Can the rear axle be reversed?

[bguidry]

Is it possible to reverse the rear axle on a Sportster? Mine in particularly is a 2006 XL1200R, but does anyone know if this will work in general? This will make life a lot easier when removing the wheel each time, as would not then require exhaust to be loosened/removed.

 

[shovelrider]

It is ok to reverse the rear axle but check the clearance between the nut & muffler after turning it around

 

[Chopper]

Most aftermarket shops reverse the axle to make it easy to pull the axle without taking the exhaust off. The factory installs the axle the way they do to allow a torque on the rear axle, the proper torque is important on the rear axle so make sure if you reverse it you can still get a torque wrench on the axle nut some how.

 

[bguidry]

Cool. Thanks, Chopper...two posts answered by yourself today. You are 'da Man!