Taking the Rear Wheel Off my '81 750 LTD

I got a flat and want to take off the rear wheel but
the mufflers are in the way!
Do I have to remove the entire exhaust system to take off the wheel?
Can I just move or remove the tail pipes?

On my KZ650 I don't need to touch the mufflers. However, I find it's much easier to get the rear wheel out from under the fender if I put a couple pieces of plywood under the center stand so there's more space under the rear tire when I remove it. It's possible that this might negate the need to touch your mufflers. Ed

It looks like when I try to slide the axle out it'll bang up against the muffler - no?

On mine, I don't pull the axle while it's up in the swingarm or it will hit the mufflers too. I remove the axle nut and the loosen the chain adjusters all the way. I loosen the nuts on the torque link so the brake caliper doesn't bind up. With everything loose, I can slip the wheel forward enough in the swingarm to get the chain off the sprocket. With that done, I can then slip the wheel (axle and all) back out of the swing arm then pull out the axle. Then the wheel comes out from under the fender and the real fun (changing the tire) begins. Ed

I do the rear wheel in virtually the same manner as on a bicycle. Loosen the axle nut, push the wheel forward to get the chain off the sprocket, then slide the wheel assembly off the bike. Of course, on the motorcycle you've got a few other bolts to loosen, but it's still the same thing.

Also, I simply put the bike on the centerstand without any blocking. And I use a handy foam pad to catch the wheel as it slides off the bike. It's a gardener's knee pad that's just the right thickness: plywood or something would work just as well. It makes the job of putting the wheel back on the bike easier: I just roll the wheel onto the pad then onto the frame - easy.

Thanks guys
I think I understand the process now
Dave

As I recall the mufflers were in the way on mine...when I had them. As I recall I got the bike on the center stand, took the top shock mounts off and dropped the wheel another couple inches to clear.

Doing so probably wasn't necessary.
The axle & axle nut act as a clamping device & don't have to be removed to get the wheel off.

Any idea what size wrench I use on the axle nut?
24mm is too small so I figured I'd buy a 25mm and a 26mm

27mm .....& the other side is 19mm.
A crescent wrench should work. If you've got the factory tool kit, those wrenches may not be up to the job.

I have the same bike and just had to remove them to have new tires put on. You do not have to remove the exhust to get the tire off the bike. You do not have to pull the axle out. There is a piece that comes off the back and lets the wheel slide out the rear. If you have the owners manual it gives step by step instructions that are real clear. If you don't have the manual I can scan some pics and post them if you want. Just let me know.

Well - I got the wheel off and got the flat fixed. I was told the piece of plastic that was stuck in the tire was so big the tire couldn't be plugged and that I'd need a new one.?
Figured - hey - I'm doing all the work - how much can it cost? $100? $150
Wrong - $250!!
Have I been had?
P.S. - I got it back on, lined up the notches and tightened everything.
Seems to be running fine
Thanks for your help
Dave