A lot of people tip their Gold Wing on its side to change the rear tire. We get it — it seems like the only option. But it's completely unnecessary, and honestly not worth the risk. One slip and you're looking at a cracked fairing or worse. Then you have to pick the thing back up.
This method keeps the bike upright on its center stand the entire time, requires minimal tools, and is the proper way to do it.
👉 Watch the full walkthrough here: Gold Wing 1800 Rear Wheel Removal (1 min 12 sec)
https://youtube.com/shorts/q0SNgxC-5ac?si=9NyWtW2MNq59lnYP
Why This Method Is Better
✅ No risk of damaging fairings or bodywork
✅ No heavy lifting — the bike stays upright the whole time
✅ Minimal tools required
✅ Faster and easier access to every fastener
✅ This is the correct way the bike was designed to be serviced
What You'll Need
Socket set (10mm)
Allen / hex key set
Torque wrench
One zip tie
Step-by-Step: Removing the Rear Wheel
Step 1 — Put the Bike on the Center Stand
Place the bike on its center stand on a flat, stable surface. Pro tip: loop a zip tie around the front brake lever to keep the bike from rolling forward while you work.
Step 2 — Remove the License Plate Tag
Step 3 — Remove the Plastic Mud Flap
Remove the 4 allen bolts (2 at the bottom, 2 near the tag light). Pop the plastic clip on each corner, then carefully pull the mud flap away from the bike far enough to unplug the electrical connector. Set it aside.
Step 4 — Remove the Rear Brace
Remove the 2 × 10mm bolts on each side of the rear brace (4 bolts total) and pull it free.
Step 5 — Remove the Audio Amplifier Box
The plastic box behind the rear tire houses the audio system amplifier. Unplug the smaller connection first, then remove the 2 × 10mm bolts in the top corners. Pull the box away from the bike and disconnect the main connector to fully free it.
Step 6 — Put the Bike in Gear
Shift into gear to lock the rear wheel so it won't spin when you loosen the lug nuts.
Step 7 — Remove the Rear Wheel
Remove all 5 lug nuts, then slide the wheel to the side and pull it back. It comes out cleanly — no tipping, no drama.
Reassembly
Reinstall everything in reverse order. The one thing you must not forget:
🔧 Torque all 5 lug nuts to 80 foot-pounds in a star pattern for even seating.
Have questions or need your Gold Wing serviced? Contact us by sending us a message!