now be free as well, a great time to check the condition of the shoes. Here is the date code for my new tires.  3408  thirty fourth week of 2008.  Fairly fresh tires.  When getting new skins, check your code, if they are more than 2 years old, don't accept them. You now will be able to wriggle out your rear tire/rim, lifting the fender to allow clearance. When reinstalling, grease liberally the splines.  But only on the wheel, not the hub.  If you do the hub, you will get grease on the tire when you put the rim back in place.  Trust me on this one lol.  I did it wrong as the picture states.  I greased both, thinking there can't be enough.  Now I have to degrease my tire before I ride. Reinstallation is essentially a reversal of the above.  I will note however, put the engine in gear.  You will know for sure when the wheel and the hub splines engage.  Don't forget your cotter pin on the brake holding arm. Cheers! Darren 1983 GL650i Had 4 CX/GL's at one point this year, down to one, next spring is another adventure! age 38 (29 plus tax)    Report

04-09-2009, 1:30 AM spanish bandit Joined on 02-12-2009 southern spain Posts 5,010 Re: removing the rear wheel: A how to for GL really good and helpful post,thanks,especially quoting the nut sizes. when i feel the need,i do it,llego,ve 60,s ----------------------------- 2008.1982 honda gli silverwing [uk model ] 2010.1981 honda gli silverwing [uk model ]    Report

04-09-2009, 2:26 AM Len in PA Joined on 03-31-2006 Bristol, PA Posts 485 Re: removing the rear wheel: A how to for GL Well done! I would only add that loosening and tightening the final drive nuts assures proper axle alignment. Also be sure to use Honda Moly60 grease for splines. '82 GL500i...nearing 100,000 miles    Report

04-09-2009, 4:31 AM gmcwayne Joined on 08-26-2008 Austin, MN Posts 208 Re: removing the rear wheel: A how to for GL Nice post!  I did this recently as well.  I did not have to move the fender out of the way to clear the wheel, but I did have to deflate the tire a bit to clear the final drive. Wayne 1981 GL500    Report

04-09-2009, 7:03 AM MotorcycleCommuter Joined on 07-16-2008 Fairborn, Ohio Posts 435 Re: removing the rear wheel: A how to for GL I don't see a muffler on the left side. Does that have to come off to get the axle out? 1983 GL650i, 49,000 miles    Report

04-09-2009, 7:12 AM Abes_CW Joined on 04-17-2007 saskatoon Posts 3,036 Re: removing the rear wheel: A how to for GL On this bike I had an aftermarket muffler on, larger diameter, So it did have to come off. Note it's there when I am doing the pinch bolt. On the other bike (where this rims came from) no removal was necessary, your mileage may vary. 1983 GL650i Had 4 CX/GL's at one point this year, down to one, next spring is another adventure! age 38 (29 plus tax)    Report

04-09-2009, 7:43 AM Blindstitch Joined on 03-14-2009 Greenfield Wisconsin Posts 9,863 Re: removing the rear wheel: A how to for GL For the Cx if the muffler is in the way of the axle take off the shocks and raise or lower the tire till you can clear the muffler. I added this to the quick reference. If you have any other work you want to do and can do the same you should do it since nobody knows what's up with the Davis site but the sheer fact he doesn't want one of us to host it. So I'm thinking the most useful would be valves/cam chain, fork seals, mechanical seal, radiator fan. Just a thought. 1979 CX500 Supertanker ATGATT makes riding a bike like a sled easier. Quick Reference    Report

04-09-2009, 8:12 AM Abes_CW Joined on 04-17-2007 saskatoon Posts 3,036 Re: removing the rear wheel: A how to for GL I will be doing fork seals on Beta this weekend, Lord willing.  I will have the Olympus handy. 1983 GL650i Had 4 CX/GL's at one point this year, down to one, next spring is another adventure! age 38 (29 plus tax)    Report

04-09-2009, 8:23 AM Abes_CW Joined on 04-17-2007 saskatoon Posts 3,036 Re: removing the rear wheel: A how to for GL  gmcwayne wrote: Nice post!  I did this recently as well.  I did not have to move the fender out of the way to clear the wheel, but I did have to deflate the tire a bit to clear the final drive. That's interesting.  Did you have the rear of the bike lifted up?  I for the life of me can't see how you could get it out otherwise.  Good Job.  If your rear seat mechanisms work well, it takes only a minutes to release the fender, so time saving is probably a wash considering inflation/deflation of a tire.  The lifting of the fender is the factory intended way to do the job. 1983 GL650i Had 4 CX/GL's at one point this year, down to one, next spring is another adventure! age 38 (29 plus tax)    Report

04-09-2009, 9:48 AM gmcwayne Joined on 08-26-2008 Austin, MN Posts 208 Re: removing the rear wheel: A how to for GL I had the bike on the centerstand and the front wheel on the ground.  I had intended on lifting the fender per the manual but thought I would try it without first and was able to get it out by pulling the bottom of the wheel to the left or sort of twisting it out along with deflating the tire abit.  I also got grease on my tire upon reistalling.  LOL Wayne 1981 GL500    Report

04-09-2009, 10:28 AM DAVID Joined on 05-16-2007 FORNEY TX Posts 937 Re: removing the rear wheel: A how to for GL Len, just an FYI. The Honda manual says to use NLGL2 with Moly. That is just moly wheel bearing grease that you can get at the auto parts store. Not the same as the Honda Moly60 paste (which will work, just not necessary). 82 GL500 81 KDX175 If all else fails, read the instructions    Report

04-09-2009, 11:41 AM bri-guy-ga Joined on 06-04-2008 Powder Springs, GA Posts 702 Re: removing the rear wheel: A how to for GL I changed my rear tire at a friends place who has a motorcycle lift. I didn't even have to remove the saddlebags as the rear panel came out allowing the tire to drop clear of everything. That will be my big Christmas present this year (hopefully). Nice write-up. 1982 GL500i (currently being rebuilt from ground up) NO! Try not. Do or do not do. There is no try - Yoda    Report

04-09-2009, 2:18 PM Shep Joined on 01-30-2007 UK.2x1980CX500A Posts 7,647 Re: removing the rear wheel: A how to for GL Great post.I've added it to my forum  :) http://globalcxglvtwins.hostingdelivered.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=217&p=1266#p1266 My Music http://www.reverbnation.com/pauldouglas/ Join Just In Case :) http://globalcxglvtwins.hostingdelivered.com/ Id quot circumiret, circumveniat    Report

04-10-2009, 8:44 AM terrygl650 Joined on 10-11-2008 maine Posts 123 Re: removing the rear wheel: A how to for GL what i do,is since my shed is raised above gound level a bit like most are. i back the rear tire to the doorway, then when it goes up onto the centerstand, the wheel hangs over the rise to the shed, giving space below for wheel to fall. never had to deal with my fender to remove rear wheel this way. 1983 gl650i    Report

04-10-2009, 11:43 AM gopher Joined on 11-06-2008 Sk.Ca. Age 56 Posts 608 Re: removing the rear wheel: A how to for GL Good job Abes. I'm waiting for the how- to on chrome polishing now. 1981 GL500I    Report

04-10-2009, 3:09 PM Abes_CW Joined on 04-17-2007 saskatoon Posts 3,036 Re: removing the rear wheel: A how to for GL Hey gopher, Larry's got the covered in the general forum. My bike was embarassingly dirty in those pics, haven't done the spring clean yet. 1983 GL650i Had 4 CX/GL's at one point this year, down to one, next spring is another adventure! age 38 (29 plus tax)    Report

04-28-2009, 1:24 AM Rv138 Joined on 02-26-2009 San Diego, California Posts 149 Re: removing the rear wheel: A how to for GL Im planning on doing this myself, would you guys recommend it? replacing the back tire, first time iv ever tried it 1980 CX500c    Report

04-28-2009, 4:32 AM Blindstitch Joined on 03-14-2009 Greenfield Wisconsin Posts 9,863 Re: removing the rear wheel: A how to for GL You have to learn sometime. It's not hard on a cx. Hardest part would be squeezing the tire between the final drive and the swing arm. If you don't want a fight I suggest letting a decent amount of air out of the tire and having a pump/compressor to fill it up when your done. One thing I did learn recently is that on a cx standard or deluxe that rear fender that dips low is a pain to get a tire around. On the custom there is no real worry. 1979 CX500 Supertanker ATGATT makes riding a bike like a sled easier. Quick Reference    Report

04-28-2009, 5:15 AM Shep Joined on 01-30-2007 UK.2x1980CX500A Posts 7,647 Re: removing the rear wheel: A how to for GL As Stitch says it's not hard once you know.Let some air out and also it's a rolling movement as you remove and re-fit the tyre e.g rotate it as you push it in.It doesn't fight the guard then. HTH :) My Music http://www.reverbnation.com/pauldouglas/ Join Just In Case :) http://globalcxglvtwins.hostingdelivered.com/ Id quot circumiret, circumveniat    Report

04-28-2009, 9:08 AM Abes_CW Joined on 04-17-2007 saskatoon Posts 3,036 Re: removing the rear wheel: A how to for GL I think rv means changing the skin from the rim. 1983 GL650i Had 4 CX/GL's at one point this year, down to one, next spring is another adventure! age 38 (29 plus tax)    Report

04-28-2009, 11:30 PM Rv138 Joined on 02-26-2009 San Diego, California Posts 149 Re: removing the rear wheel: A how to for GL awesome thanks guys. yeah i mean everything to be honest. i need to get a whole new tire, and a new valve hose. someone was selling me if i do it myself i would need to have some sort of balance thing to make sure its perfectly up straight but im not sure he knows what hes talking about haha 1980 CX500c    Report

04-29-2009, 2:59 PM Blindstitch Joined on 03-14-2009 Greenfield Wisconsin Posts 9,863 Re: removing the rear wheel: A how to for GL  Rv138 wrote: awesome thanks guys. yeah i mean everything to be honest. i need to get a whole new tire, and a new valve hose. someone was selling me if i do it myself i would need to have some sort of balance thing to make sure its perfectly up straight but im not sure he knows what hes talking about haha A balancing tool is easy to make or fine a simple solution. I use the axle mounted on two milk crates. There are more scientific tools but this way works well for me. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TenKamfQ8h4 1979 CX500 Supertanker ATGATT makes riding a bike like a sled easier. Quick Reference    Report

06-13-2009, 10:19 AM Peter in Redmond Joined on 05-27-2009 Redmond,WA Posts 130 Re: removing the rear wheel: A how to for GL Hi Everyone, Because of my saddlebag guards I find it easiest to remove both mufflers,remove the axel and spacer thing. Drop the tire off the final drive. Remove the three bolts holding final drive and remove it.Finally remove the tire. Cheers Peter 1983 Gl650i 149,000 km (Still going strong) 1979 CX500 bought new in 79 120,000 km (retired)    Report

08-23-2009, 9:12 PM tschraeder Joined on 12-07-2008 Beverly Hills, MI Posts 41 Re: removing the rear wheel: A how to for GL This thread made me get my rear end going - now I need to get it back in gear.  But let me start at the beginning. I've got a second bike that's serving as a minor parts source, and a place for me to learn some "how to" before working on my running bike.  I decided to drop the rear wheel on #2 and look over the brake and bearing situation. My runner will need rear brakes soon, and I'll renew the bearings as long as I'm at it. Disassembly was no problem - the photos were clear and helpful.  Having done my front brakes, steering bearings and wheel bearings, there's nothing there that's much of a surprise.  But I always seem to find my problems on the "Reinstallation is essentially a reversal of the above" part of the work. The problem I've having is getting the wheel reinstalled.  The engine is out of the bike, and I can't seem to get the wheel and hub splines to engage.  It's pretty easy to get the wheel in place and begin running the axle back in place, but the spines don't engage and the whole wheel is hung up about an inch to the left of its proper position. With the engine out, I can hold the end of the shaft in the drive tube, but when I spin the wheel or the shaft to get the splines to engage, nothing seems to happen.  Any advice would be appreciated.  No way will I start on the runner unless I'm certain I can get hooked back up. Thanks. 1 - 82 GL500I - Up and runnin' 1 - 82 GL500I - Frame and Pieces 1 - 81 GL500 - In need of a lot of love    Report

08-24-2009, 3:01 AM Spacetiger Joined on 05-16-2009 Chantilly, VA Posts 1,353 Re: removing the rear wheel: A how to for GL tschraeder, I remove the 3 12mm nuts holding the final drive unit from the swing arm. Once off, its easy to handle that weight while engaging the wheel. Once on, I lift the unit up back into place. I have to reengage the swing arm final drive, but find it is much easier to do it this way. Once I have it engaged, I quickly put 1 of the 12 mm nuts back on (top one), then slide the axle in. THis is enough to hold things while I get the rest of the bits back on. 90 PC 800 (commuting steed) 82 GL500I (50+mpg, great bike) 66 BMW R 50/2 (No brakes/HP) 80 CX500C (Loved this bike) 74 CB360 (Fun; but too small) 79 CX500D (40,000+ mi in 3 years) 76 CB550 (step up from 200cc) 74 KZ200 (1st bike!)    Report

08-24-2009, 3:26 AM SmoothShift Joined on 06-19-2009 L.A. (Lower Alabama)ROLL TIDE Posts 236 Re: removing the rear wheel: A how to for GL Thanks! I have been wanting to do this ever since I got my bike but was scared to give it a shot. Looking at you pics have made my mind up. Great post. 1979 CX500 Don't take life so seriously, it ain't permanent. If you can read this, thank a teacher Since it's in English, thank a solider. You're either a wolf or a sheep. Myself, I like lamb chops".    Report

08-24-2009, 4:26 AM Shep Joined on 01-30-2007 UK.2x1980CX500A Posts 7,647 Re: removing the rear wheel: A how to for GL Tip:Slack off and Leave the final drive nuts until last to re-tighten.This will allow the rear wheel to auto-align when re-fitting.This tip was from the old Swedish CX board and has never let me down. HTH My Music http://www.reverbnation.com/pauldouglas/ Join Just In Case :) http://globalcxglvtwins.hostingdelivered.com/ Id quot circumiret, circumveniat    Report

08-24-2009, 8:30 AM Abes_CW Joined on 04-17-2007 saskatoon Posts 3,036 Re: removing the rear wheel: A how to for GL Having the tranny in gear helps a lot to get the positive engagement on the final drive. 1983 GL650i Had 4 CX/GL's at one point this year, down to one, next spring is another adventure! age 38 (29 plus tax)    Report

08-24-2009, 9:43 AM ezzee Joined on 08-20-2008 CT Posts 858 Re: removing the rear wheel: A how to for GL  Shep wrote: Tip:Slack off and Leave the final drive nuts until last to re-tighten.This will allow the rear wheel to auto-align when re-fitting.This tip was from the old Swedish CX board and has never let me down. HTH I don't see the need to loosen the final drive nuts.  The rear axle and hub is torqued to the final drive and the splines are very robust having a large mating surface.  I think what is more important is not to fasten the  opposite side pinch bolt prior to tightening the axle, if the  pinch bolt is tightened  there is a chance of the  rear wheel hub and drive unit not making up correctly,  also it is hard to get to the drive nuts and apply the neccessary torque. IMO 1978 CX 500 1981 GL 500 1981 Custom 1982 GL    Report

08-24-2009, 10:27 AM tschraeder Joined on 12-07-2008 Beverly Hills, MI Posts 41 Re: removing the rear wheel: A how to for GL Thanks, Shep, and everyone for all the help.  I'll try to get a wrench on my bike tonight. Loosening the final drive really does make sense.  My problem was that the splines didn't want to mate and, with no engine in the frame, of course I couldn't have the bike in gear. Getting the final drive loose should make it easy to make those splines "see" each other, and the final drive is much easier to tighten up. 1 - 82 GL500I - Up and runnin' 1 - 82 GL500I - Frame and Pieces 1 - 81 GL500 - In need of a lot of love    Report

08-24-2009, 10:45 AM RichNCT Joined on 03-02-2006 Connecticut, USA Posts 3,463 Re: removing the rear wheel: A how to for GL "I don't see the need to loosen the final drive nuts." True enough.  The "tighten the three (or four on some models) drive tube flange nuts last" advice ONLY applies if you have loosened or removed these nuts.  THEN you should tighten them last so as not to lock in a misalignment stress in the rear wheel assembly.  If you do not need to loosen or remove these nuts, then there is no need to do so just for alignment purposes.  This good advice has been mis-applied many times.  No harm to doing it, just no need and it's extra effort and time. Refueling on The James Bay Road, 2009 Born to be relatively wild (for a grampa x 3) GL650I, CX650E, CX650T    Report

Honda CX500 & G... » CX500 GL500 Tra... » Technical Help ... » removing the rear wheel: A how to for GL

(please select) Forums Home |- Search Forums |- Active Topics |- Unanswered Posts User Options |- Sign In |- Join this community |- Forgot Password CX500 GL500 Transverse Twins Discussion Forum |- General Discussion |- CX Customization and Modifications |- CX500 & CX650 Turbo Forum |- Travelling, Friends, and Trips |- Selling and Buying Forum |- Technical Help Forum Other Forums |- Off-Topic Posts |- Test Forum