Motorcycle Repair: 99 V-Star 1100 custom, caliper pistons, corrosion issues

Question
Is it possible to replace the rear disk brake pads without
removing the rear tire?  I'm new at working on my own bike.

Answer
David, generally it is possible, with the right tools. If you are new at working on bikes and you are doing brake work, you might want to get some professional help on this one.

Otherwise, check with this site:
http://groups.msn.com/YamahaStarClub/1100vstartech.msnw

www.bikebandit.com has online parts illustrations of your bike, which may help you understand the design of the parts and how to remove them.

Usually on a 9 year old bike, you should rebuild the caliper when you are changing out the pads. If the caliper pistons start sticking due to seal/caliper corrosion issues, the brakes will start dragging and/or lock up unexpectedly.... Not a pretty picture is it? Working with the hydraulics is really not for a novice wrench.

Bill MrHonda Silver