If you are just replacing rear brake pads is it possible to change it without taking off the rear wheel?

There is no reason to remove the rear wheel to change pads.

1.  Locate pin that goes through the brake pads.
2.  Remove clip.
3.  Remove pin (Outward direction).
4.  Spread pads apart, forcing pistons back into caliper.
5.  Remove rattle spring and pads.
6.  clean area where pads go.
7.  Install new pads, and, if it fits with the new pads, if not put it with  your spare parts box.
8.  Install pin and clip, tab facing in.
9.  pump brake lever until you have a pedal.

You also might want to move this to "Tech"  to get more responses.

Quote from: howie on April 07, 2012, 11:07:18 AM
There is no reason to remove the rear wheel to change pads.

1.  Locate pin that goes through the brake pads.
2.  Remove clip.
3.  Remove pin (Outward direction).
4.  Spread pads apart, forcing pistons back into caliper.
5.  Remove rattle spring and pads.
6.  clean area where pads go.
7.  Install new pads, and, if it fits with the new pads, if not put it with  your spare parts box.
8.  Install pin and clip, tab facing in.
9.  pump brake lever until you have a pedal.

You also might want to move this to "Tech"  to get more responses.

Great thanks! Step 7 has me slightly confused with the "if it fits with the new pads"?? Can you elaborate?

Also I guess its a tradeoff of hassle between taking the rear wheel off and having an easier time cleaning the rotor vs having a harder time getting the rotor cleaned off.

The shape of the backing plates on some of the aftermarket pads will not accommodate the spring.  The purpose of the spring is to help with noise problems.  It is not an essential part.  You will know if it fits when you install the new pads.

I'm having a hellacious time getting the clip out. Really hard to fit the grips on it at an angle with the wheel on. Any advice short of taking the whole wheel and caliper off?

I'm needing to install a new rear rotor and pads after doing I dont know what wrong in a rear tire change. My rear rotor got some nasty grooves on one side from the pads on the first ride after installing and my rear braking power is almost nill. Not sure if my rear tire wasn't aligned and the tilt cause this (cause its only on one side) or if I messed up the pads while trying to slide the rotor into them. I need to take it all off to see whats doing. If I ride with no hands the bike goes straight does that mean my alignment is okay? Getting the rear tire, shoe and swingarm holes aligned so I could slide the rear axle shaft through was a huge pain in the butt. The How-to's seem to make this seem easy. Is this difficult for anyone else? I dont have an impact screw driver either will I need one to remove the bolts on my rear rotor? 

I was looking at these as a rear rotor replacement for my 05 Monster 620. They seem to be a bit cheap pricewise ($66) From what I've read everyone says the OEM rotors are more expensive than the EBC ($135). Any reason I shouldnt just go with these? I just worry whenever I see something that seems to good to be true. Also any tips on what pads to get with these?

https://secure.oppracing.com/product_display/30711-brembo-oe-brake-disc-245x4mm/