How to replace tires

I have read my owner's manual and was a little surprised at the arduous process necessary to replace the rear tire. I made a call to Honda motorcycles in Torrance to verify that it was NOT necessary to detach the rear most section of the rear fender and exhaust (mufflers) system in order to change the rear tire. A young man assured me that there was in fact another method by which the front end could be supported as the rear section of the bike (rear wheel) could be lowered and the wheel/tire dropped out the bottom. So, I talked to a couple of shops. Some use that method others do not recommend it. I would appreciate any of you who have had experience with tire replacement sharing your knowledge. I don't wan to pay $150 to have my tires replaced if it can be done with care for only $75. I live in Southern California. Thanks.

[Valker]

I have a lift from Sam's club. I raise the bike, support the back wheel underneath, unhook the shocks, raise the wheel until the axle bolt is ABOVE the exhaust, remove the brake caliper-TWO bolts so be sure to get both, loosen axle nut, pull out axle. Drop wheel back down slowly until it hangs in the air, pull wheel left until it comes off the drive unit, pull the bottom of the wheel out sideways. I go ahead and unbolt the rear drive unit and pull it and the drive shaft out. This makes the wheel pull out easier, but mainly I like to lube ALL the splines, change the oil, etc. I did mine Monday-it took about 20 minutes to get it all off, including the saddlebags.
The front wheel is a lot easier, but when you re install the front-be SURE to follow the manual procedure or the forks and/or brakes bind and grind.
I hope this helps.