Alright, so if you all recall, I was whining about my bike eating chains so I got a new chain and sprockets.  I got everything installed and its wonderful except that two of the the five bolts on the rear sprocket don't want to tighten

What happens is that the shaft turns along with the nut so it doesn't tighten, it just spins in place.  Did I damage it when I loosened the bolt in the first place.  I used an impact wrench to loosen all of them and 3 of the 5 were fine, just those 2 are being annoying.

that's odd.  I replaced my rear sprocket yesterday actually, and didn't run into any problems..

although you and I probably share the same amount of knowledge about the bike, I have no idea what would cause the bolt to turn along with the nut 

sorry I'm not any help

hahah, it makes such a difference doesn't it?  I could swear that my bike is faster now.  Definately a helluva lot smoother.

I assume you have the wheel off the bike.

If you remove the cush drive, and the black dampers you will see that the end of the stud is half moon shaped. YOu hae to make sure that the stud is seated in the corresponding half moon shaped cutout or it will just spin as you tighten it.

aaaargh.  I only had the wheel off of the bike for a minute when I swapped the sprockets.  I had loosened and tightened the nuts while it was on the center stand.  Does this mean I have to take the chain and everything off again or is there another way.

Yup, you should torque them and put a little locktite on the nuts as well while its off the bike

No need to split the chain or upset the adjustment to pull the wheel.  For tire replacements I just pull the axle bolt and the push the wheel forward.  Can then take the chain off the sprocket and hang it over the swingarm out of the way, cover swingarm with heavy rag first to prevent scratching it with chain.  Fix it right.   

Thanks for the cover Jack, I totally he assumed just taking the chain off the sprocket, and not taking it off the bike

But to repeat, it is not neccessary to cut the chain off,just take it off the sprocket and sneak the wheel out

no worries, it's a master link regardless.  That'll be a project for once finals are over, the bike is overdue for a good thorough cleaning.  Whoever said that you can shave more weight by cleaning out all the road poo from under the cover where the countershaft sprocket is than getting a titanium exhaust - they're totally right.

Oh and as far as removing the cush drive and black dampers...is that all stuff that should be obvious as I get into it or are there any tips/pointers that I should be aware of?

Once the wheel is off you can usually just grab the sprocket and pull the hub out of the wheel.  If it's old and sticking like mine was on the old GS, you can reach thru the wheel from the back with a piece of wood against the sprocket and break it loose with a hammer.