How do you change the rear tire on a 1976 GL1000?

You can remove the tire with the side bags on, although it might be easier with the shaft side off. When the bike is on the center stand, please make sure you put a block under the engine so as not to let the bike fall backwards while the tire is off. Believe me, it will take 4 people to get it back up. The rest is easy, just start to unbolt as you see it, just be careful with the shaft drive. It all comes off. Since you have tube tires, you remove the tire the same way you would do with a bicycle, plastic tools. Use a good quality tube. When locking up the nuts, torque to spec's.