I don't speak from experience, but I did enquire on here about socket sizes for a mate with a 916 a while ago and was reliably informed that you do not have to take off the big nut for rear wheel removal, just the smaller one. I've helped adjust chain tensikon before, isn't the big one for adjusting the chain/hub assy and the wheel is located from the other side with a smaller nut?
I'll see if I can find the other thread about this.
http://www.ducatisportingclub.com/xm....php?tid=21401 Not sure if that is of help, but it talks of the wheel side and the sprocket side so I think that is right. Someone will be along shortly no doubt who does know.
[Edited on 10-9-2005 by HW]