I had no trouble taking the swing arm off without removing the motor. I don't know why one of the replies said to not consider that. I've removed a swing arm four times now and never removed a motor. I think that would be a lot more trouble. I did decide to buy the 24mm wrench, however and I cut the handle down to make reaching the nuts easier. I didn't do that the first time, when I used an adjustable wrench that was shorter handled.
17" wheel change: In reply to BSDThw: I changed to a 17" rear wheel so that I had a choice of street legal tires that were better for dirt riding. The tire manufacturers must assume that if you have a 16" rear wheel you must be riding pavement most of the time, because that is what those available 16" dual-sport tires are designed for. The 17" wheel allows me to use a Kenda model K270 on the rear as well as the front (which was already 17"). I have a K270, 5.1" x 17" on the rear and a K270, 4.6" x 17" on the front. And they work well on the pavement also, but I'm sure the knobbies must reduce mileage some, since the factory tires are so much smoother.
A lot of dirt riding dual-sport guys (who also use the K270's) have recognized the tires on my DS and praised them, thinking that the bike came from the factory equipped that way. Then I tell them what i did.
Speedometer: I didn't have to re-calibrate when I changed to the larger wheel and tire. It just worked out that the larger diameter compensated for the reading error that the speedo had. I had measured it with my GPS prior to changing the wheel and tire and it was reading a little high. I had also changed to chain drive as soon as I got the 2012 DS, and lowered the gearing a little (better for dirt) at that time, which may have been the reason for the initial higher readings. After the wheel & tire change I noticed that it compared closely with the GPS. Lucky break for me.
BTW - When I was changing the gearing, while going to chain drive, I knew that I would be going to the 17" wheel and tire in the near future so I factored that into my gearing calculations. I have posted this before; I don't ride dirt with a belt drive. One little rock or a stick, as someone posted an experience, and you are stranded in the "boonies".
I carry chain repair equipment and I don't have to take the bike apart, and use a jack, to remove and replace a chain. One less thing to worry about on the fun rides.
Downside, of course, is chain noise.
Trikester