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Got some new tires and need to pull the rear wheel. I got the shaft removed but it seems like the brake shoes are holding on a bit and not letting me get the wheel off. I figured asking here would net the best results...certainly better than hammering it and breaking something.

Can anybody share some tips/tricks?

Back off the brake adjuster, see if that releases it.

Yep, that wing nut on the end of the cable. It can be fairly rusted on there, given its location. Some penetrating oil and a couple wrenches will get it moving. When you put the wheel back on, tighten it back up until you have 1/2" free play at the pedal, when pressing on it with your hand.

Back off the brake adjuster and you may also need to deflate the tire. Rear mudguard also has to come off. Alternatively you can remove the front wheel, tie the centre stand forward and tip the bike on it's nose so the rear wheel will drop out with the mudguard still fitted.

As rear wheels go quickly detachable it isn't.

I usually have to pull the left muffler, then I can snake the wheel out without removing the mudguard. You really can see the advantages of having a slightly bobbed rear mudguard when it comes to removing the rear wheel.

I have the large BMW rubber mudflap fitted which means there is no chance the wheel will come out with the mudguard in place. As you say unplug the electrical connector then 4 nuts and and it's off. My only regret is those nuts should have been captive in the metal support strips which would have made remove and re-assembly so much easier.

In the shop we would have help tipping the bike over to the right and then the wheel drops out easily. If working alone, just lay it over on the right side with the valve cover on a 2X4, pull the wheel out the bottom and then tip it back up on the center stand.

I never was very lucky. I always had a rear flat in the middle of nowhere, didn't have a workspace or even a 2X4. I carried a small piece of carpet and laid the bike on it's side with the carpet under the valve cover. Worked the few times I needed it. I'm very happy to be using a mat battery, no acid spill.

It was the brake wingnut; backed it up and it slid right off.

Thanks all!