Topic: rear axel bolt-safe to reverse??

[Andrew Foss]

hello,
i wanted to know if anyone had input as to whether is is safe or not to mount the rear axel with the nut/cotter pin on the left and press it in from the right (opposite from stock). i have a tail light that mounts to the axel but it is meant to mount on the left. it slid together fine and everything, but i dont know if the axel was designed to fit the other way (tappered or something else) and i dont want to ride it this way if it is going to cause an unsafe condition.
thanks,
-andrew

[MCRider]

hello,
i wanted to know if anyone had input as to whether is is safe or not to mount the rear axel with the nut/cotter pin on the left and press it in from the right (opposite from stock). i have a tail light that mounts to the axel but it is meant to mount on the left. it slid together fine and everything, but i dont know if the axel was designed to fit the other way (tappered or something else) and i dont want to ride it this way if it is going to cause an unsafe condition.
thanks,
-andrew

I've always had mine on the left. 15+ years, 50k+ miles and on road racer. REason? So loosening it was easier and away from the exhaust pipe. Never a problem. Didn't even consider it.

I can see that on a 4 pipe stocker, the factory may have been considering keeping your hands away from the sprocket/chain.

[Andrew Foss]

good to know, thanks.