Please verify this is true.

To remove rear wheel.

You must remove the disk brake in order to move the wheel forward enough to slip the chain off.

or

You must remove the master link to remove the chain then remove the wheel. This method leaves the disk brake as is.


Is there another way?

 

No need too. I can pull it off by just sliding it forward as far as it can go. Slip off the chain and them pull the wheel out.

 

Normally I remove the master link to remove the rear wheel.

 

No need for that. See post above yours.

 

On my 2009, I intend to never remove the master link until it is time for a new chain. No need to remove ML, to remove wheel. No need to remove disc brake rotor or caliper to remove wheel.

As I recall, after you get the chain off you just slide the axle out and everything falls off.

 

Right, and if you have the newer bolt adjusters there's no need to touch them either. Just pop the axle plates out far enough to clear the bolts and slide the wheel forward to get the chain off.

 

That's what I do as well, plus it gives me an opportunity to do a good cleaning on the chain......did you guys expect anything less? LOL

 

I find removing the axle makes it easier to then remove the chain from the rear sprocket. And, like HighBeam, I intend to undo the master link only when I'm replacing the chain. If I decide it's time to inspect/repack the rear suspension bearings at that time I won't undo the ML at all.

 

OK - Thanks for the info.

Looks like I missed option 3. Remove axle, lower wheel, move forward and remove chain.

I did not want to remove the master link but could not move the wheel forward enough to slip the chain off. Guess next time I need to pick the rear of the bike up a little more so I will have room to get the chain off after removing the axle and lowering the wheel some.

 

Guess I need to add / ask.

What are the thoughts on re-using a clip on master link?