wheel removal

[76rd200]

Need to get new tyres fitted to my 1976 125dx so will be taking the wheels off shortly.
I expected that the rear wheel spindle would be able to be withdrawn easily but it appears that it would foul on the standard silencer and so will need them removing first. Am I missing a trick or is something not right as even checking Haynes manual it shows a picture of the spindle being removed with the exhausts in place.
Just seems a poor design to need the exhausts removed before being able to remove a rear wheel.     

[nerradw]

Can you gain enough play by removing the shocks whilst on centre stand.

[76rd200]

I'll try that first. Thanks.

[ggreen1959]

Just lean on the seat to get the head past the silencer! Helps on a pit stand.

[Barnett]

Just lean on the seat to get the head past the silencer! Helps on a pit stand.

exactly what I do on the 125, same problem, once head is past silencer I find I can pull shaft out as normal without having to lean on seat.

[Alistair64]

I did think this when I read it.
Easy to remove the wheel, but how can you use this method to refit it?
I suppose the answer is to stick a block under the swingarm and lean on the seat, although make sure that block is very secure and there's no chance of it sliding out! 

[Barnett]

no problem refitting wheel, axle clears silencer, its just the head thats the problem, well on my 125 at least, last 3 inches or so. when I get close, pop bike off stand, lean on seat and tap back in, I use small wooden hammer, pop back on mainstand and proceed as normal. shocks completly standard.
this is a typical problem on the early ones, yamaha wanted silencers tucked as high as possible.

[76rd200]

All going well I should be having a go at it in the morning so will report back.
Thanks for all the tips.

[76rd200]

Leaning on the seat gave enough clearence  but as the spindle was a little stubborn and I was doing it on my own I decided that removing the shock lower bolt and swinging it away on that side would make life easier with pushing down and persuading the spindle to come out.