Topic: Why is my axle nut on the wrong side and does it matter?

[DiscoEd]

Hello,
I was in the shop last night admiring the potential beauty in the swing arm off my CB550, when I noticed something...

My Honda owners manual always shows the the axle being place through the rear wheel with the nut being placed on the left hand side.

On my bike however, as you can see below, the nut is on the right hand side.

So, does it matter?

Should I make mine match the owners manual?

Would it maybe be a bad idea to change it now after the PO had run it this way for I don't know how long?

Thank You,
DiscoEd

[SteveD CB500F]

Both my 500 and 550 have the nut on the RHS (as you look at it from the back)

[DiscoEd]

Both my 500 and 550 have the nut on the RHS (as you look at it from the back)

Steve, Thank you. I was wondering if this was a U.K. or Japan vs. the U.S. model type thing but perhaps not if yours is on the right hand side also.

Regards,
DiscoEd

[comcrx]

mine is on the right also

[DiscoEd]

mine is on the right also

Could this mean "three rights don't make a wrong?"

[petercb750]

My wife's 400/4 has the nut on the left (looking at the bike from the rear) but the owners manual shows it on the right, and my 750/4 has it on the right, which I'm pretty sure is right. If it was on the left it wouldn't be right, right?
If it was on the right on the 400 I don't think it would fit between the end of the axle and the muffler, so that might be right..........right? my head hurts 
Pete

[oldbiker]

Maybe the spindle was fitted by Terry who is upside down in Australia!

[crazypj]

Has anyone worked in a Honda dealers?
If you put the nut on the right hand side you dont have to remove the exhaust/compress the suspension to get the wheel off.
On some models though, if the nut is fitted on the 'wrong' side it will contact the silencer and make a dent/gouge. doesnt matter which way you fit it as long as its tight. (not so with modern sport bikes though)
PJ

[DiscoEd]

Maybe the spindle was fitted by Terry who is upside down in Australia!

HaHaHaHaLOL!

(I just knew Terry was behind all of this.)