Topic: CB500/550 rear axle placement???

[puppytrax]

I have a CB500 attempt-to-restore + a CB550 parts bike...one has the rear axle poked in from the left; the other from the right...both require the mufflers be removed to get the rear axle out, so there's not much to be gained one way over the other...that I can see...

Anyone have a preference, and if so, why???

[Tim.]

Well, I have a 550F, which has the 4 into 1 muffler on the right side, and of course the axle is pushed in from the left allowing it to be pulled out without removing the exhaust.

Technically there should be no difference - what does your manual say (my not so subtle hint to rtfm)    I'm guessing they specify pushing it in from the left because most people are right handed, making working a wrench on the right side of the bike easier, presuming you're standing behind the bike.

I've never had the 4 into 4 pipes, but from the diagram, it looks like the lower pipe would drop enough on its own to allow the axle to pass.

http://www.cryscom.nb.ca/Documents.htm

[Tim.]

And to confuse matters, in the same manual, they show the opposite setup later on when discussing removing the rear wheel 

[bryanj]

Unless its a late 550 YOU DO NOT need to remove or loosen the pipes. Both handbook and manual (Not so subtle hint) tell you to loosen the nut, unscrew the adjusters (keeping the lock nut in the original place) and remove the bolts holding the removable endcaps then just pull the wheel backwards and unhook the chain. Originality sez the nut is on the right but it dont matter

[puppytrax]

...what does your manual say (my not so subtle hint to rtfm) 

Well, let's take a look...last time I checked the manual (for the fork lock) it didn't even mention it...

Hmmmm...As usual, the text mentions nothing about which side to push through first...but the pics show the nut on the sprocket side...The manual also doesn't mention removing the mufflers...although it would be a very good trick to get the axle out without removing them...

However, I thank you for the input. 

Edit: Just saw your edited/2nd post...Yes, Honda manuals are wonderful, aren't they???   

[puppytrax]

Unless its a late 550 YOU DO NOT need to remove or loosen the pipes. Both handbook and manual (Not so subtle hint)...

Actually, the manual *does* say to "Remove the both left and right mufflers"...(pg 74, #3)...

It then goes on to say to remove the wheel and axle as you describe (the implication is that the axle is left in the wheel)...

Dropping one pipe is difficult to do as the two pipes mount on the same bolt [in the rear]...

[puppytrax]

And to confuse matters, in the same manual...

My favorite quote from just about any Honda manual..."Perform reassembly in the reverse order of disassembly"...